TSA CONNECT 2024: Career Paths

Derek is an Associate and Project Manager at Dubbeldam Architecture and design with 13 years post graduate experience with leading architecture firms in Toronto including previously with Studio JCI and Kongats. A graduate from Waterloo’s School of Architecture, his interest in domestic space has inspired his work in custom residential and multi-family buildings, as well as their incorporation into large mixed-use buildings and public space in both rural and urban settings. He has worked extensively in the GTA, and abroad in the Netherlands, Japan, and on projects in Bangladesh, which has informed his perspective on innovative and sustainable building practices. At Dubbeldam, Derek leads key projects in both housing and hospitality including an historic golf clubhouse renovation with modern, sustainable timber addition, and work with private residential clients. Derek’s first experience with the TSA was in 2017 as a tour guide with the TSA Architecture Walking Tours. 

After obtaining her Bachelor of Architecture at La Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia and specializing in Restoration of Monuments at The University of Florida, Katya moved to Vancouver, Canada and started her career as an intern architect, working at several prominent firms. After eight years Katya relocated to Toronto, and worked at KPMB, Diamond and Schmitt Architects and Dubbeldam Architecture, on many award-winning projects for over two decades. In these roles, Katya focused on institutional and cultural projects, mixed use developments, and renovations to new and heritage properties.

In the last seven years Katya moved on to work as a Client representative. Starting at York University and currently at The University of Toronto where she engages and manages architectural and engineering teams carrying out institutional projects across campus.

Throughout her career she has been involved as a mentor for internationally trained architects and architectural students. Katya understands the challenges involved in establishing oneself as an architect across cultures and environments.

Dana is a Licensed Technologist OAA and Registered Interior Designer ARIDO, NCIDQ with a decade of professional experience, and prior on site experience in construction, nonprofit arts, and hospitality. Dana sat on the Communications Committee and OAAAS Integration Committee with Ontario Association of Architects, the Membership Committee with ARIDO, and was a former Board Member of the Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences (OAAAS) prior to its recent dissolution into the OAA. As both a Licensed Technologist and Interior Designer, she regularly mentors intern members and loves it.

Dana worked in various architectural firms in Toronto over the past decade on deep green residential, commercial, and institutional projects and is now the Director of Campus Planning and Projects at OCAD University.

To learn more about Dana, check out her Linkedin.

Sonja Vangjeli – MLA, MArch ; OALA, CSLA, OAA (Intern Architect), RAIC

Sonja is a Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with local and international private and public sector experience, dedicated to integrating nature-based solutions for resilient city-building. Interested in the potential of urban landscapes as living green infrastructure, she advocates for making cities resilient by restoring their ecological vitality through constructed nature-based infrastructures and conservation of natural heritage.

At the City of Toronto Sonja works on urban design and public realm strategies that balance development priorities with site identity, heritage conservation, and landscape performance. Since joining City Planning in 2022, Sonja has worked on a range of major development approvals and precinct planning studies on the waterfront, including the Lower Yonge, Quayside, Villiers Island and McCleary Precincts, as well as city wide studies focused on sustainability, such as the Embodied Carbon Urban Design Guidelines study, Climate Resilience Initiative, and Green Streets Working Group.

For the previous five years she was Design Project Manager at Waterfront Toronto where she managed planning and design of complex infrastructure and public realm projects, with a focus on design excellence and ecological performance. She also has previous experience as a Landscape Designer with international design firms West 8 and Sasaki as well as a Researcher with the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at Harvard University.

Sonja has a Masters of Landscape Architecture degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo. She continues her research by teaching part time at University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, as well as through publications and conferences as a member of the International Landscape Collaborative.

Principal and co-founder of large [medium] design office, Francesco Martire is a registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects, a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, a registered landscape architect with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, and a full member of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. He is a LEED Accredited Professional with experience working on several LEED projects, and has recently become a Certified Passive House Designer.  He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Master of Architecture, both from the University of Toronto.

Francesco’s professional experience includes both landscape and architectural projects, of various scales across Canada and internationally, and he has developed a body of work including, large scale master plans, public and institutional buildings, multi-unit residential projects, and residential and institutional landscapes. Drawing on his background in both architecture and landscape architecture, Francesco’s work embraces an integrated approach to the design of built form and landscapes. A deep rooted interest in the crafting of architecture and landscapes engaging elements of elegance, sustainability, cost effectiveness, and constructability sit at the core of the practice. Sensitivity to site remains a critical component of Francesco’s work. The hybridization of landscape architecture and architecture, coupled with a critical consideration of a client’s program, needs and desires, combine to create powerful provocations for inventive design responses and compelling interior and exterior spaces.

Actively engaged in teaching at the University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, Francesco currently holds an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream position and has been an instructor at the school since 2008. He teaches core studios, and courses within the technical stream in both the Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture programs.

Born in Japan and raised in Iran and Toronto, Safoura Zahedi is an artist, architect, educator, and geometry expert. She brings a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approach to the study of geometry and how it can be used as a spiritual design tool to create spatial experiences that encourage curiosity, meditation, and connection.

In 2022, Safoura travelled to 17 countries and over 40 cities to conduct field-based research on geometric patterns in art and architecture across major historic Islamic dynasties. She created “365 Days of Geometry,” a now popular Instagram project devoted to chronicling her encounters with objects and architecture and reflections on the relationships between geometric typologies, material choices, cultural histories, and spiritual philosophies.

Safoura holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She has practiced at prominent Toronto-based firms, such as Moriyama & Teshima, Lebel & Bouliane, and most recently Superkül, where she led institutional projects including renovations to Robarts Library and the CN Tower. She teaches regularly at TMU and is often invited to participate in design reviews and give lectures at various universities.

An active member of Toronto’s architecture and design community, Safoura spent a decade as Programs Coordinator for the DesignTO Festival and is an Executive Committee member at Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT) – leading art and design programming committed to advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Safoura’s independent work has been exhibited at the Design Exchange, the Gladstone House, and as part of the DesignTO Festival amongst others.

Photo by Kurtis Chen.

With three decades of experience in building an array of typologies, Brent excels in harnessing ideas into finished projects. He joined KIRKOR in 2000 as a project architect and became a Partner in 2008. He works with his team to negotiate the drawing details of site plan approval and building permits, and is responsible for detailed design development, construction documents and administration. His philosophy that a collective of many ideas should inform a project, down to the smallest detail, is apparent in the thoroughness of construction documents. Brent’s extensive experience in skillfully managing complex projects has sharpened his expertise in consultant management on multi-use and environmentally sustainable developments, and enriches KIRKOR’s team through mentorship of the best practices he has learned throughout his career in architecture.

Sudipto Sengupta

OAA, MRAIC

Principal, Studio JCI 

With over 15 years of experience in design and project management, Sudipto plays a pivotal leadership role in establishing Studio JCI’s project delivery standards, core values, and culture.

Sudipto has overseen numerous landmark projects at the firm that encompass commercial interiors, custom homes, mid-rise designs, a 45-storey residential tower in Toronto’s Weston Village, and a master-planned community in Napanee, Ontario. Sudipto’s commitment to design excellence is complemented by his comprehensive knowledge and experience, spanning feasibility studies, design development, project phasing, construction, and site contract administration.

In his role as principal, Sudipto leads by example, guiding colleagues to comprehend the broader picture of development and how architects’ creativity can enhance processes, engage stakeholders, and contribute to the community. Sudipto serves as a mentor who champions an inclusive and respectful work environment, promotes collaboration by leveraging individual strengths, and fosters professional development at every career stage.

A recipient of the E. Lewis Dales Travelling Fellowship, Sudipto earned a Master of Architecture and Certificate in Urban Design from the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, furthering his education at the Architectural Association in London.

Leon Lai (OAA, MArch) is Manager, Design Review Panel, with Waterfront Toronto. He earned his Master of Architecture at the University of Toronto, receiving the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Graduate Medal, and completed his undergraduate study at the University of Waterloo. He has taught at both University of Toronto and University of Waterloo as a sessional instructor. He is a partner at Svima and also founded the research collective PinkCloud.dk.

Scott Norsworthy is an architectural photographer and architect based in Toronto. He is a graduate of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto, and the Peter Guo-hua Fu School of Architecture at McGill University. Scott has photographed award-winning projects for distinguished architecture and design firms across North America. His creative and professional work is published internationally, and has been included in numerous exhibitions, such as “Italy Under Construction,” at the Italian Cultural Institute, Toronto (2017); the “Daniels 125 Exhibition,” Toronto (2015); “CONTACT Darkroom 4.0,” Toronto (winner, Best Landscape, 2015); and “Urban Fabric: Portraits of a City,” at the Textile Museum of Canada, Toronto (2014-2015).

Alexis Cohen (PhD, MA, BA) is a Senior Associate at ERA Architects. She works in the areas of architectural history and cultural heritage. Collaborating with complex project teams to inform the conservation of evolving places, Alexis has contributed to and managed a range of projects involving research, community engagement, building and landscape character analysis, heritage evaluation, impact assessment, conservation plans, heritage interpretation, as well as exhibitions and publications. Her research has been supported by grants and fellowships, including from the SSHRC, DAAD, and the Getty Conservation Institute. Current projects include Mirvish Village, Dragon Centre Stories, and the Centre Block Rehabilitation.

Photo by Lisa Gathmann.

Joel is a leader in Canada’s sustainable design industry and a Certified Passive House Designer. He is an ardent cyclist who builds community and friendships wherever he finds himself. His professional, academic and volunteer experience has focused on advancing the health of individuals and communities through participatory design methods, building science, and sustainable approaches to development, construction, and architecture. Joel designs and consults on some of our country’s most forward thinking and high-performance housing, advocating for the use of techniques and materials that reduce carbon, promote healthier environments, and care for our planet. He has deep experience in architecture, technology, education, and customer service. He believes that diversity informs us everyday, and that, like architecture, we must continue to adapt to the context within which we find ourselves.

Alex Lukachko climate change adaptation consultant, working with many Toronto-area architecture firms. Alex also teaches the integration of energy, building science and design concepts in the architecture programs at the University of Toronto. He has active research interests in the development of future building enclosure systems and the design of high-performance, low-environmental-impact buildings. In particular, he is interested in the link between architectural design and quality assurance that ensures high building performance. These interests are part of a long-term pursuit of effective (and measurable) sustainable building practices.

As Creative Director at Entro, Jacqueline brings over 10 years of multi-disciplinary design experience to the team. Her expertise spans a wide spectrum of design including: environmental graphics, exhibition and event design, identity, branding and interior design. These influences enable her to approach her work with a unique perspective that challenges the norm.

Jacqueline’s combined training in Graphic Design at Parsons the New School for Design, and Architecture and Fine Art History at the University of Toronto has also charged her with a deep understanding of how graphics can enhance the built environment and result in highly tailored, award-winning solutions.

Dan Briker is an architect and a teacher. He is the founder of ‘dbdbdb,’ a Toronto-based architecture practice that engages in a variety of project types and scales, with an interest in spatial narrative, sequence, and tactility. The practice’s projects range from residential, commercial, to cultural typologies, including the recently completed Bellevue building; a mixed-use commercial building in Kensington Market comprised of retail units, artist studios, and a gallery space. Prior to establishing ‘dbdbdb,’ Dan practiced at LGA Architectural Partners, working on a range of projects, including the Laurentian School of Architecture in Sudbury, the Bathurst Street Center for Social Innovation, and Lippincott Laneway House. Dan has been teaching design since 2009 and is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.

Architecturally trained, Eric is skilled in providing unique solutions for uncommon challenges using both 2D and 3D digital tools in a variety of media. Prior to joining Eventscape, an award-winning architectural fabricator, he was a Senior Associate, Designer and Project Manager with Philip Beesley Architect, an interdisciplinary experimental architecture and design  firm specializing in the creation of large scale immersive responsive, kinetic environments. In his range of roles in a variety of industries (including architecture, engineering, graphic design, and interactive art), Eric developed a passion for communicating ideas and creating work for diverse audiences. From conception to implementation, focusing on the overall vision as well as the detail, Eric is able to guide Eventscape’s clients in the best and most cost effective solution for their projects including guidance on material suitability, fabrication processes, architectural integration, and installation sequencing.

Pauline is a Licensed Architect and Principal at Reich&Petch with over 25 years of experience at the firm. She specializes in leading museum projects that involve public institutions, complex teams, detailed coordination, wide-ranging content, sensitive collections and integrated multimedia. As an advocate for visitor focused design, Pauline works to promote the concepts of accessibility and inclusion within our projects and to the larger museum community.

Robert is a designer, researcher, maker, and amplifier of voices. He holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Toronto, with a background in woodworking, life-cycle analysis and carbon thinking, and community engagement for chronically unhoused populations. In his role as Net-Zero Coordinator on TAS’ Impact Team, he oversees the implementation of portfolio-wide decarbonization and circularity practices, identifying the levers developers hold to shape a net-zero world at each stage of the development process. Volunteering with Two Steps Home, he is working to bring the cabin community supportive housing typology to Toronto, as a stepping stone for those exiting homelessness to successfully transition into permanent housing. When he’s not doing those things, you’re likeliest to find him in a forest, on his bicycle, or hanging out with cats.

As the Marketing Manager at Gensler Toronto, Jocelyn oversees the new business pipeline. She partners with leaders in the firm to to win work and supports their strategic efforts with data-driven decision making, all the while leveraging the branding and resources of a global firm. Jocelyn’s education in architecture, as well as her experience as an intern architect, informs her daily work in marketing and places her in a unique position as a translator between architects and their clients. Jocelyn has a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto (2016) and a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in theatrical lighting design from Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Jocelyn fell in love with Toronto and is passionate about the city’s built environment. She has contributed as a researcher, writer, and editor to several Toronto and Canada-specific publications, most notably as a researcher for the best-selling books “Toronto Architecture: A City Guide” (authors Alex Bozikovic and Patricia McHugh) and “305 Lost Buildings of Canada” (authors Alex Bozikovic and Raymond Biesinger). In past professional roles, Jocelyn led certification with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and she remains committed to furthering the efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Talk to Jocelyn if you are interested in writing, business, communications, working at a global firm, or nerding out about Toronto architectural history.

Reza Nik is the founding director of SHEEEP, a licensed architect, artist and educator based in Toronto. Reza has a background in art history and he is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design. Reza is also one of the founding members and co-steward of the Toronto chapter of the Architecture Lobby, an organization advocating for labour rights for architectural workers and encouraging more critical discourse within the profession.