TSA CONNECT with RAIC Fellows

Alar has led Kongats Architects since 1990, focusing on the serial design and execution of modern public projects. These projects accept structural and program requirements as generators of a rational built form and respond to their cultural contexts. Alar maintains a traditional compact studio, apprenticing core team members in the craft of building, attentive to details, experimenting with fabrication and stressing the importance of real-world construction. The studio’s process of design involves disciplined editing, reducing concepts and materials to a minimum.

With building massings that form minimal geometries, Alar pays attention to surface texture, translucency and the changing quality of light. Alar’s heritage recognizes the cultural role of far-northern light in the cycle of the year. The dark blue winter, requiring warmth from within, is balanced with the long arc of summer sun.

Alar’s Terrence Donnelly project at UTM has a luminous interior, with a stacked exterior that shimmers iridescently in daylight. The Hespeler Library is a glazed lantern, textured in the daytime and glowing at night. The Centennial College Student Centre is a classical plan geometry with a radiant, fluted exterior glass curtain. His project for the Keskus International Estonian Centre advances this development. This civic instrument with public galleries creates a new public space, with a faceted glass curtain outlining a glowing courtyard.

Alar is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Toronto. His projects have been recognized with multiple Governor General’s Medals in Architecture, Canadian Architect Awards and OAA Design Excellence Awards.

Anya Moryoussef is the recipient of two Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Medals, including the 2021 Emerging Architect Award. She founded her critically acclaimed practice in 2016 and has been a dedicated educator and mentor since 2008 as a faculty member at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, the University of Toronto John H. Daniels School of Architecture, Landscape and Design, and as an Ontario Association of Architects mentor.

Anya’s work, which demonstrates a relentless dedication to pursuing design excellence at any scale, has primarily focused on elevating the potentials of renovation and vernacular reinterpretation. Known for its expressiveness, restraint and craft, Anya’s portfolio has been recognized by the RAIC, Canadian Architect, Twenty + Change, Wallpaper* Architect’s Directory, and AN Interior’s Best of Practice. Her house on Craven Road was an OAA Design Excellence Award Finalist and is included in The Futureproof Home by FRAME Publishers. Anya’s work has received print features in Architectural Record, The Architect’s Newspaper, AN Interior, The Globe and Mail, and Nuvo. She has also published creative non-fiction pieces in the academic and literary press. 

Anya has juried the RAIC awards, is a regular guest lecturer and invited critic at numerous architecture schools and has been an invited speaker and panellist for Building Equality in Architecture Toronto and the Toronto Society of Architects. In addition to mentoring young architects formally and informally, Anya actively seeks collaboration with other emerging industry members to empower a new cohort of dedicated, sensitive professionals. 

Barbora Vokac Taylor’s dedication to design excellence and professional integrity has garnered her recognition from peers, numerous publications and awards. As a faculty member and regular critic at George Brown College, Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of Toronto and OCAD University, Barbora has extended her influence to the field of education. Her work as Vice-Chair of the Toronto Society of Architects and Director of the Design Industry Advisory Committee exemplifies her commitment to advancing architectural discourse and practice. Her commitment to mentoring those entering the profession has led her to support OAA Intern Architects and serve as a design studio mentor for the RAIC Syllabus program.

Founded in 2013, her eponymous firm has established a distinguished reputation for artful and imaginative design across institutional, commercial and residential projects. Notable works include the Summerhill Family Home, Mavericks VFX Studio, University of Toronto School of Aerospace Studies Student Space Revitalization, and the Muskoka Family Cottage. Her portfolio has earned multiple awards, capturing national and international attention and has been featured in noteworthy publications such as the Globe and Mail, Designlines Magazine, AD Germany, AD Italia, ArchDaily, and Wallpaper* Magazine. The innovative Hibou House project was showcased in “Building Character: Transforming Old Homes for Modern Living” (Images Publishing, 2019) by Santoso Budiman and Caleb Skeen.

Barbora’s impact on the profession, as both a distinguished designer and staunch advocate, extends beyond her practice as she continues in her pursuit of fostering a deep appreciation for architecture within the community and the wider public.

Brenda Webster-Tweel, is a leader in regenerative urban renewal with over 30 years of experience guiding urban design and master planning projects. Known for her interdisciplinary approach, Brenda combines her expertise in landscape architecture, architecture, and urban design to create resilient, community-centered environments. She has served as the urban planning and design lead for Ontario’s Transit Oriented Community Subway and Bus Infrastructure Design Guidelines, where she navigates the technical and coordination demands posed by Ontario’s expanding transit infrastructure needs.

During her tenure at Waterfront Toronto, Brenda directed transformative projects, including the Port Lands Business and Implementation Plan and the Lower Don Lands Framework Plan. She also played a crucial role in the development of Toronto’s renowned West Don Lands Stormwater Quality Facility, a project celebrated for advancing sustainable water management in the city.

Brenda Webster Tweel is a seasoned thought leader in urban resilience, actively sharing her expertise through publications and speaking engagements over the past decade. Her publications, including Sponge City: An Argument for Urban Resilience (2021) and Redefining Lost Urban Spaces (2019), reflect her commitment to innovative urban design and ecological solutions, especially in flood-prone areas. Brenda has also contributed as a panelist and reviewer in notable public forums, including The Future of Canadian Cities panel at WRLDCTY in 2021, the American Society of Landscape Architects Resilience Conference in Australia, and as a mentor at the Globe & Mail Smart City Hackathon in 2019, engaging diverse audiences in the art of sustainable urbanism and public realm innovation.

Cecily Eckhardt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at McGill University, followed by a Master of Social Science at the London School of Economics. She completed her Master of Architecture at the University of Toronto in 2005. She is a LEED Green Associate and a Certified Passive House Designer—evidence of her commitment to environmental stewardship.

Upon returning to Canada after three years of working in London, England, Cecily joined Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2008. There, she worked on a wide portfolio of diverse projects and has developed expertise in many of them. Her work on Centennial Place at Centennial College and 10 Bay McMaster Graduate Student Residence reshapes the typology of university residences and enriches student living to accommodate core concepts of sustainability, wellness, and community.  

Cecily is at the forefront in laboratory design, resolving technical complexity with design clarity. She was the Principal and Project Architect on the School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University in Brampton, and lead lab designer for the 50,000-square-metre New Vic Project at McGill University, where she was instrumental in developing an activity-based model of research labs and hubs that foster collaboration and flexibility while maximizing the use of university resources.

In 2025, Cecily joined global architecture and design firm Perkins Will as Managing Director of the Toronto and Ottawa studios, where she will continue to build on the growing success of the practice, and create opportunities for mentorship and professional development for the next generation of talent.  

Daniel Ling is an award-winning architect and Principal of Montgomery Sisam Architects. Over the last 25 years, his work has focused on social infrastructure and is characterized by a deep commitment to changemaking, whether through modest solutions that enhance the quality of space or bold ideas that contribute to more equitable, inclusive, sustainable city-building.

Daniel graduated from Carleton University in 1999, and joined Montgomery Sisam in 2003 after honing his skills in New York and became a Principal in 2007. Daniel’s composed, confident leadership is rooted in a genuine commitment to architecture. He is also a skilled designer who approaches every new project with an enthusiasm and commitment to innovate. Under his stewardship, Montgomery Sisam has grown and expanded in several new sectors while honouring the core principles of the practice.

Daniel is a true collaborator. Many of his noteworthy projects are the result of joint ventures with other firms. He relishes the convergence of ideas and the complimentary attributes that can emerge when two firms work together. He is steadfast in his committed to equal partnership.

Among his notable work, Daniel’s portfolio of social, affordable and transitional housing exemplifies the integration of good design and social impact. This work includes several pioneering modular projects. A testament to the inventiveness and relevance of these projects, they have garnered numerous accolades, including a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence in 2021 and a Gold WAN Award in 2022.

Through thoughtful design, Daniel addresses and improves challenging social, environmental, and urban conditions. His dedication to quality, contextual, affordable, sustainable solutions has significantly impacted the built environment and demonstrates that more is possible with less. This approach has earned him recognition as a proponent of an evolving definition of design excellence—one that balances cost realities with the creation of robust, resilient, and beautiful architecture.

David Dow, a Principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects, has established a distinguished career as a principal designer, known for his mastery of both the craft and complexity of architectural execution. His work seamlessly blends technical skill, drawing precision, meticulous attention to detail, a visionary approach to design and a far-reaching design vision.

David’s influence extends across North America, shaping campus and civic projects that reflect his commitment to innovation and sustainability. A pioneer in architecture’s digital evolution during the 1990s, he has also been a driving force in environmentally responsible design. Notable projects such as the Humber College Cultural Hub (Net Zero Carbon, LEED Platinum) and Corus Quay, a catalyst for Toronto’s East Bayfront development, exemplify his leadership in sustainable architecture. His designs for educational institutions—including the Bahen Centre, University of Toronto and the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary – have redefined STEM learning environments and set new benchmarks for academic architecture in Canada.

David’s impact on urban design is equally significant. Projects such as the Globe and Mail building in Toronto’s St. Lawrence neighborhood and the Telus Ocean building in Victoria’s inner harbor. Known for his collaborative approach, he integrates social spaces into privately funded developments, enriching communities.

In addition to his commissioned work, David is an active advocate to the profession serving on design review panels and advocacy for Integrated Design. A dedicated mentor, he shares his deep technical expertise and refined communication with emerging architects, fostering the next generation with patience and unwavering commitment.

Dr. David Fortin is a distinguished Métis architect, educator, and researcher whose impactful career has transformed the field of architecture through leadership, advocacy, and academic excellence. As the first Indigenous director of the award-winning McEwen School of Architecture (2018–2021), Dr. Fortin elevated Indigenous architectural education, creating lasting pathways for students and faculty. Currently a Professor at the University of Waterloo, his academic work spans teaching, research, and significant publications, reflecting his commitment to advancing Indigenous narratives in design.

Dr. Fortin’s contributions to architecture extend globally, having represented Canada twice at the Venice Biennale, both as co-curator and participant. His involvement in high-profile projects, including the Parliamentary Precinct and the Indigenous People’s Space concept design, highlights his dedication to culturally responsive design. He has also championed Métis-led projects throughout Canada, furthering Indigenous inclusion within the profession.

Beyond his academic and design achievements, Dr. Fortin has actively served in leadership roles across influential organizations. His positions include founding member of the RAIC Indigenous Task Force, inaugural associate director of the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, and board member of Amplify Indigenous Voices in Architecture. These roles reflect his ongoing efforts to promote Indigenous leadership and cultural representation in the
architectural field. Through his interdisciplinary work, Dr. Fortin embodies the spirit of reconciliation, contributing meaningfully to both academia and practice. His ongoing commitment to equity, advocacy, and Indigenous representation makes him an exceptional candidate for the RAIC Fellowship.

Donald Chong is an award-winning architect whose passion for architecture is demonstrated in his research, building, teaching, and practice.

Winner of numerous design awards including the Prix de Rome, and the prestigious Architecture League’s Emerging Voices Award, his work has been published in architecture and design publications internationally and he is regularly invited to speak and to participate on design juries worldwide.

His buildings express his passion for using wood in many ways from his provocative projects in varying scales and contexts, from Small Fridges Make Good Cities and the Fox Lake House, to the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Science Collaboration Centre at its Chalk River Campus in the Ottawa River Valley.

He brings energy and insight to every conversation and encounter he embraces. His love for architecture and his appreciation of Toronto’s urbanism is deep, always providing teachable moments for colleagues and students.

Donald bridges generations in the field, passing on vivid stories, and mentoring the next generation.

He is a bold big picture thinker and an optimist.

His collegiality, concern, and care for others underpin his ongoing positive impact on the design community in Toronto and across Canada to make a better world.

Deanna is a dedicated advocate for diversity in architecture, championing varied perspectives in both the design process and the built environment.  With a career taking her across Canada, the US, Bermuda, Australia, East Africa, and the UK, she has immersed herself in various cultures and communities aiming to broaden her perspective and enrich her design approach.

As a design principal based in Stantec’s Toronto office, Deanna has dedicated the last 25 years designing spaces for vulnerable community members, focusing on mental health, palliative care, rehabilitation, complex continuing care, and long-term supportive housing. Her notable projects include the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Phase 1C and Stella’s Place Young Adult Mental Health Centre, both winning European Healthcare Design Awards, Wexford Creek Campus of Care an urban design award  winner from the City of Nanaimo and the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital which has earned more than 20 design awards. Deanna’s work on the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre and ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development is frequently referenced by care providers as exemplary projects, and by architecture program studies for design innovation.

Deanna mentors recent graduates and mid-career architects and is a founding member of the Ontario chapter for Women@Stantec, focusing on equal opportunities for advancement. Additionally, Deanna participates in BEAT programming, critiques at the Azrieli and Daniels Architecture faculties, and curates the Stantec Window Gallery.

Deanna graduated from the University of Toronto in 1994, where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture and received a Toronto Society of Architects Award of Merit. 

With a remarkable career spanning over 35 years, including more than 30 years dedicated to healthcare design, Mark Michasiw will retire from the field of architecture. Yet, his commitment to excellence will continue to inspire.

Throughout his tenure, Mark played a pivotal role in practice leadership, design innovation, client relations, and problem-solving. His extensive experience encompassed all stages of project development—from feasibility studies and programming to master planning, detailed design, and construction documentation. Mark’s dedication to delivering exceptional outcomes was evident in his clinical planning expertise for critical healthcare spaces, including Emergency Departments, Mental Health Inpatient Units, Ambulatory Care, ICUs, Surgical Suites, Cardiac Catheterization Suites, various support services and client relations in support of this work.

His deep understanding of technical design and construction detailing enabled him to lead project teams to success.

Since graduating from the University of Toronto in 1981, Mark’s career has been defined by his unwavering focus on excellence in design and service. His ability to manage and coordinate teams, combined with his technical acumen, set a high standard for healthcare architecture.

Martin Liefhebber’s distinguished career as a pioneer in the development of an environmentally responsible approach to design has served as an inspiration to Canadian architects and many others for the past four decades.

Following his emigration to Canada from the Netherlands in 1966 at the age of 20, Martin graduated from the University of Toronto School of Architecture in 1974. After ten years of internship with several of Canada’s best architects he established his own practice in 1984, with the goal of developing a principled approach to architecture focused on the development of healthy communities.

Martin’s long-term commitment to innovation and pushing traditional limits surrounding sustainable design has been transformative for our profession. His groundbreaking 1996, CMHC sponsored Healthy House project incorporated innovative strategies that set a new standard for sustainable, urban residential design in Toronto that has yet to be matched. He was truly ahead of his time in demonstrating how our profession can respond to the significant challenges of climate change.

Since then, his entire career has been devoted to delivering his clients with healthier, cost-effective, sustainable design solutions that improve their wellbeing and serve to demonstrate how to live a more mutually enhancing relationship with the planet.

Acknowledgements include the OAA Innovative Practice award (2004); Sustainable Buildings Canada Lifetime Achievement Award for Sustainable Design (2005) ; Urban Design Awards for Environmental Innovation Co-housing project (2007) and Calumet College, York University (1991); Urban Design finalist for Cite Internationale de Montreal (1990) and International Energy Agency Building-integrated Photovoltaics (1992).

After graduating with a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and early experience at Perkins & Will (Chicago) and Montgomery Sisam Architects (Toronto), Nicola Casciato joined WZMH Architects in 2005 as a senior designer. Since being quickly promoted to design principal in 2010, he has flourished into an architect that has made significant contributions to design across Canada. Now directing design for a 150-person practice, Mr. Casciato is mentoring a new generation of architects.

His work is characterized by a design sensibility at all scales, ranging from urban design schemes to finely crafted details. In Toronto, his design of the Bay Adelaide Centre West Tower initiated a minimalist architectural language for a three-tower composition that frames an urban plaza. The 45 Parliament Street Data Centre’s patterned porcelain tile facade creates a contemporary gateway building to the Distillery District that complements the area’s heritage brick architecture.

Mr. Casciato has developed expertise in courthouse design, beginning with the elegant glass sunscreen for the jury assembly space of Durham Consolidated Courthouse. His design of the Quinte Consolidated Courthouse has become an urban landmark alongside Belleville’s Moira River while his winning competition entry for the Abbotsford Law Courts is an exercise in scale, proportion and contextualism. 

Mr. Casciato’s design excellence has been recognized by awards from organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, Canada Green Building Council, municipal Urban Design Awards programs and the Ontario Association of Architects.

Raymond Chow is a Principal at gh3 recognized for his design leadership over 20 years of architectural practice. Since joining gh3 in 2006, he has been pivotal in shaping the firm’s integrated approach to architecture, landscape, and urban design.

Raymond’s commitment to the realization of architectural excellence is evident through his keen attention to technical detail and astute management of the design through all project phases. He has served as the project architect for distinguished projects such as Edmonton’s Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool, and the Real-time Control Facility, as well as the Stormwater Facility on Toronto’s waterfront, all of which have earned Governor General Medals in Architecture. His commitment to architectural excellence in public infrastructure projects has been a common thread in his work, remaining involved in high-order transit projects, including several Metrolinx RER station designs.

Raymond’s vision for architecture’s role in urban growth is realized through his leadership of the firm’s mixed-use housing and transit portfolio in the City of Toronto, addressing the city’s diverse housing needs and contributing to shaping the urban landscape. Through multiple projects and collaborations, Raymond has built strong relationships with clients and municipalities, fostering positive change and development in the surrounding communities.

A strong advocate for digital innovation, Raymond has played a key role in advancing the firm’s digital design workflow. He actively explores emerging technologies in design, ensuring GH3 remains at the forefront of architectural exploration, visualization, and technical solutions.

Stasia Bogdan is dedicated to designing for health and wellness in the built environment supported by an approach to interdisciplinary design that allows her projects to flourish. Stasia has held leadership positions in both the private and the public sector.  She is currently Director of Capital Planning at Unity Health Toronto for three urban hospitals. She served previously as Consultant Architect for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Stasia began her studies in an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree at McMaster University’s endowed Arts and Science Program (BA-BSc.,1987), a fitting setting for developing her philosophy of architectural practice as the integration of the sciences and arts/humanities. Her election as Student Body President, School of Architecture, University of Toronto, in her graduating year (B. Arch., 1992) is testament to her early leadership qualities.

Stasia’s architectural practice experience in Berlin focused on institutional and social projects of seniors’ housing, religious and educational buildings. With BNC Architects Toronto, she was Lead Architect for urban design studies (Hamilton, St. Catharines, St. Thomas, Clarington) marshaling politicians, civic staff, and citizens to achieve study results.  With the Ministry, she earned recognition for developing midwifery-led birth centres in Ontario.  

Bringing this wealth of knowledge and expertise, Stasia volunteers her time with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Technical Committee on Health Care Facilities. Stasia has chaired and actively participated in multiple CSA Standards Committees.

Stasia is a powerful champion for the profession and the value architects bring to improving the health and wellness of all through quality design.

Steven Casey is a partner at Toronto-based KPMB Architects, specializing in both architecture and interior design. Over his 22 years at the firm, he has led projects in education, hospitality, business, and workplace design.

He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Queen’s University.

Steven’s portfolio includes some of KPMB’s most prestigious national and international work, such as the multi-award-winning Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Campus and Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. Most recently, he led the workplace design strategy and interior design for Scotiabank North, a new flagship location for Scotiabank at the KPMB-designed Bay Adelaide North Tower in Toronto.

With a sharp eye for detail, Steven prioritizes design excellence and excels at realizing ambitious conceptual visions in built form. His ability to balance design intricacies with practical solutions has led to innovative outcomes that consistently exceed client expectations.

Beyond his professional work, Steven believes in giving back to his community. He has served on design juries and the Expert Advisory Board for the Institute for Contemporary Culture at the Royal Ontario Museum. Presently, he is a member of the Development Committee for the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association. Passionate about the arts, Steven frequently integrates the work of national and international artists into his interior projects.

Sue Jean Chung is the founding principal of Studio JCI, a multidisciplinary architectural practice recognized for its high quality residential and mixed-use urban developments. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Bachelor of Architecture program, Sue Jean has over two decades of experience in designing and constructing more than 7,000 residential units across Southern Ontario.

Sue Jean’s approach to architecture is grounded in a deep understanding of both urban-scale development and detailed design, ensuring that each project enhances its context while prioritizing the well-being of its users. Her leadership has been pivotal in guiding complex residential projects from feasibility to completion, many notably recognized by Toronto Urban Design Awards of Excellence. Her level of rigour throughout the development process ensures that her firm’s original design vision is maintained with technical precision and attention to detail.

In addition to her professional work, Sue Jean is a strong advocate for equity, diversity, and mentorship in the architectural profession. She is involved with BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto), where she supports the advancement of women in architecture. Her contributions were recognized when she was inducted into the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Championship team in 2022, celebrating her impact in real estate and urban development. She established JCI Learn, a lecture series dedicated to fostering the professional development of emerging architects, and consistently offers mentorship to young professionals to refine their leadership abilities.

Vaidila Banelis, Senior Partner at Zeidler Architecture, has set a benchmark for excellence in design leadership and urban transformation. 

Vaidila joined Zeidler in 1990. Mentored by Eberhard Zeidler, he quickly rose to leadership, advancing the firm’s presence globally with his tenure as Design Director in Berlin (1993-1996) and establishing the Beijing office in 2001. Vaidila has been pivotal in guiding the evolution of Zeidler from a single leader to a collaborative, multi-studio practice.

He continues to build on the firm’s legacy of civic landmarks through projects such as the Block 2 Parliamentary Precinct Redevelopment, in association with David Chipperfield Architects. His national portfolio of purpose-built rental exemplifies his commitment to creating high-quality living spaces that enrich the public realm and foster vibrant communities.

Vaidila’s ability to unite creativity, technical expertise, and collaboration is evident in several award-winning projects. The Student Learning Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University, with Snøhetta, and Canada Place at Canary Wharf in London, UK, showcase his strength in realizing design intent through complex project development.

His work has earned recognition from the RAIC, OAA, and Canadian Architect. As Chair of the Canadian Large Firm Roundtable (2019-2024), Vai has championed industry-wide innovation and collaboration. His career is distinguished by transformative projects that not only serve users but enrich the broader community, setting new standards for sustainable, functional, and inspiring design across Canada.

Paul Raff is an architect and artist. In 2003 he founded Paul Raff Studio, an architecture firm dedicated to creative artistry and design excellence. Paul Raff Studio has won numerous design awards, and is the only firm to have been awarded both RAIC’s Allied Arts Medal for artistic work and the Innovation Award for technical ingenuity.

For over two decades Raff has pursued a broad range of project types with rigorous commitment to a highly creative, collaborative studio process. The imagination he brings to each project is always balanced by elegance, clarity and masterful design restraint. He creates unique, extraordinary buildings and places. 

Raff’s leadership is rooted in a deep knowledge of and passion for architecture, sustainability, experimentation, and dedicated mentorship. The foundation of the practice is the search for conceptual relevance, to ask what really matters to everyday life, and to bring these ideas into living experience through evocative architectural form. 

His architectural works are crafted with precise and original design vision and are impressive by any standard. These projects demonstrate a dexterity and skill with materials that comes, in part, from also being an artist who creates public sculptures, furniture, architecturally integrated artworks and monuments.

The strength of Raff’s work resides in the connection of ideas and the thread of pursuit. It is what inspires the admiration of clients and colleagues. Paul Raff is an original, a natural maker, and an outstanding contributor to the fields of art and architecture.