At the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on April 15, the OAA honoured its newest Members of Long Standing—individuals who have achieved the milestone of 50 years of membership with the OAA, contributing to Ontario’s built environment and its architecture profession.
Among this year’s honourees was David W. Oleson.
David, a distinguished Architect, began his career in Pittsburgh and later earned his Ontario license in 1975 after moving to Toronto. He joined the firm of Jack Diamond and Barton Myers, contributing to projects like Dundas–Sherbourne Infill Housing and Hydro Block, which shaped Toronto’s urban identity. After working at WZMH on large-scale projects like Calgary City Hall, David won the design competition for North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, leading to the establishment of Oleson Worland Architects (OWA).
David’s firm became known for community-focused projects, including the award-winning Village of Yorkville Park and the Don Valley Brick Works transformation. His portfolio spans diverse projects, such as the Older Women’s Network Housing Co-op, Art Condos, and the Nia Centre for the Arts. A Fellow of the RAIC since 1998, David has also served as chair of the Toronto Society of Architects and taught at the University of Toronto. Collaboration remains the cornerstone of his practice, inspiring innovative, impactful designs.
To learn about the work of other Members of Long Standing, from this year and previous, click here.