Paul Stevens

August 23, 1963 – August 4, 2025

Suddenly, on a warm summer night on his beloved farm in Prince Edward County, the place and time he loved best.

Paul was the loving husband of Tanya Phillipps-Stevens and devoted father to Noah Cai, Jonathan Lukas, Rhys Hartmann, and Edan Jude Lister-Stevens (with his wife of 18 years, Nina-Marie Lister). He was the cherished eldest son of Gerald "Gerry" (Astrid) Stevens and Louise Stevens (Flewelling), and a beloved big brother to Jeff (Marlo), Christopher (Magali), and Natalie (JayR). Paul was also the adored uncle to Jack, Chloe, Noémie, Salomé, Liam, Adrian, Mayte, Massimo, Luciano, and Stella.

Born and raised in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Paul was a kind, thoughtful, and generous soul who brought light and laughter to everyone he met. Known for his quick wit, empathetic nature, and infectious energy, Paul was the life of every gathering and a shoulder to lean on for anyone in need. A talented Junior B hockey player, football star, and high school valedictorian, Paul’s brilliance and creativity shone brightly from an early age.

Paul’s lifelong dream of becoming an architect began at eight years old, inspired by his artistic mother and engineer father. He pursued this passion at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1987, and quickly established himself as a rising star in the architectural world. Within seven years, Paul became co-owner of ZAS Architects + Interiors, where he served as Senior Principal. Over his illustrious career, Paul led the design of some of Canada’s most iconic civic and institutional spaces, including the Billy Bishop Airport Tunnel, Canoe Landing Community Campus + Schools, River City Condominiums, Vaughan Civic Centre Library, and York University’s Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence. Globally, his work spanned from Dubai to Shanghai, leaving a legacy of innovation and excellence. Paul was a gentle, proud, generous, and respected leader in the Canadian architectural community. The spaces and places he designed continue to inspire and delight, for education, live, work, and play.

Paul’s leadership style was defined by his generosity of spirit, guiding his ZAS family with a vision of collaboration, design excellence, and community engagement. He was a tireless mentor to the next generation of architects, partnering with the University of Toronto’s Design Research Internship Program and contributing to the Defy Gravity funding campaign. In recognition of his impact, the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty recently launched an endowment in Paul’s name, the "Paul Stevens Boundless Promise Award" was announced at his celebration of life at Hart House on November 21.

Paul was a lover of all sports, a talented artist, and an exceptional designer. He never met a golf swing he couldn’t improve, a pool game he couldn’t win on his antique snooker table, or a shirt too bold to wear—especially one he could tear off while manicuring the farm he designed and loved dearly. An artist and creative at heart, Paul expressed passion in every aspect of his life, from commanding every barbeque he touched to building countless friendships over good food and a bottle of wine. He was our Papa, husband, brother, uncle, teammate, mentor, friend, comic, dancer (the "Hustler"), sartorialist, architect, leader, and lover of food, wine, travel, golf, and a good party anytime.

Paul’s farm in PEC was the heart of his life outside the city, hosting legendary gatherings filled with laughter, music, and love. He lived fully, loved generously, and laughed well. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his warmth, creativity, and light will continue to inspire and shine on.

The Stevens family held an intimate funeral service in PEC, at the same location where Paul and Tanya were married last summer.

To read another memorial of Paul’s life, click here. You can also read a Canadian Architect article here.