Podcast

Air Date:November 1, 2023

Guest(s):Karl Van Es

In the inaugural episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz interviews architect Karl Van Es about sustainability in the built environment. Karl, who works at BDP Quadrangle, discusses practising architecture for a large global company, and how being part of the green team at the Toronto-headquartered BDP Quadrangle allows him to contribute to solving global environmental challenges. Tune in to learn more about sustainable design and tips to make your home a greener one!

For additional resources on sustainability in architecture, visit the OAA's Climate Action page.

Guest Bio:

Karl Van Es, OAA, is a Senior Architect and Associate at BDP Quadrangle. A certified Passive House Consultant and former member of the OAA’s Sustainable Built Environments Committee (SBEC), Karl is passionate advocate for sustainable design and has extensive experience in single-family and multi-unit residential developments. He is a member of the studio’s internal Green Team and champions the research, development and implementation of green design strategies across BDP Quadrangle’s wide range of projects.

Air Date: November 1, 2023

Guest(s):  Vineetha Sivathasan and Joël León

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz engages in conversation with Vineetha Sivathasan and Joël León—two newly licensed architects who delve into the process of joining the profession, shedding light on the pathways to licensure as outlined on the OAA’s Becoming an Architect page. Tune in as we unravel the transformative journey of architectural pursuits and its impact on daily life.

Guest Bios:

Joël León, OAA, is an architect, researcher, and community builder whose career has been shaped by a strong interest in public policy, placemaking, and the critical dialogue between the architectural profession and the public. Believing that everyone should be engaged in shaping their built environment, his work strives to remove barriers of participation while engaging users and the public throughout the design process in a meaningful and empathetic way. Never one to say no to an interesting opportunity, Joël’s diverse portfolio comprises a variety of residential, commercial and small institutional projects, including renovations, additions and new builds, as well as exhibitions, articles, tours, and other unconventional publication formats focused on making architectural discussions accessible to all. 

In 2023, Joël co-founded Make Good Projects, a young Toronto-based architectural practice committed to affordability, co-creation, sustainability, and the public good. In addition to this role, Joël is the Executive Director of the Toronto Society of Architects, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of architecture in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Vineetha Sivathasan, OAA, is a licensed Architect in Ontario, currently working at RAW Design Inc. She has accumulated a diverse set of experiences through her work at Superkül Inc., Kohn Partnership Architects, the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), the Textile Museum of Canada, and the Art Museum at the University of Toronto.

She believes that giving back in some form is essential for professional and personal growth and, as such, she is an Executive Committee member of BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto), which is an independent organization dedicated to supporting equality and diversity in the field of architecture. In September 2020, the Toronto Society of Architects selected her Master’s thesis film, Per-Formation, as part of its Short Film Showcase. Additionally, her India ink and line painting, centred on female empowerment and their role in South Asian society, was part of the Colours of South Asia 2020 virtual exhibition and DesignTO 2022.

Air Date: December 1, 2023
Guest(s): Craig Race

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz chats with architect Craig Race about housing alternatives beyond traditional single-detached homes, condos, and apartments. Craig, the co-founder of Lanescape and principal at Craig Race Architecture, shares his insights on the laneway and garden suite movement in Toronto and beyond. Tune in to discover how these innovative housing options are reshaping the architecture profession and providing much-needed housing stock in Ontario.

Guest Bio:

Craig Race OAA, LEED AP, CanPHI Passive House Planner, is an enthusiast of creative infill design and development. His career as an architect, advocate, and developer has focused on small-scale, urban housing with an emphasis on environmental and contextual sensitivity. In addition to operating his eponymous architecture firm, Craig is a co-founder of Lanescape, a design-build company and advocacy group that was the lead creator of Toronto's laneway housing policy and now helps homeowners realize rental and multigenerational projects in their backyards. In his spare time, Craig puts his money where his mouth is and develops multi-unit, family-oriented infill housing in Toronto’s established neighbourhoods.

  

Air Date: January 1, 2024
Guest(s): Daniel Hall and Gregg Papp

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz explores the topic of accessibility in the built environment. He is joined by Daniel Hall, a licensed architect and carpenter, and Greg Papp, an architectural technologist specializing in accessibility consulting. Daniel and Greg discuss their work in improving accessibility, green design, and revitalizing old buildings. They also share their personal connection as friends and former colleagues. Tune in to gain insights into the value of accessibility in architecture.

Daniel Hall, OAA, is the founding principal of Collaborative Architecture Inc. (now known as Sustainable), a boutique firm focused on affordable low carbon design. As the Director of Design, he is responsible for the overall quality of work and strives to ensure client satisfaction while delivering on a triple-P bottom line – People, Planet, & Prosperity. Daniel’s portfolio spans from the off-grid factory-built miniHome to multi-million-dollar renovations of the heritage designated Peel Art Gallery Museum & Archives complex in Brampton, and low carbon passive-house seniors care residences. His expertise lies in affordable low carbon solutions for new and retrofit housing at all scales for a client base that includes homeowners, non-profit organizations, and small-scale commercial developers. 

Daniel has also contributed significantly towards retrofitting older buildings for better accessibility. His qualifications include OAA Licensed Architect, M.R.A.I.C., LEED AP, and Ontario Licenced Carpenter. He holds a B.Arch and B.E.S. from the University of Waterloo, and also contributes to academic research and teaching at Toronto Metropolitan University School of Architecture.

Gregg Papp, is an architectural technologist whose firm, Design Vision, has been the technological backbone for his many and varied clients since 1997. Aside from establishing and maintaining BIM workstations, Greg is also involved in all phases of projects, leading to building permits and construction documents. He was a member of the AODA Standards Development Committee for the Built Environment and the subsequent Technical Advisory Committee that helped usher in a more inclusive barrier-free Ontario. Greg has consulted on several accessibility audits and has had the pleasure of working with enlightened clients who have proactively retrofitted their office and residential spaces. Greg Papp is an architectural technologist whose firm, Design Vision, has been the technological backbone for his many and varied clients since 1997.

Aside from establishing and maintaining BIM workstations, Greg is also involved in all phases of projects, leading to building permits and construction documents. He was a member of the AODA Standards Development Committee for the Built Environment and the subsequent Technical Advisory Committee that helped usher in a more inclusive barrier-free Ontario. Greg has consulted on several accessibility audits and has had the pleasure of working with enlightened clients who have proactively retrofitted their office and residential spaces. 

Air Date: February 1, 2024
Guest(s): Dr. Terri Peters, Dr. Tamara Daly, Mike Ladyk, and Nicole Peirce

In this episode, recorded at the 2023 OAA Conference in Sudbury, Ontario, host Ryan Schwartz, architects Mike Ladyk and Nicole Pierce and academics Terri Peters and Tamara Daly explore the topic of long-term care facilities and their impact on residents, their loved ones, and staff. They discuss the importance of co-creating new models for care, community, wellness, and dignity, as well as highlight the need to consider the regulations, policies, and decisions that affect the design and functionality of living and healing spaces.

For a deeper dive into the discussions and key takeaways from this year’s Conference event in Sudbury, visit the 2023 Plenary page on the OAA's website.


Guest Bios:

Terri Peters, PhD, Architect (ARB), WELL AP, is an assistant professor at Toronto Metropolitan University in the Department of Architectural Science where she teaches and supervises graduate students in both the architecture and building science programs. Dr. Peters is a registered architect in the United Kingdom, holds the WELL AP designation, and is a member of the 2021 WELL Concept Advisory for Lighting. Her current research focuses on building performance in health environments, pre- and post-occupancy evaluations, and intersections between architectural quality and inhabitant quality of life in long-term care homes. She is an affiliated researcher at Institut du Savoir Monfort in Ottawa. Dr. Peters has authored and edited numerous publications, including more than 20 peer-reviewed publications about sustainable housing, and her 2021 paper “Biophilic Design Strategies in Long-Term Residential Care Environments for Persons with Dementia” was published in the Journal of Aging and Environment with co-author Dr. Stephen Verderber. She was part of the jury for the OAA’s SHIFT2023 Health and Architecture Challenge.

Tamara Daly, PhD, is a feminist political economist and health services researcher, and a professor at York University. She is the Director of the York University Centre for Aging Research and Education and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities in Communities. Her research focuses on gender and health access and outcomes, improving conditions in long-term residential care, and promoting policies for health equity for older adults and their caregivers. Dr. Daly has authored more than 100 publications and received numerous awards, including the Faculty of Health Dean's Research Award and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Mental Health Commission of Canada People's Choice Award. She is a frequent media expert on health care topics and speaker at research and policy conferences.

Mike Ladyk, B.Arch., OAA, is a partner at 3rd Line Studio, a Sudbury-based architectural practice, where he has worked since 1995. Over his illustrious 22-year career, Mike has successfully completed numerous projects across a range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, institutional, First Nations, and residential. Notably, Mike was involved in the redesign of the Wikwemikong Elders Lodge on Manitoulin Island, where he worked closely with the Wikwemikong First Nation to create a culturally appropriate design that addressed the community’s needs. In addition to his professional work, Mike is also an active member of several boards, including the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC), the United Way Capital Campaign, and the Wavy Lake Campers Association, reflecting his strong commitment to community service.

Nicole Peirce, OAA, BES, M.Arch, MRAIC, is a University of Waterloo Master of Architecture program graduate who previously worked as an intern architect at HOK and KWC Architects on large-scale public renovation projects. In 2010, she founded the design firm Architecture &c. to foster collaboration and communication between clients and contractors. Nicole’s personal experience as a caregiver for her parents led her to focus on creating environments of care and proposing a Person-Centred Architecture that empowers architects to speak for the value of architecture in the spaces of people’s lives. As a mother navigating home-based learning during the pandemic, Nicole continues to research and write on the role of environment in people’s lives.

 

Air Date:  April 2, 2024
Guest(s): Edward Chan

In the newest episode, host Ryan Schwartz sits down with Edward Chan, partner at Zeidler Architecture, to discuss the unique project of designing the orangutan habitat at the Toronto Zoo.

Edward Chan, a Partner at Zeidler Architecture, boasts 20 years of expertise as a strategic thinker and pivotal leader in project delivery. His proficiency in managing highly complex assignments is demonstrated by his role as a team lead on ventures totalling more than $5 billion. Edward is recognized among his colleagues for his "make it happen" attitude, attributed to his knack for forging strategic partnerships, relentless drive for success, resourcefulness, and his improvisational skills. He leverages his knowledge within the industry by spearheading Zeidler's public sector initiatives, overseeing significant projects like the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital PDC, the Parliamentary Precinct Block 2 Redevelopment, and the GTAA Transformative Capital Plan.

Air Date:  September 2, 2024
Guest(s):  Shonda Wang

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz is joined by Shonda Wang, Principal at SvN, to explore the concept of transit-oriented communities and their impact on urban development.

Shonda Wang is a Principal at SvN with 30 years of experience in community development and large-scale urban regeneration projects. She specializes in developing connections between the public realm, the built environment, and urban infrastructure — most notably, transportation infrastructure. She is the lead Technical Advisor to Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario for Transit-Oriented Communities along the Ontario Line. Her work has won several awards for urban design, and she has served as a trusted strategic advisor to prominent clients in both the private and public sector. Since joining SvN in 2012, Shonda’s leadership has seen the firm expand its cross-disciplinary practice in Ontario, British Columbia, and Mexico.

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Air Date: November 1, 2024
Guest: Joe Lobko

In the newest episode, host Ryan Schwartz sits down with Architect, Joe Lobko, Principal at 
Joe Lobko Architects Inc. to discuss the role of Design Competitions.

Joe Lobko

Known for his community-focused and socially impactful projects, Joe founded Joe Lobko
Architect Inc. last year to channel his passion for community revitalization and urban design.
His previous notable works include the Artscape Wychwood Barns and Evergreen Brick Works,
both in Toronto, the Eltuek Arts Centre in Cape Breton, and the L’Arche Dayspring Chapel in
Richmond Hill.

A leader in urban design, Joe has played a key role in several significant community
revitalization efforts such as Waterfront Toronto’s West Don Lands, the Downsview Park
Aerospace Campus for Canada Lands and the Parkdale Community Hub Master Plan for
CreateTO.

Joe’s has led the organization of a number of design competitions including the first affordable
housing design competition in the Regent Park renewal initiative, as well as for the Nova
Scotia Art Gallery on the Halifax waterfront and Limberlost Place for George Brown College
on Toronto’s waterfront. He recently served as Professional Advisor for the 2024 OAA HQ
Landscape Design Competition.

In 2020, Joe received the OAA Randy Roberts Service Award, recognizing his service to the
profession. Joe is also the recipient of the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from Sustainable
Buildings Canada.

Air Date: December 2, 2024
Guest: Barry Hobin

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz talks with Barry Hobin, founding partner of Hobin Architecture, about the vital role of water in architectural design. With over 40 years of experience, Barry shares how rivers, canals, and lakes influence urban planning, particularly in Ottawa, Canada’s capital.

Barry Hobin

Barry Hobin is the founding partner of Hobin Architecture Incorporated. Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, the firm has become widely recognized for its contribution to Ottawa’s architectural landscape.

 Mr. Hobin has been a strong advocate for architecture. He has been the president of the Royal Architectural institute of Canada. He has also served as Chairman of the Committee of Adjustments for the City of Ottawa, Design Committee Chair for the City of Kanata Town Centre, Site Selection Director for Habitat for Humanity, and Building Program Chair for Carleton University’s Board of Governors. In 2013 Mr. Hobin was presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of outstanding commitment to the community, and he received the Integrity and Ethics Award in 2018 from the General Contractors Association of Ottawa. Mr. Hobin developed the TV series “Homes By Design” with Sound Venture productions to showcase residential projects in Canada and internationally.

 
Air Date:March 5, 2025
Guest: Robin Snell

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz dives into the intricate world of hospital design with expert Robin Snell, a director at Parkin Architects. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare architecture, Robin shares his insights on the complexities of designing hospitals and their profound impact on health and wellness.

Robin Snell, OAA, AIBC, AAA, NSAA, NLAA, FRAIC, LEED AP, EDAC
Director, Parkin Architects

As a Director with Parkin, Robin is an experienced health care architect who has worked on a wide range of projects across Canada for more than 30 years. He is passionate about healthcare and uses his leadership skills to guide complex projects to successful outcomes. Robin is an enthusiastic advocate for evidence-based design and is an EDAC and LEED accredited professional, leading recent healthcare projects in Ontario, Atlantic Canada, and British Columbia.

Recently nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Robin’s expertise is recognized on a national level where he serves as the vice-chair of the Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee for Health Care Facilities. He’s also an active member of several CSA healthcare design subcommittees, including Z-8000 for Canadian healthcare facility design and other standards including wayfinding, area measurement, and design studies and post-occupancy evaluation.

He’s currently responsible for some of the largest healthcare facility redevelopment projects in the country.

Air Date: May, 2025
Guest: Dee Dee Taylor Eustace

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz explores the complexities of heritage buildings and adaptive reuse with Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, Founder and Principal of Taylor Hannah Architect Inc., a full-service design and development firm based in Toronto. With over 35 years of industry experience, Dee Dee shares her passion and expertise in overcoming the unique design challenges of breathing new life into old spaces. 

Dee Dee Taylor Eustace is an award-winning Architect and Interior Designer based in Toronto and the Founder of Taylor Hannah Architect Inc., a firm with a global portfolio of luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Known for her timeless, elegant style, she’s also a published author, keynote speaker, and mentor.

Dee Dee has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, HGTV’s Real Designing Women, and in outlets such as Forbes and Robb Report. Her design philosophy blends classical architecture with contemporary living, and her philanthropic work includes scholarships at the University of Toronto and leadership roles at Sunnybrook Hospital.

Air Date: September 2025
Guest: Ossie Airewele 

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz welcomes Ossie Airewele, Senior Associate at BDP Quadrangle, to explore the vital role of socially responsible and inclusive design.

Did you know these two concepts, while closely connected, serve distinct purposes? Ossie explains how socially responsible design emphasizes well-being and quality of life, while inclusive design extends this vision by ensuring spaces reflect and respect the needs of people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

With extensive experience leading high-rise residential and mixed-use projects across North America, Ossie brings both expertise and perspective to the conversation. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how architecture can shape environments that make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives.

Ossie Airewele is an internationally accomplished architect whose passion lies in socially responsible and inclusive design. With a deep commitment to equity and innovation, he is a prominent thought leader at BDP Quadrangle in the field of architecture and urbanism, where he actively encourages meaningful conversations about the future of inclusive design, adaptive re-use, mass timber and modern methods of construction. In Ossie’s 25 years of professional practice, he has developed an extensive range of experience in leading complex projects across the UK and in the last six years has continued to lead key projects in Toronto and across North America.

His role as Chair of the ULI Toronto’s Curtner Urban Leadership (mid-career) Program, a member of Lambda Alpha International and a board member of the Black Planners and Urbanists Association reflects his dedication to urban development. He continuously demonstrates excellence in conceptualization, design and execution. Ossie is a strong believer that the ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of social, environmental, physical and historical context is foundational to successful design, programming of buildings and public spaces.

Air Date:  November 2025
Guests: Naama Blonder & Tim Scott

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz welcomes listeners our three-part series on the Ontario Association of Architects’ SHIFT Challenge, a biennial competition inviting architects to explore bold ideas for the future of design.

This year’s theme, Reshaping Communities, focuses on rethinking how neighborhoods are built to better respond to modern urban challenges. Ryan is joined by two winners of the 2025 SHIFT Challenge: Naama Blonder of Smart Density, whose project Subdivillage reimagines the subdivision, and Tim Scott, whose project The City Limits proposes a redesign of a century-old Toronto suburb.

Naama Blonder

Naama is  an Architect/Urban Planner and founder of  Smart Density Inc., a Toronto-based studio.  Smart Density champions complete communities fuelled by higher-density living, walkable neighbourhoods, and a beautiful public realm. Smart Density’s broad portfolio ranges from small infills to master plans. Smart Density was recognized in all three previous SHIFT Challenges (2019, 2021, and 2023) and was awarded the OAA’s Best Emerging Practice in 2022.

Tim Scott

 Tim was a founding partner of Natale and Scott Architects, the director of the Architectural Studio at FORREC Limited, and a principal of FORREC Architects Limited. Tim has taught at the University of Toronto and University of Waterloo Schools of Architecture. After stepping down from formal practise in 2022, he has been devoting more time to research projects, including the current SHIFT project.

Air Date:  November 2025
Guests: Jerry Hacker & David DiGiuseppe

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz continues our three-part series on the Ontario Association of Architects’ SHIFT Challenge. In Part 2, we explore how architects are addressing climate change through innovative, sustainable design.

Ryan speaks with 2025 SHIFT Challenge winners Jerry Hacker,  architect and professor at Carleton University, whose project Speculative Assemblies: From Pine Needles to Pressed Coffee conceives a sustainable future by reimagining building practices—eliminating plastics, toxins, and exploitative supply chains and David DiGiuseppe of Q4 Architects whose project The Living Core: Designing for Resiliency at Home reimagines housing with a tornado-resilient design, integrating cost-effective rebuilding and essential functions.

Jerry Hacker

Jerry is the founder of hACT (hacker architecture collaboration technique) and an assistant professor of architecture at the Azrieli School of Architecture &Urbanism at Carleton University. Hacker’s research collective, hARC (hereto advancing regenerative causes) convened to address the perils of current building construction methods and investigate the regenerative options for the material and assembly
culture of cold-weather climates.

David DiGiuseppe

 David is an associate architect at Q4 Architects (Q4A). Founded by Frances Martin-DiGiuseppe, Q4A has studios in Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa. Its portfolio of built work includes residential, institutional, commercial and community-focused buildings for clients across North America. The Q4A team’s projects range from large-scale but human-centric master plans to compact one-off projects. The firm’s research and design focus on ways to make communities that are walkable, transit-oriented, and comfortably diverse.

 

 

Air Date: December 1, 2025
Guests: Luc Johnston & David Peterson

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz continues the three-part series on the Ontario Association of Architects’ SHIFT Challenge, focusing on the 2025 theme: Reshaping Communities.

Ryan speaks with David Peterson of David Peterson Architect and Luc Johnston of Lloyd London Architects. David presents Swansea Park, a conceptual redevelopment of the former Swansea Mews in Toronto, while Luke discusses his project, Parkdale Commons, a dynamic community hub that functions as a living food bank, providing fresh food, resources, and social services while fostering neighborhood connection.

Together, they examine innovative approaches to community design, strategies for enhancing neighborhood resilience, and creative solutions for the future of urban living.

David Peterson

David is founder and principal of David Peterson Architects. His team has executed a wide roster of projects, including single family and multi-unit residential, as well as offices, interiors, and housing research. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, Peterson immigrated to Canada as a child and later studied at Sheridan College, Carleton University, and the University of Toronto, where he received his professional architecture degree. The firm’s work adheres to Peterson’s ethos that architectural craft and beauty should serve people and the urban ecological environment they inhabit.

Luc Johnston

Luc is a co-founder and principal of LloydLondon Architects, a Toronto-based full-service firm with a wide range of completed projects in the United States and Canada. Their studio name derives from a conflation of their hometowns: Lloydminster, Alberta, and London, Ontario. The name represents the dialogue of their collected memories, their experience coming together to create new ones, and their ethos of merging the humble and grand aspirations of original design. The studio has more than 25 years of experience working in both the United States and Canada on a wide range of projects, including residences, cultural institutions, restaurants, offices, and wellness spaces.

 

Air Date: February 02, 2026
Guests: Michael Attard & Doron Meinhard

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz kicks off Season 4 with a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day realities of architectural practice.

Ryan speaks with Michael Attard and Doron Meinhard of Hariri Pontarini Architects, who share insights into how their roles have evolved as partners and what a typical day truly looks like beyond the stereotypes of the profession. From design reviews and client meetings to collaboration with engineers, consultants, and city staff, they reveal the wide-ranging responsibilities that shape modern architectural work.

Together, they explore common misconceptions about architects, the importance of communication and teamwork, and the value of site visits in bringing design visions to life. The conversation also highlights the emotional impact of completed projects and the meaningful role architecture plays in shaping communities.

Tune in for an honest and engaging look at the realities of architectural practice and advice for aspiring architects navigating their own professional journeys.

 

Michael Attard

Michael Attard is a registered architect with 25 years of experience and has been with Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) since 2007. He has led projects through all phases of design and construction and plays a key role in the design development of the firm’s high-rise portfolio. As lead designer on many of HPA’s most prestigious projects, Michael brings strong design judgment to a wide range of complex, mixed-use and high-rise developments.  His experience includes projects such as 7 St. Thomas, the Ice District master plan and hotel in Edmonton, and One Bloor, a 75-storey mixed-use tower at Yonge and Bloor. As a Partner, Michael works closely with David Pontarini on the firm’s strategic direction and maintains strong client relationships, integrating design leadership with project and business oversight. 

Doron Meinhard 

With 25 years of Canadian and international experience, Doron joined Hariri Pontarini Architects in 2006. Doron brings a strong foundation in design and project leadership with a thoughtful, collaborative approach that guides his work with clients and teams. Doron’s practice focuses on institutional and cultural projects that serve communities and enrich the public realm.  

From 2008 – 2016, Doron managed the successful completion of the Bahá’í Temple of South America, a highly complex and internationally celebrated project recognized with the RAIC International Prize and the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture. His portfolio includes many of the firm’s landmark projects, such as the Richard Ivey Building at Western University, the Tom Patterson Theatre for the Stratford Festival, OpenROM, AGO’s Weston Family Learning Center, the Nicol Building for Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre's Space Transformation Project. 

As Partner, Doron works closely with Siamak, David and Michael to shape and advance the firm’s strategic direction. He is instrumental in cultivating and sustaining key client relationships and brings a nuanced understanding of both the creative and operational dimensions of practice. With overall responsibility for the design leadership of major projects, Doron practises a hands-on approach to bring the timeless appeal of HPAs designs to fruition. 

Air Date: April 6, 2026
Guests: Mitchell Hall

In this episode of Architecturally Speaking, host Ryan Schwartz sits down with Mitchell Hall of KPMB to explore how the bond between architect and client defines a project's success. Using his career journey as a backdrop, Mitchell explains that great buildings, like Bridgepoint Health and the National Ballet School, are born from a shared vision and mutual trust rather than just budgets and schedules. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how collaboration can help turn a design into a meaningful space that inspires its community.

Mitchell Hall

Mitchell is a Partner at KPMB Architects known for his belief in architecture as a force for improving the human condition. With a focus on wellness, community, and sustainability, he leads complex projects across cultural, academic, and healthcare sectors. His work includes award-winning projects such as Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital and Isttaniokaksini / Science Commons, and he is recognized for guiding interdisciplinary teams to deliver impactful, high-performance building