Heather Rolleston
Principal, BDP Quadrangle
Sector: Private Sector
Discipline: Architecture
Year: 2018
Magic Moment: When John Bentley Mays wrote an article about my project at 355 Church Street, he described me as “a member of the tiny international sorority of women who design tall buildings”. I remember thinking to myself “oh, is that something rare?” I had never really looked at my role as an architect in that way until that moment. Family members called to congratulate me and my children were excited to see my picture in the newspaper.
Key Influence: I met Cynthia McDougall and Pat Hanson professionally but now I consider them friends. Both have overcome challenges in their lives and I admire their ability to handle obstacles with grace and professionalism. I value their continued mentorship.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We have to carefully craft and encourage transit-based development, intensifying those nodes of housing near transit. This is a theme that comes up a lot at the Design Review Panel. As a city, we’ve acknowledged that the Concord Adex lands by the Rogers Centre and CN Tower are not necessarily the models we should follow going forward, instead, we want to learn from our mistakes and take a fresh look at places like Scarborough City Centre and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre as opportunities for pioneering new communities.
Secret Talent: My PokémonGO! pokédex is full
On Championing Others… Leading by example is most important. The value of humour also should not be underestimated. Giving back to the community is something that I’m challenging myself to do more of, even when the daycare board asks me to chair for the 6th year running – I have to say yes.
One word that captures you: Game.