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Sofia Rosemberg

Transit Practice Lead - Eastern Canada, Dialog

Sofia Rosemberg

Transit Practice Lead - Eastern Canada, Dialog

Milestones in a career and life are a wonderful way of inspiring our emerging young leaders. Please share a proud or “magic moment” that shaped your journey?

The moment I stopped asking for permission and began creating the spaces I once needed — not just for myself, but for others to stand, speak, and belong — was a quiet revolution. It wasn’t about taking power, but about offering presence. I design with clarity, simplicity, and care — not just to build walls and roofs, but to shape places where people feel seen, safe, and connected. In those subtle acts of transformation, I found my purpose: to craft spaces that hold us, heal us, and remind us we all have the right to belong.

Who were your major influencers/mentors (up to 2) and what were the key lessons you gained from them?

  1. Fruto Vivas, he, deeply influenced my understanding of architecture as a living, breathing force — one that must always be in harmony with nature and humanity. He taught me that architecture is not about ego, but about service. From him, I learned to ask: What does this place give back? His work reminded me that true design honors life, equity, and community — and that beauty should never come at the expense of responsibility.
  2. Alan Hart, he showed me what it truly means to lead with both vision and vulnerability. As a mentor, he leads by example — creating space for others, uplifting diverse voices, and fostering a culture rooted in integrity and trust. We share a leadership style grounded in inclusion, clarity, and care. We strive to build environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to bring their full selves forward.

What do you think are the next big challenges we need to tackle as an industry and as a successful city-region? Are there specific things you think we should be doing to meet the challenges?

We can’t keep building for efficiency while people are starving for meaning, connection, and dignity. The challenge isn’t just infrastructure — it’s emotional infrastructure. How do we build cities that make people feel alive, included, and empowered? We must stop solving problems in isolation. Housing, transit, public space, and climate resilience aren’t separate issues — they are one interconnected challenge. Meeting it requires rethinking how we collaborate — breaking silos between disciplines, agencies, and communities. We should design cities the way nature designs ecosystems: dynamic, inclusive, and regenerative. The tools already exist. What we need now is the courage to meet urgency with imagination — to create spaces that are not just functional, but transformational. Design is a tool for equity, joy, and collective agency. That’s how we build cities worth living in.

Tell us how you champion others in the industry.

I champion others by showing up with heart, with honesty, and with action. I believe in creating spaces that spark possibility, in people and cities. To support others, I don’t just open doors — I help build entirely new ones, together.

What is your secret talent no one knows you have?

I also hold a Culinary Degree.

What is the best word to describe you? And Why?

Alchemist – I bring depth, clarity, and conviction to everything I do. I turn complexity into possibility. I’m rooted in purpose, adaptability, and a deep belief in the potential for transformation.