What are the major milestones in your career?

Major milestones in my career include: 1. Completing my first architecture – a 420 SF desert shelter dwelling in Scottsdale Arizona. It was published in Wallpaper Magazine, I was still a graduate student and I remember being over the moon seeing my work in print for the first time. 2. My early professional experiences working in Europe as an architectural intern in Germany and The Netherlands. 3. My first experience being part of an architectural project from the early competition phase, through design, documentation, construction and handover to our very happy client. The project received multiple awards. It’s still looking incredible 15 years later. I took my kids to see it recently and they also gave it a thumbs up. 4. Having my artwork, The Hydrological Map of Canada, published as a full page spread in the Globe and Mail. 5. My annual contributions to DesignTO festival as an event organizer from 2010-2015. I created a venue for more than 70 new works by Canadian designers to be debuted. 6. Being invited to exhibit at Milan Design Week, and seeing that work years later produced by a reputable Danish Design company. 7. The first time a client came back for return business. It happened naturally and was a real ‘aha moment’ for me. 8. Walking on stage to receive a project award as the lead designer. What a yes feeling!

Who were your major influencers/mentors and what were the key lessons you gained from them?

Annie Bergeron is an incredibly talented interior designer and master story teller. I had the pleasure of having Annie as a colleague and mentor for 7 years. Annie helped me grow my presentation skills by showing me how to combine personal experience with research to craft a compelling speech. Annie also taught me an important lesson about getting peer critique and feedback – that it’s up to me to decide what I want to do with feedback. She showed me that strong leaders are not people pleasers, and the nuances between being stubborn and radiating confidence.

Alexander Fernández is an incredible architect brimming with creativity and expertise that he generously shares with everyone in his circle. I had the pleasure of working with him for a couple of years and being mentored by him. Alex showed me that the highest level of mentorship is when you share your expertise, make space for people, advocate for people, give someone trust, and create a stage for them to be in the spotlight.