Magic Moment: A major milestone in my career was the grand opening of Guelph Market Square in 2012. Watching people gather, interact, and find joy in the space was incredible. Seeing people enjoy the projects we build affirms my contribution to enhancing their quality of life, fostering a sense of community, and creating an environment that promotes well-being. This milestone moment fills me with pride, fuels my passion, and reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact through creative and sustainable designs. The great thing about what I do is that I get to continue creating new places and revisit built works, bringing myself that joy all over again.

Key Influence:
Janet Rosenberg: I have learned many lessons from Janet working with her over the last 17 years, ranging from big picture strategic thinking down to very specific plant selections. Early in my career Janet’s ability to quickly review a design and recommend improvements helped me to develop a quick and considerate design eye. Her acumen for client relations was also very formative, as she expanded my network by bringing me along to meetings and client presentations. But perhaps my most favorite lesson would be Janet’s ability to quickly action things to get them moving or unstick a problem just by picking up the phone and putting things in motion. Her commitment to each individual staff member over the years and her concern for their advancement as Landscape Architects has been inspiring.

Jill Hutcheon: Now retired, my mother worked tirelessly for the Ontario Public Service for over 35 years, creating policies that impacted the public and made governmental changes for the betterment of society. From a young age, I witnessed her dedication to her career and the public she served. As an Assistant Deputy Minister in Education and Transportation and a Deputy Minister in Labour, her work directly impacted me and my daily life, and I began to see the power of policy along with the great efforts it took to come to a consensus. She certainly had to make sacrifices due to her demanding work, but without that I wouldn’t have the passion and dedication I have towards my career today. In the final 7 years of her career, she served and President and CEO of WSIB, where I learned more about her leadership in team building, commitment to advocacy for injured workers, and equity and inclusion in the organization itself.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing challenges, and urban development can take the lead in prioritizing innovative solutions. From a landscape perspective, nature-based technologies and green infrastructure can be a big part of the solution. This approach not only combats climate change but also supports human activities sustainably. Recognizing the interconnectedness of humans and nature is crucial, and implementing higher performance green infrastructure within our projects is a must. By embracing green infrastructure, we can create resilient urban environments that mitigate climate change and promote coexistence with the natural world.

On Championing Others…Encouraging women entering the profession to look for mentors and advocate for career advancement is a particular interest. Supporting them in feeling that they are active drivers of their career is an important message I like to pass along. I champion others in the industry by advocating for their success, supporting their growth, and promoting their achievements. Much of this is done within the realm of the Studio where mentoring team members is a significant part of everyday, but I also attend various educational and networking events at the Daniel’s School of Architecture where I share my knowledge and experience and provide advice regarding the student’s professional development.

Secret Talent: A much-loved talent not many people know about is my passion for planning backcountry canoe trips for my family and friends. As a landscape architect, I understand the significance of reconnecting with nature and the inherent value it holds. Exploring the wilderness through canoe camping allows me to immerse myself in the natural environment, gain inspiration, and appreciate the intricacy of living landscapes. Moreover, embarking on these adventurous trips presents a sense of challenge and excitement, pushing me to overcome obstacles and fostering my spirit of adventure. This unique combination of planning, passion for the outdoors, and thirst for challenge fuels my ability to create memorable experiences that bring people closer to nature. This past fall I had the joy of introducing my two nieces (ages 15 and 8) and my 3-year-old daughter to the backcountry.

One word that captures you: Passionate – I am driven by a deep desire to acquire knowledge across a wide range of subjects. My curiosity often leads me down intricate paths of exploration, delving into rabbit holes to uncover more information and broaden my understanding.