Julie Di Lorenzo has distinguished herself as one of North America’s most accomplished real estate developers and entrepreneurs. Since 1982, she has operated one of the largest female-led real estate development firms on the continent, establishing a reputation for excellence, innovation, and integrity in every aspect of her work. Over the course of more than four decades, Ms. Di Lorenzo has demonstrated unparalleled expertise across the full spectrum of real estate development, including land acquisition, visioning, master planning, financial analysis, zoning, redevelopment, construction management, and the delivery of large-scale multi-unit residential projects.
Under Ms. Di Lorenzo’s leadership, Mirabella Development Corporation continues to build upon the legacy of its predecessor, Diamante Development Group. Founded in 1982, the company initially specialized in high-rise concrete formwork, successfully executing some of Toronto’s most technically challenging projects, such as Empire Plaza, Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 3, and the Bata Shoe Museum. Over the years, Mirabella has evolved into a premier, multi-disciplinary real estate development firm recognized for its commitment to excellence, timeless design, and innovation.
Today, Mirabella Development Corporation operates as a full-service firm, expertly managing all phases of the development lifecycle with precision and vision. Its comprehensive services include land acquisition, urban planning, visionary design, space optimization, construction management, marketing and sales strategy, customer service, warranty support, and property and rental management. The company also provides development management consulting to financial institutions and institutional investors, offering strategic insights that drive project success. With a portfolio comprising thousands of residential units delivered across Canada and Asia, Mirabella continues to redefine urban landscapes and set new benchmarks for excellence in the real estate industry.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Ms. Di Lorenzo has made significant contributions to civic life and public policy. She was the first female President of the Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association (GTHBA, now BILD) and played a pivotal role in the development of the Ontario Growth Management Plan (2004–2005), recipient of the prestigious Daniel Burnham Award. Her leadership and impact have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the BILD Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), ICCO Businesswoman of the Year (2021), the BILD Riley Brethour Leadership Award (2022), and her appointment to the Order of Ontario in 2024.
Ms. Di Lorenzo has also served on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Ontario Science Centre, Harbourfront Toronto, Tarion (Ontario New Home Warranties Plan), St. Michael’s Hospital, Waterfront Toronto where she chaired the Investment and Real Estate Committee Havergal College (Board and Co-Chair of Facilities), York School (Board and Interim Vice-Chair), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and most recently, the Pontifical Institute. Additionally, she has advised multiple levels of government on matters relating to women’s issues, economic development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and housing, including her recent appointment to Ontario’s Provincial Housing Affordability Task Force. Ms. Di Lorenzo holds a Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) and an ICD.D certification in governance from the University of Toronto.
With Ms. Di Lorenzo at the helm, Mirabella Development Corporation remains steadfast in its mission to create landmark buildings and communities in prime locations, ensuring superior building quality, timeless architecture, and exceptional value. Guided by a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Mirabella continues to shape the future of urban living and maintain its position as a leader in the real estate development industry.
erin June 12th, 2019
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Magic Moment: Before I moved back to Toronto a couple of years ago, I led a project that grew from one building initially, to a city scale. It was called the Decarbonization Plan. It brought to light for me that sustainability had to be much more than just buildings. That to have any real influence on the planet you needed to address a larger scale and bigger issues. That you must address social, economic, and infrastructure issues as well as environmental in order to get any traction. The project developed into a book called Toward Zero Carbon: The Decarbonization of Our Central Cities. Cities across the world began to implement ideas in that book as inspiration for effecting global warming in their own cities. It also led me to go back to school once more to write my dissertation on Urban Regeneration.
Key Influence: Liz Wescott, Executive Director of Green Haven Shelter for Women Lately I worked on a shelter for women and children fleeing and recovering from domestic abuse. Liz, the executive director, has been involved with the shelter for 35 years. She has seen so much in that time – both in the shelter and the evolution of women’s’ struggles for equal rights and shared many stories with us. Her commitment to the shelter, the project, and her resolve and trust in our all female design and construction team are admirable and inspirational.
My Single Grandmother My grandmother in Scotland chose to be a single mom in the 1940’s. She was a seamstress with three jobs. She was self-directed and self-motivated. As a young girl, she not only taught me how to sew but about design –how pieces fit together, the importance of detail and fit. All of these lessons have been instrumental in my life and my career.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: If Toronto wants to be seen globally as a front-runner, we need to address the bigger picture issues of true sustainable design – that is to say, social equity through affordable housing and accessible public transportation, thoughtful urban and architectural design that improves the human experience, embracing innovative design that addresses resilience and carbon emissions issues.
Secret Talent: I can sew. I can make a ball gown of out of Shoppers Drug Mart bags if I need to
On Championing Others…I am an active mentor of both men and women in our industry. I like to meet with mentees one-on-one and get to know who they are. I always keep in touch with young people and students that I’ve either mentored or worked with. I really enjoy it personally and it’s also a great way to spot talent. I’m a big connector and will search out the right mentor for young professionals.
One word that captures you: Indomitable
erin June 12th, 2019
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Magic Moment: I had the privilege of working with the City of Vaughan to prepare their new Official Plan in conformity to the 2006 Growth Plan. The new OP, approved in 2010, was the first comprehensive city-wide official plan and ushered in a new era of growth for Vaughan with a focus on more urban forms. Now, nearly a decade later, it is exciting to see how the city is transforming as a result of those policies.
Key Influence: Andrea Gabor (WLI Champion) carried out her planning practice with a quiet passion for city building and a deep regard for those she worked with. My Mom My mom ran her own business for decades. I am amazed by her resiliency – long before that came a buzz word. She was able to adapt her business several times to meet the changing needs of her clients. If it meant she had to learn something new virtually overnight, that was no barrier. I try to apply her can-do approach to the new challenges I face every day.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: As we grow denser and more efficiently we need to focus on livability and how families can thrive in our vertical communities. High rise family living is a reality in major cities around the world and yet the average unit size in the city has decreased by 20% over the last decades. Size matters!
Secret Talent: I can still recite most of the lines from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
On Championing Others…I didn’t know planning existed as a career when I was in high school so I take any opportunity I can to talk about planning and development to young people. I have had great fun participating in the ULI Urban Plan program in schools across the city
One word that captures you: Thorough
erin June 12th, 2019
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Magic Moment: My PhD defense day is a day I will likely never forget. I recall every moment, and specifically that euphoric moment when my supervisor opened the exam room door and said “Congrats, Dr.” I was bursting into tears and I recall him saying, Diana stop crying, you will make us all cry. Only then I understood what tears of joy mean when you accomplish a milestone after many years of work!
Key Influence: My father Strong will, negotiation, persistence and handwork and importance of networking. His curiosity and continuous inquisitive thinking
My PhD Supervisor: Francis Hartman He taught me to always think outside the box and “Don’t Park Your Brain Outside”. That project management is about people and not only technical aspects. To always remember to have fun in what i do.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Two things:
1- There is a lot of aggregate data around us, and there is a need for deep data analytics in each organization. How can each organization get the buy-in to have a strategy to make use of this data in a more holistic approach and transform it to useful knowledge?1- There is a lot of aggregate data around us, and there is a need for deep data analytics in each organization. How can each organization get the buy-in to have a strategy to make use of this data in a more holistic approach and transform it to useful knowledge?
2- Infrastructure development and transit remain to be a big challenge in our city and although decisions are being made to initiate projects, but implementation does take time. How can we work together around this challenge to make sure what we deliver in few years will meet the expectation of future generations? I feel we are still in catch up phase and struggling to make decisions at the right time.Either way for the above two challenges, not making a decision is a decision by itself!
Secret Talent: Been told by close friends that I have a “poker face” – I always find it interesting cause I don’t play poker, but I also can’t see my face
On Championing Others…I think mentorship is something I slowly appreciated early during my career. As a woman in engineering, you grow to acknowledge that you will likely be the minority early on from university and then you move in a largely male dominated industry. But the advice I also got from a lot of men colleagues has been key to my career navigation and success. I always felt I should give back in return and was keen to share insights to help advance career development for both women and men. I have participated in student chapters and women in project controls initiatives but became more intentional about this as I advanced in my career. Championship, exchange of mentor/mentee relationships and making connections for knowledge transfer and enabling “naturally” became part of my journey.
One word that captures you: Never give up!
erin June 12th, 2019
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Magic Moment: Acceptance to Ivey Business School – hard work, dream big and reach the goals! An interview practice on Ivey Campus in 1985 turned into my love for real estate.
Key Influence: My Dad Survival – swam from China to Hong Kong during war in his teen with $3 in the pocket; Eager to learn – attended English evening school; an Entrepreneur Fortunate to be among high achievers and wisdom -Ivey classmates and High net worth Asian clients, friends and family hardworking, inspirational, keep challenging and striving for personal best, love, supportive
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: AI & Deep Learning
Embrace and approach with small pilots/testing and trials
Secret Talent: Flower arrangements & Karaoke singer
On Championing Others… Accept intern(s) and collaborate with younger industry professionals
One word that captures you: Optimistic
erin June 12th, 2019
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Magic Moment: I was in architecture school when my father, a talented carpenter and wood sculptor, died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 51. Three days before his death he said to me, ‘no matter what you do, be the best that you can be’. I took this to heart and remembered this throughout my entire education and career.
Key Influence: I would say Shiela Penny has been a positive force and an influencer in my career. Shiela is an advocate and pushes for design excellence in the public realm, community involvement in the built environment and sustainable design. What is unique about her is that she leads organizations where these issues can be tremendously challenging because of lack of funding, strong push back and not having the proper collective support. Yet she perseveres with her driving message and moves forward.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Equality of women in real estate, design and construction is a challenge. I think it is critical that women support each other in these industries. Not just taking but giving back, and giving and giving back to women. Women to women. It is a give-and-take and women need to do this to move forward in any industry. I don’t think we are as successful as we need to be at it, but I am optimistic.
On Championing Others… I make an effort to demonstrate leadership by motivating, mentoring, empowering employees and architecture students. I believe in lifelong learning and professional development and am an advocate for harnessing the built environment as a vehicle to support health and well-being. I am LEED AP, WELL AP and now WELL Faculty and teach seminars on the WELL Building Standard across North America.
Secret Talent:
Health and fitness has always been an important part of my life. I have completed several triathlons as well as two marathons Including the Boston marathon. Some might say I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie.
I am also the best pencil sharpener around. For me it is one of life’s simple pleasures, therapeutic, meditative, really. It reminds me of architecture school.
One word that captures you: Passionate
erin July 11th, 2018
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Magic Moment: The day I got early acceptance to the law school of my choice. That made me feel I was going into the right profession and by being accepted early, my confidence was bolstered. It made me think, I can really do this, I can really excel in law.
Key Influence: My father: From him I learned my very strong work ethic and that there is no substitute for putting in the time and effort; hard work every day is necessary to achieve goals
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: More and more multi-use buildings and developments with numerous kinds of buildings or uses in the complex – all of which requires more flexibility in planning. Single purpose buildings are less predominant than in years past. More technology infiltrating and being built into structures which requires us to ditch the fear of technology and understand it.
On Championing Others… I mentor several people in the legal profession and not just those in my firm. I purposely continue to mentor other women I know that are in different firms or now work as in-house legal counsel, who are junior to me. I find we all need the additional support and insight gained from others that have more experience than us in our chosen fi
Secret Talent: I am ambidextrous. Sometimes I switch hands for fun. It only slows me down a little.
One word that captures you: Jokey
erin July 11th, 2018
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Magic Moment: An important ‘magic’ moment for me was being invited to participate with Toronto Community Housing, Alexandra Park and Atkinson Co-Op residents in a celebration to kick-start construction of the new Alexandra Park community. This moment personally represented several years of working in close consultation with the community and stakeholders to develop a master plan that will deliver quality housing, a central park and a new community centre as part of a dynamic district in the city.
Key Influence: When I was making a transition in my career from Social Work to City Design, I read David Harvey’s book ‘Spaces of Capital’, which speaks to the relationship between geography, politics, power and space. I was lucky enough to be taught by him at LSE and in fact, devoted by thesis to exploring homelessness from the lens of another one of his books – ‘Spaces of Hope’. The tenets of this learning inform my work today – which is focused on Housing and Mobility – two critical aspects that are central to planning and designing for intensification.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: In the context of working within one of the most rapidly growing regions in North America – most of it anticipated through immigration – we need to be proactive and responsive to provide choice in where people live, how they move around and how we will do so as good stewards of our planet. Problem solving these big topics through design can absolutely be impactful.
On Championing Others… We have a diverse team of planners, designers and architects at WW+P. One focus of my work is to sustain an environment where we celebrate personal strengths and expand professional capacity. Our approach starts with people. We talk to people, we listen to people, we connect to people and we create design solutions for people.
One word that captures you: Candid
erin July 11th, 2018
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Magic Moment: After planning school, my (unexpected) first job was in industrial policy, which made me think about the connections between economic drivers, urban change and city planning – a theme that is still central to my work today as a city planner.
Key Influence: I’m indebted to writers, thinkers and analysts who help us understand fundamentally how and why cities change and evolve the way they do, often in ways that aren’t so obvious – urbanists like Jane Jacobs, David Harvey, Michael Storper, Donald Shoup and many others.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: In the last few years, we’ve entered a time of unprecedented technological, social and economic change, fundamentally reshaping how our cities are growing and evolving. We need a really good understanding of these drivers in order to develop effective, new and improved planning, policy and other responses to keep our cities livable, sustainable and productive.
erin July 11th, 2018
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