Magic Moment: While there have been several great moments in my career to reflect on, the ones that count the most are the ones where I persevered through the difficult times and got back up when knocked down – to the applause of my peers.
Key Influence:
Robert Lehman: Bob always reminded me to maintain a balanced approach to problem solving – no idea is ever wrong and no answer is ever the only one
My Mother: Work hard and always keep learning.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I think our biggest challenge is managing growth and in doing so changing the way the public thinks about growth in our cities. We need to do more to instil positive views towards change and shape a more positive public engagement.
On Championing Others… I continue to mentor young men and women both through my work and through teaching. Sharing knowledge and teaching them from my experience. I also want to continue to learn from them.
Secret Talent: I love fly fishing.
One word that captures you: Committed.
erin July 11th, 2018
Posted In:
Magic Moment: Reaching out to ask advice on how to handle an issue, resulted in my being offered a job at a better firm.
Key Influence: My father – question every assumption.
Morty Gross – look at things as interesting problems
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: As a city – dealing with transportation issues. We need to address vehicular gridlock and continue to add/facilitate transportation options like Car to Go; Zipcar; bike shares (and safe bike lanes!).
On Championing Others… Informal mentoring to support their career development and to open their eyes to alternative ways to proceed and act.
Secret Talent: I make darn fine butter tarts. But word is spreading!
One word that captures you: Resilient
erin July 11th, 2018
Posted In:
Magic Moment: Beyond graduate school, MANY moments – gleaned from amazing client / consultant leaders, have helped hone my business acumen. While motherhood strengthened my patience and empathy, travel inspired awareness and creativity, it was curiosity about the success of business and cities, which drove me to be a continuous student. As innovators, we have the rare opportunity to voyeur into global companies / developments / cities, understand drivers and create effective solutions. I cannot think of a more rewarding career.
Key Influence:
Wayne Peacock / President, USAA P&C: As a young RE leader, Wayne taught me that EVERY encounter is an opportunity. Be prepared, treat everyone as a client, and remember success for one is success for all.
Robin Klehr-Avia / Gensler, Mng. Principal: Face each day, every issue with a “can do” attitude. Challenges are there to be resolved.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Global climate change and carbon footprint are having an enormous impact not only on Canadian cities, but on the precious resources across these vast lands. We need to look very long, far past political ebb and flow, to guide the course now for future generations. ULI / WLI can help create the forum and the connection for this vital effort.
On Championing Others… Lead by example – sponsor, encourage, mentor and motivate – through the creation of classes/programs in practice, management and leadership, and by involvement in local chapters of global programs such as “Lean In”, I have made an attempt to pay forward, in honor of the wonderful mentors who always had an open door for me.
Secret Talent: I can tie a great bow! For black tie events bearing gifts, I have it all “wrapped up”.
One word that captures you: Tenacious
erin July 11th, 2018
Posted In:
Magic Moment: November 2015- Niall Haggart, EVP at The Daniels Corpration, called to ask if I would be interested in returning to work at Daniels following almost 15 years at home raising my children. I feel so fortunate to have resumed my career with my work experiences bookending my time with my family. My message to anyone who decides to pause their career is that you can do so and successfully return to work- maintain your network of contacts and you never know who may champion your return to work!
Key Influence: There are many people, junior and senior to me, all of whom embodied qualities that I admired and tried to adopt to make me a better professional. Of note, Niall Haggart at Daniels who has championed me and supported my career in so many ways, including returning to work part-time after the birth of my first son.
Key lessons: always ask as many questions as possible; dig deep to understand; be open to taking on tasks that at first seem beyond your purview- you will be pleasantly surprised by what you will learn.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Affordable housing- This is personal for me; how will my teenaged children be able to afford housing in Toronto? It is on every one of us to determine how we can contribute to providing affordable housing and act on it, rather than paying it lip service. This will require creativity and collaboration to find solutions.
On Championing Others… I am often contacted by young people interested in a career in real estate development and I always take the time to meet with them and share my passion and enthusiasm. I remember those who met with me when I was starting out- now it is time to pay it forward.
Secret Talent: I have none – no secrets here!
One word that captures you: Tenacious
erin July 11th, 2018
Posted In:
Magic Moment: I had been working for over 25 years for an institutional design firm when I met a free-spirited and fearless person who taught me to follow my instincts rather than “best practices” which never create anything new.
Key Influence: Will Alsop and Rod Robbie. I worked for both of them and they couldn’t have been more different than one another but both shared great senses of humour and lust for life lived to the full.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: More integration through BIM (Building Information Management). Do away with the blame mindset of the construction industry of the past.
Secret Talent: I was a majorette in high school and can still twirl a baton.
On Championing Others… Growing up in a household that never differentiated between what men and women could do, I always took it for granted that I could do what I wanted and ended up in the male-dominated industries of live music and architecture. I’ve never thought of myself as a female designer, but simply a designer. I encourage those that I mentor to be clear and unequivocal in their communication.
One word that captures you: Direct. (depending on your perspective, substitute rude)
erin November 21st, 2017
Posted In:
Margie is the Founder and President of Urbanspace Property Group – a mission-driven developer whose first project: 401 Richmond contains a vibrant and diverse urban community of artists and cultural entrepreneurs, located in the old garment district of downtown Toronto. Her Robertson Building project (215 Spadina) gave birth to the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) in 2004. She is also the Co-founder of, Jane’s Walk, Centre for City Ecology, and the Urbanspace Gallery. Margie was awarded the Jane Jacobs Prize in 2003, established to honour Toronto residents who are actively contributing to Toronto’s vibrancy, the Order of Ontario, and the Best Friend of the Arts, from Toronto Untitled Arts Awards. She has also received Lifetime Achievement awards from Sustainable Buildings Canada and the Canadian Urban Institute.
erin November 21st, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: My magic moment was when I took on responsibility for leading my first development. I was both nervous and excited. It was a complex project – very green and affordable, in the face of significant skepticism about how to do both. I knew in that moment that the project was going to demand alot of me to deliver the project and I made a commitment to myself that I would rise to the occasion whatever it took to make the project a success.
Key Influence: My first boss, Brian Holley, was a major influencer. Through him I learned to give people the space to grow, to develop, to try things, to push their limits and the permission to make mistakes and most importantly the opportunity to learn from them.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Of course I have to say affordable housing! We need to change the conversation to see housing as infrastructure, vital to the lifeblood of the city like transit, pipes, streets. It requires investment and we need to be more creative about where that comes from – seeking sources outside of government. We also need exploring new forms and design approaches.
On Championing Others… I think we all want to do work we care about and are proud of. I seek keen, passionate people to work with and when I meet someone like that I actively work to connect them to opportunities.
Secret Talent: Dancing with ambiguity.
One word that captures you: Pragmatic idealist.
erin November 21st, 2017
Posted In:
Magic Moment: My magic moments come from my clients. When they tell me how grateful they are for the work I’ve done, I feel wonderful!
Key Influence: My very first boos was the most difficult person I’ve ever worked with. It was a highly unpleasant experience! But once I left her, I realized how much she had taught me about hard work and persistence through difficulties.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Public transit is the biggest challenge facing the GTA. The productivity and liveability of our entire region is suffering due to the lack of connectivity and bandwidth in our public transit systems.
Secret Talent: I sing in a concert choir.
On Championing Others… I really enjoy working with young people in the industry, particularly young women, and watching them grow in strength and knowledge.
One word that captures you: Strong.
erin November 21st, 2017
Posted In:
