In anticipation of the OAA’s 2023 Conference, Designing for Dignity,
we reached out to local folks from across the Sudbury region to share
what they think makes it a great place to live, work, and play. In our
‘Faces of Sudbury’ series, we share their responses, in their own words.
These personal reflections shed light
on the richness of the region, and celebrate the many facets that will
be showcased at the bespoke Conference event in June. For the first
time, the OAA is holding its annual conference at the gateway to
Northern Ontario—a place of resource extraction and regeneration, of
remoteness and richness, of communities and design challenges. The
setting prompts us to have new conversations as well as to learn from
and collaborate with local communities about the role the profession
must play in supporting dignity for all.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Amber Salach, and I am a mom of 2 children (Emerson who is 1 and Everly who is 6 years old), a wife to an awesome fella and father named Matthew. I am a Sudburian at heart, an architect and partner at Bélanger Salach Architecture.
2. What excites you about living in the Sudbury area?
Sudbury may not scream EXCITEMENT from a city attraction perspective, but for those who are curious, it truly is an exciting place. The scale of Sudbury is perfect exploring our incredible landscapes, while still being in the City.
3. What makes Sudbury “home” for you?
Other than an international stint away for 4 years when I was a kid, I’ve spent a good portion of my life here. My formidable school age and high school years were busy doing elementary school science fair projects on the harmful effects of the smokestack, downhill skiing in the heart of the City, frequenting Science North, bussing it from Azilda to Downtown to hang out. This City has always been my “stomping ground”. I went away to Carleton University for my Bachelor of Architectural Studies and my M.Arch and eagerly moved back here to start my Architectural Internship at the firm I am now a partner in today. Now I am able to help shape the architectural landscape here. I have a kinship with Sudbury, my home.
4. What’s your favourite building or structure in the city? Why?
At the moment, Place des Arts. Yes, I was one of the architects on the project, but this building is creating a place for culture, arts, entertainment in Downtown Sudbury. There are many unexpected surprises in the building that add to the intrigue, history, and richness of the spaces. PLUS, its totally clad in Weathering Steel (Corten)! How cool is that and how cool is it to have a client that enthusiastically embraced all design aspects with a keen interest in integrating their Francophone stories and history into the design.
5. What is Sudbury’s best kept secret?
Oh, there are many gems here in Sudbury, but to try and pick one, I will distill it down to the of the homes of Architect, Art Townend; one of the founding members of our firm almost 60 years ago!