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?
I'm Chef Tammy Maki. I'm the CEO/Owner and Executive Pastry Chef at Raven Rising-Global Indigenous Chocolates.
2. What excites you about living in the Sudbury area?
I love that I'm so close to some of the most beautiful lakes and parks in Canada. It's an easy drive to Fairbanks Provincial Park for an awesome day of swimming and bbq.
3. What makes Sudbury “home” for you?
My family makes this my home. I have 6 grandchildren, my daughter, and son-in-law, and a couple of my brothers. My father built a home in what used to be Waters township decades ago and started an electrical contracting company. He's passed away, but the company he started is still in operation with a different owner.
4. What’s your favourite building or structure in the city? Why?
I really like the outward appearance of the School of Architecture and the Place D-Arts. It's lovely to see some new and well-designed buildings downtown. However, I adore the inside of my own shop. It's history as it was the entrance to the Capitol Theater that was built in the 1930s. It has the original travertine floor and the ceilings are original. I think it's the most beautiful place and it makes me love to create.
5. What is Sudbury’s best kept secret?
I think it's all the small businesses in the downtown core. The downtown has gone and continues to go through some challenges, but if you're not part of the solution... and you know the rest. Some super unique shops and great owners here. Free parking on the weekend!