When we started our special blOAAg series “Women in Architecture - Ontario” our goal was to recognize the contributions of women, past and present, to Ontario’s built environment and the architectural profession. For the past few weeks we have shared the stories of some of the first women to enter the profession in Ontario and some of the statistics of where we are today regarding gender parity within the profession. During this last week of the series, we shift our focus and put the spotlight on some current practitioners that are making important contributions to our built environment.

Our first profile is an interview with Alison Hannay (BES BArch OAA MRAIC LEED®AP(BD+C)), Principal at Cornerstone Architecture Incorporated. This interview, prepared by architect Alana Young, has a particular personal touch since Alison was Alana’s OAA Mentor during her internship.

Once you graduated, how did you start your career?

I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1991 and returned to London just as a recession was rolling in.

Richard Hammond had just started Cornerstone Architecture and felt that I would be a good fit, as we had previously worked together during one of my work terms. Even during a recession, Richard and I were able to get the firm up and running, and within six or seven years I made associate and eventually partner.

I attribute my early success to Richard, as he gave me the freedom to explore my notions of architecture and to take the lead on several projects. There was no question of being a female architect. It was just a matter of being a good architect.

The company has come a long way since our humble beginnings, now managing an office of 16-20 staff steadily in the last five years. The office (now entering its 25th year in business) is pre-qualified by four school boards - not an easy feat, and taking on more challenging and interesting design work every day.

You’re only as good as your last project; you can’t rest on your laurels in the world of architecture - you’ve got to constantly push forward and work hard. People will know if you aren’t because word gets around in small communities!

Stoney Creek Public School

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since finishing school?

Patience is a big one, simply put.

It is important to re-evaluate and re-assess your position regularly. Architecture and the people, who use it, are constantly changing and evolving and as an architect you must keep up.

Whenever you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t!

Truly working in collaboration - really understanding where someone is coming from, as a way into understanding how best to serve them through architecture. If you make a real effort to understand others their intentions will come through, and the project will be better for it.

What is your most significant project and why?

I tend to think of the individual clients first. Many of Cornerstone Architecture’s projects are born out of relationships with people in the public sector and not-for-profit organizations. I believe the relationships I build with those clients, seeing first hand their dedication and commitment to their communities is inspiring and motivational, and is just as valuable as the end project.

One project that does stand out is the Clare Hall and Mercato at Brescia University College, Canada’s only all women’s university. For me, it was an honour to be selected and a big act of faith on the part of the committee. The project finished construction in 2013, and was completed in collaboration with Perkins + Will Architects.

Brescia University College

What do you see as the biggest challenges in the coming years for architecture (and women in architecture)?

For women it is still a challenge to find that “work-life” balance, especially with children. While you have a strong desire to be with your kids, you have a strong commitment and dedication to your work. For me it is most important to remain true to both, and in the process I have found that my kids are proud of me and the work that I do for the larger community.

Generally in architecture, there is an ever present struggle to value the service of architecture. There is a lot of distrust and a lack of understanding of what exactly architects do, and are capable of. We need to find a way to change minds.

Words of Wisdom for young architects?

As an architect it is important to always imagine the other person’s perspective and respond to their perspective. For example - understand the pressure your client is under to report to a larger board, or community, or try to appreciate the experience of working with an architect for the first time and feeling the pressure to get everything right. A lot of communication works better when you can empathize with your client and build a relationship of trust and respect.

Middlesex Centre Wellness & Recreation Centre