Join BEAT and SOSA (Society to South Asian Architects, Canada), as we collaborate and host our first MIX of 2023 at the EQ3 showroom.
At this //MIX We are looking to have a discussion on different career trajectories of architecture professionals. Hence, the theme “Architecture professional! Where are they now?”
BEAT X SOSA // MIX will include five Featured Guests from various sectors in the construction industry. All Guests have an educational background in architecture and have successfully transitioned into senior roles in various sectors such as Government, Real Estate Development, University, Project Management and Construction. At this //MIX, we want to encourage a discussion focused on the diverse opportunities available for those with an architecture background.
Our featured guests include:
- Johanna Stille, OAA, M. Arch., B. Arch. Sc. | Senior Planner, University of Toronto, Mississauga
- Mehrdad Kolour, OAA, M. Arch., B. Arch. E.| Manager of Technology, Matheson Constructors
- Mélisa Audet, OAA, M. Arch., B. Sc. Arch. | Manager, Practice Advisory Services, OAA
- Vaibhav Jain, B. Arch., MDes | Development Manager, Marlin Spring
- Vishal Sawlani, B. Arch., M. Sc. | Director – Project Management, CBRE
Building Equality in Architecture (BEA) exists to initiate change, building momentum to create a shift in the profession. As a group dedicated to enabling great architects to do great work, we understand that each of us must contribute to our fullest. Design excellence, diversity and equity are therefore not mutually exclusive.
Society of South Asian Architects, Canada (SOSA) is a not-for-profit organization that embraces and aims to promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the professions of architecture and design. SOSA was established in 2021 by a small group of architects who identified the need for a community-based professional organization to represent the interests of South Asian architecture and design professionals in Canada. Our mission is to support our communities by creating opportunities for networking, advocacy, mentorship, education, and outreach.
EQ3
In a world of excess, EQ3 is focused on a new way forward—one that values quality and never compromises on craft. They own the means of their production to keep costs fair and prices honest, as they believe by making enduring designs, they can leave a lighter footprint. Aligned with their mission to create timeless designs that honour the people who make them and the places they’re made, EQ3’s talented artisans are masters of craft, focusing on creating with longevity in mind to produce functional forms that are inherently non-disposable—ensuring a more beautiful future.
Featured Guests Bios:
Johanna Stille, OAA, M. Arch., B. Arch. Sc.
Senior Planner, University of Toronto, Mississauga
Sector – University
Johanna is a Senior Planner in the Facilities Management and Planning Department at the University of Toronto Mississauga with 14+ years of experience in Canada and abroad. Johanna has a passion for impacting people through thoughtful, well planned, design that promotes a sense of belonging, community, equity, and diversity. Past projects at UTM include planning the Office for the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation, Outer-Circle Recording Studio, and multiple classrooms and research laboratories.
Prior to her position at UTM, Johanna was an Architect at RAW Design in Toronto and bbp Architekten in Kiel, Germany, as well as a Designer at Dubbeldam Architecture + Design and Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects. Her project portfolio in consulting covers a wide range of typologies including the Helicopter Airport and Administration Building for the Federal Police Squadron in Oberschleissheim, Germany, The Milton Sports and Recreation Centre, and several boutique homes, mid and high-rise condominiums.
Johanna is a registered Architect with the Ontario Association of Architects and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto (2009) and a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Ryerson University (2003). She has been a guest critic at the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and guest speaker at the Toronto Society of Architects.
Mehrdad Kolour, OAA, M. Arch., B. Arch. E.
Manager of Technology, Matheson Constructors
Sector – Construction
Mehrdad is a Manager of Technology and a licensed OAA architect with a wealth of knowledge in the intersection of technology, construction, and architecture. With a focus on large-scale projects in sectors such as ICI, residential, and healthcare, Mehrdad has developed a strong skill set in using the latest tools and technologies to optimize project efficiency and quality. His expertise extends to managing complex BIM models, integrating information from multiple disciplines, existing conditions, and point cloud data.
Prior to joining Matheson Constructors, Mehrdad held positions as a regional BIM manager and architect at several renowned architectural firms across Canada and the US. With a dedication to delivering high-quality work and a passion for utilizing technology to enhance architectural design, Mehrdad Kolour continues to make a significant impact on the industry.
Mélisa Audet, OAA, M. Arch., B. Sc. Arch.
Manager, Practice Advisory Services, OAA
Sector - Government
Mélisa is a licensed architect in Ontario with over 18 years of post-graduate experience in architectural design, construction, and project management. Since 2019, she is the manager of Practice Advisory Services at the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and works alongside practice advisors to coordinate the delivery for a broad range of practice services that support architectural firms and the public. Mélisa obtained both her Bachelor of Sciences and Master of Architecture from McGill University in Montreal. In 2014, she completed her certificate in project management (construction) from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Fully bilingual (French and English), Mélisa has acquired extensive project experiences working with private practices in Toronto and Montreal, Federal Government Agencies, as well as with working at a construction management firm. She brings practical insight from different points of view from our industry.
She got elected and joined the OAA’s Council in 2017 and was the Vice President of Regulatory from 2018 to 2019. Mélisa was also an active member of the McGill Alumni Board of Directors in Toronto from 2014 to 2018 as well as the Toronto Society of Architects from 2017 to 2018. She has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity GTA chapter.
Vaibhav Jain, B. Arch., MDes
Development Manager, Marlin Spring
Sector – Real Estate Development
Vaibhav is a Real Estate professional with a background in business and design, with over fifteen years of experience in collaborating across multiple lines of businesses. Vaibhav’s expertise is in project / design management and real estate development strategy of different asset classes across Canada, US, Asia, and Middle East. Vaibhav moved to Canada in 2019 and is currently working at Marlin Spring as a Development Manager overseeing high-rise condo developments in the GTA. Before this role, Vaibhav worked at RE Development in US and India, and worked as an Architect for a Scottish firm based out of Hong Kong.
Vaibhav is trained as an Architect from the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi and completed his Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from Harvard University, Graduate School of Design. Vaibhav strongly believes in the philosophy of ‘design is the new business horizontal’ and views development through the lens of design and finance. In his spare time, he enjoys reading Manga and kayaking in summers.
Vishal Sawlani, B. Arch., M. Sc.
Director – Project Management, CBRE
Sector – Project Management
Vishal is a Director of CBRE’s Project Management Services in Central Canada and is responsible for leading the business development efforts, developing client solutions, and ensuring outstanding service delivery and value creation for Clients. An Architect by background, he has 10+ years of experience in Canada, the Middle East, and Asia and has worked on corporate offices, retail malls, mixed-use developments, high-rise towers, entertainment centers, and residential housing projects.