Fueled by living in many cities in not-so-many years, my work merges research in critical urban theory, geography, and architecture. Rather than prescribing an aesthetic, I develop non-linear methodologies that engage the socioeconomic complexities of diverse contexts in order to calibrate precise, yet territorial, design and research projects. I'm particularly interested in how architectural forms act as urban devices (both products and catalysts) to crystallize global economic trends and exaggerate specific cultural juxtapositions in second-tier cities. This focus helps me to relate the production of urban space in such seemingly unrelated cities as my native Toronto, current home Rotterdam, and Johannesburg, Seoul, and Marseille where she has conducted projects.
A focus on relational rather than categorical frameworks evolved from work in emerging contexts, particularly in Johannesburg’s informal settlements with The Global Studio (2009) and 26’10 South Architects (2010) and on institutional projects in Haiti and Africa with MASS Design Group (2011-2012). I holds a post-graduate degree from The Berlage Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture and Urban Design and a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo for which, among other awards, I received the AIA Henry Adams Medal, RAIC Student Honour Roll and was nominated for the Prix de Rome for Emerging Practitioners.
I work with multiple forms of communication (film, cartography, newspaper, text etc) as a means to critique the methods and intentions of representing architectural research. My work has been published in Bracket, The Funambulist, Site Magazine, and T18 and exhibited in Toronto, Rotterdam, Johannesburg, Zurich and Seoul.
Archaeological Services Inc., Architecture Consultant
Frundgallina, Neuchatel, Switzerland, Stagiaire
The Berlage Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture and Urban Design, Masters, Urban Design
University of Waterloo, Bachelors, Architecture
Honours, Co-operative Program, Graduated with Distinction
Canada Council for the Arts Prix de Rome for Emerging Practitioners, Nomination
American Institute of Architects Henry Adams Medal, Award
Top ranking graduate student and outstanding thesis work
Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Student Honour Roll, Award
Top 10% academic standing in graduate program
Canadian Architect Student Award of Excellence, Nomination
For outstanding thesis work
Master 1 Studio Design Award, Award
For excellence in thesis preparation studio
Urban Strategies Ltd. Design Award, Award
For excellence in thesis research
University of Waterloo Graduate Award, Scholarship
Entrance scholarship for exceptional M.Arch applicant
LAMP Lighting Solutions, 1st Place
For Buoyant Light
Fondation Concept Lumiere Urbaine, 2nd Place
For Buoyant Light
International VELUX Award, Honorable Mention
For Buoyant Light
Kavelmann Fonn Award, Scholarship
For participation in 2009 Global Studio Johannesburg
