B+H Architects

Imagine an architect with a vision for sustainable development. What qualities or characteristics come to mind? What factors might have influenced your perception of this person? To Melissa Mazik, Associate Architect at B+H, a leader in sustainable developments has a deep passion for change and a clear understanding of the real-world impact of their projects. 💬 "This architect is driven by a commitment to sustainability, always seeking to innovate and collaborate in ways that break design barriers, creating spaces that not only serve the architecture but also respect and enhance their surrounding context. They have a strong sense of compassion and prioritize the well-being of the users, ensuring that their designs improve lives in meaningful ways." To us, Melissa is the perfect example of a leader in sustainable developments. 💬 “My approach to sustainable design focuses on creating spaces with intention, ensuring they have a meaningful relationship with their surrounding context.” This International Women's Day and beyond, we encourage everyone to explore what influences these initial impressions and celebrate the diverse leaders who embody these qualities. ➡️ Read more about how Melissa aims to further #AccelerateAction. https://brnw.ch/21wRkme #IWD2025 #CelebrateWomen #EmpowerFutureLeaders #BreakTheBias #InternationalWomensDay #InclusiveFuture #EmpowerWomen #IWD #WomenInLeadership #WomeninArchitecture #WomeninDesign

We’re so excited to participate in this year’s Canstruction Toronto competition! As you may know, CANstruction is an annual design and build competition where architecture and engineering firms from around the world create large-scale structures entirely out of canned goods (yes, cans!). Once the competition is complete, all the cans will be donated to Daily Bread Food Bank, the largest provider of food relief in the GTA. To bring our concept to life, we need your support! Our design, titled "CANadian Food," celebrates Canada's identity and promotes local products. We would greatly appreciate your support in helping us purchase cans and materials at the link below. 🥫 Support the CANstruction initiative to help those in need and raise awareness about food insecurity: https://lnkd.in/gN8m58fg A big shout out to the B+H Design Team leading this initiative! Stephanie Maignan, Ogulnabat Jumayeva, Kurin Qianhui Wang, Cid Anthony Santos, Emily Manasc, Esteban Poveda

Imagine an Urban Designer building the Future of our Cities . What qualities or characteristics come to mind? What factors might have influenced your perception of this person? To Celine Li, Urban Designer at B+H, a leader in urban design should be a critical thinker and creative problem solver. 💬 "An urban designer should challenge conventional planning approaches to break the status quo and integrating the unique characteristics of each site into thoughtful, place-based solutions. Above all, they should have a deep commitment to humanity and the environment, shaping sustainable and resilient communities and cities for the future." To us, Celine is the perfect example of an urban designer building the future of our cities. 💬 "I like the opportunities to work on a variety of unique projects with multiple disciplines, whether it’s landscape design or urban design, community consultation or research. There was a time when I was doing research for indigenous projects, every day I was absorbing tons of articles and films illustrating the local indigenous culture and the bond between people to nature, and that process felt like a spiritual retreat, I was so fortunate to be part of it." As we continue our International Women’s Day spotlights this week, we encourage everyone to explore what influences these initial impressions and celebrate the diverse leaders who embody these qualities. ➡️ Read more about how Celine aims to further #AccelerateAction. https://brnw.ch/21wRiC3 #IWD2025 #CelebrateWomen #EmpowerFutureLeaders #BreakTheBias #InternationalWomensDay #InclusiveFuture #EmpowerWomen #IWD #WomeninDesign

What Makes Design Inclusive or Exclusive? Understanding the nuances of inclusive design requires diverse voices. The OALA J.E.D.I. Committee, with Gail Shillingford as co-host, recently facilitated a significant discussion where Black professionals offered critical insights into how design can either include or exclude. They explored the impact of representation, work processes, community engagement, and policy creation. A key theme emerged: the importance of universal design. By prioritizing the needs of those with the least access, we can create spaces that are comfortable and accessible for all. Understanding lived experiences from this perspective, and confronting our potential biases, is crucial. "For the OALA J.E.D.I. event, we intentionally brought together professionals from various design disciplines, including an architect, engineer, planner, and municipal urban designer, to participate in the panel discussion. Our goal is to emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and community engagement. By sharing our diverse experiences and perspectives, we can collectively address the challenges of creating welcoming, inclusive environments.” - Gail Shillingford Read more about it: https://brnw.ch/21wRhAp A special shout out to the OALA J.E.D.I Committee members who facilitated this important conversation! OALA J.E.D.I. Committee Hosts: Gail Shillingford & Zara Brown Moderator: Kaari Kitawi, OALA, Senior Urban Designer at the City of Toronto Panelists: Aimee Powell, RPP, MCIP, Chief Planning Officer at Powell Planning & Associates Thandi M., Structural Designer at Jablonsky, Ast and Partners Shane Laptiste, Principal Architect at the Studio of Contemporary Architecture

Imagine a designer leading a client meeting . What qualities or characteristics come to mind? What factors might have influenced your perception of this person? To Catherine Cho, Senior Interior Designer at B+H, a leader in Interior Design is someone who is confident, articulate, and knowledgeable. 💬 "I see someone who is confident, articulate and knowledgeable, and can seamlessly balance creativity with practicality. They are strong communicators and problem-solvers who inspire trust, guide discussions with clarity, and ensure design solutions are both beautiful and functional." As a Senior Interior Designer, Catherine believes that every element in a space should be intentional. 💬 “Whether it’s lighting, materials, or layout. A well-designed space isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it should also enhance functionality, comfort, and the overall experience of the people who use it.” To us, Catherine is the perfect example of a designer leading a client meeting. When you hear the phrase “Imagine a designer leading a client meeting,” what did the person you imagined look like? What traits did they have? As we continue our International Women’s Day spotlights this week, we encourage everyone to explore what influences these initial impressions and celebrate the diverse leaders who embody these qualities. ➡️ Read more about how Catherine aims to further #AccelerateAction. https://brnw.ch/21wRh2S #IWD2025 #CelebrateWomen #BreakTheBias #InternationalWomensDay #WomeninDesign

Imagine a landscape architect shaping the world around us . What qualities or characteristics come to mind? What factors might have influenced your perception of this person? To Shan Yang, OALA, CSLA, Senior Landscape Architect at B+H, the industry is evolving. As we continue to challenge some traditional perceptions, we open the door for more voices to be heard and for landscapes that truly reflect the diverse world we live in. 💬 "When I hear this phrase, the first image that comes to mind is Maya Lin—studying the land, running her hands over a topographical map, sketching ideas for the VVM that are deeply rooted in both history and emotion. Throughout my academic and professional career, I have seen firsthand how diverse voices bring new ways of thinking about space, materials, and storytelling. Many of the most inspiring landscape architects I know, and young designers I work with—are women and individuals from different backgrounds who are redefining what leadership looks like in this field." To us, Shan is the perfect example of a landscape architect shaping the world around us. As we continue our International Women’s Day spotlights this week, we encourage everyone to explore what influences these initial impressions and celebrate the diverse leaders who embody these qualities. ➡️ Read more about how Shan aims to further #AccelerateAction. https://brnw.ch/21wRfa5

Imagine a leader innovating healthcare architecture and planning. What qualities or characteristics come to mind? What factors might have influenced your perception of this person? To Michele Cohen, M. ARCH, OAA, LEED AP, EDAC, National Principal of Healthcare at B+H, a leader innovating healthcare architecture and planning, likely has a clear and forward-thinking vision for the future of healthcare design. 💬 “They should be empathetic to understand and prioritize the emotional and physical needs of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. They should be committed to using cutting-edge design strategies and technologies like simulation and VR to improve healthcare environments. They work well with a diverse team of professionals. They should support and mentor colleagues, fostering a culture of growth and development.” To us, Michele is the perfect example of a leader innovating healthcare architecture and planning. 💬 ”I am proud to have established myself as an architect in the healthcare design industry and as a thought leader in hospital design. Additionally, I take great pride in having mentored many of my colleagues. I am especially proud of the behavioral/mental health spaces I have completed in my hospital projects and the positive impact on the patients and staff.” As we continue our International Women’s Day spotlights this week, we encourage everyone to explore what influences these initial impressions and celebrate the diverse leaders who embody these qualities. ➡️ Read more about how Michele aims to further #AccelerateAction https://brnw.ch/21wRecR #IWD2025 #CelebrateWomen #BreakTheBias #InternationalWomensDay #InclusiveFuture #EmpowerWomen #IWD #WomenInLeadership #WomeninArchitecture

As we look forward to International Women's Day this March 8th, we're filled with admiration for the remarkable contributions of women worldwide, and especially those at B+H. This year's #AccelerateAction theme reminds us that while we've made strides, true equality requires bolder steps. We're dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every woman's talent shines. Wishing you all a Happy International Women’s Day on March 8 and stay tuned as we share stories of our talented women and celebrate their dedication, innovation, and passion. #IWD2025 #CelebrateWomen #EmpowerFutureLeaders #BreakTheBias #InternationalWomensDay #InclusiveFuture #EmpowerWomen #IWD #WomenInLeadership #WomeninArchitecture #WomeninDesign

Last weekend, I had an incredible experience as a keynote speaker at the The Hong Kong Institute of Architects HKIA Belt and Road International Symposium 2025. My topic focused on "Designing for the Future: Navigating Change with Strategic Thinking," to address the ever-evolving “wicked problems” that define our field. As architects and designers, we continually face challenges that do not have simple solutions. In these situations, strategic thinking combined with diverse collaboration becomes essential. I shared examples from our B+H Architects projects, including the SickKids Patient Support Centre and the conceptual 101 Milestone Tower, to illustrate how we can transform complexity into opportunity through a multidisciplinary approach within the SJ Group. I had an amazing time reconnecting with our colleagues from B+H and SJ in #HongKong and seeing new and familiar faces from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. Thank you again for inviting me to this keynote opportunity. Let’s continue the conversation about how we can work together to address these challenges and shape the future of architecture. Simon Chan Alan Cheung Cho Fai Ma Ken, Kin Tsang Andy Lee Colin Chung Barry Day #Architecture #HKIA #WickedProblems #Collaboration #FutureOfDesign #RealImpactMadeTogether