Toronto Society of Architects

Writing a specification is about understanding design intent and the specific project requirements to tailor your documents.📝✍️ To create well-organized, legible, and consistent documents you must prioritize format, grammar, and language, and understand the properties of the products you employ—critical to ensuring your projects are compliant to local codes and standards. Join us online at 12:00 noon E.S.T. on Tuesday, November 12 for our next TSA Technical Lecture with Kiyoshi Kuroiwa and Natasha Brin of the Toronto Chapter of Construction Specifications Canada | Devis de Construction Canada as we take a closer look at exactly what goes into the process of writing a specification. Together, we’ll learn how to identify the three different types of specifications and the importance of a clear and concise specification based on language. The CSC team will review how procurement methods and the general requirements (Divisions 00 - 01) impact the contract, minimizing risk and creating a well coordinated and tailored contract document. After this session, attendees will better understand how to develop high quality specification documents for your projects with the help of industry experts. This lecture series is ideal for emerging professionals looking to better understand the role of specifications and practicing professionals looking for a refresher on specifications fundamentals and best practices. As always, this lecture is open to everyone and is FREE for TSA Members! It is also eligible for 1 Structured Learning Hour with the Ontario Association of Architects. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gjG2Rk7z The TSA Technical Lecture Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of ROCKWOOL North America. #TorontoSocietyofArchitects #architecture #architects #specifications #constructiondocuments #continuingeducation #professionaldevelopment

Well, well well…the wait is finally over! The TSA BASH —Toronto’s architectural community’s biggest (and dare we say best?) annual celebration— is back!!🎉🎉 Join us on Friday, November 29 at The Well for THE architecture party of the year. A long-established tradition, our annual year-end BASH is an opportunity for the GTA’s architecture and design community to come together and celebrate in unique spaces across our city. No two years are alike, with a new featured venue chosen every year and the party tailored to highlight the space. And for 2024, we are excited to be bringing the party to none other than The Well–Toronto’s largest building project of the last 20 years! Tickets are now on sale and include all drinks, passed hors d'oeuvres, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of The Well, so make sure to get yours before they're gone: https://lnkd.in/gbcZsMje TSA Members: Make sure to use your members-only promotional code (on your Member Dashboard or in the latest TSA Bulletin) for more than 50% off the regular ticket price! Want to support the work of the TSA, get some free tickets and have your brand seen by thousands of architects and designers across the GTA? It is not too late to sign up to be a sponsor! Sponsorship provides year-round visibility for 12 months after signing up and most levels include tickets and visibility at the BASH. The 2024 TSA BASH is made possible by Bar Sponsor Blackwell and Venue Sponsors (and the architects of The Well!) Hariri Pontarini Architects, Adamson Associates Architects and BDP Quadrangle. The BASH's graphic identity has been developed by our friends at Entro. #TSABASH2024 #TSABASH24 #TSABASH #architecture #torontosocietyofarchitects #torontoarchitecture #architectsparty #partylikeanarchitect

After 4 amazing days at the Toronto International Film Festival Lightbox full of film screenings, Q&As, panel discussions, and even a walking tour, the 6th annual Architecture & Design Film Festival Toronto has come to a close.🎬 In what was perhaps the best edition of the festival yet, this year’s event featured 16 thought-provoking films from across the globe including the world premiere of “Arthur Erickson: Beauty Between the Lines” and the Canadian premiere of several other titles including crowd-favourites “Stardust” and “Schindler Space Architect”. The films were complemented by numerous Q&As and panel discussions, including three post-screening reflections organized by the TSA, as well as a free TSA walking tour of the Entertainment District made possible by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. We want to take a moment to say thank you to all those who made ADFF Toronto possible, including the hundreds of attendees that came out to support the festival and our amazing panelists and moderators who brought such insightful post-screening conversations. We also want to give a special shout out to our event volunteers who welcomed attendees and answered their many questions, and to our TSA Programming Coordinator Rebecca Pike for the smooth running of this partnership event. A shout out as well to the TSA Film Committee led by Ralph Holmes for all the behind-the-scenes work of screening films and putting together this year’s panels, and to ADFF’s presenting sponsor EVENTSCAPE for their commitment to making architecture more accessible to all. Last but certainly not least, we want to give a special thanks to festival founder and director Kyle Bergman and his team for the ongoing partnership and giving us the opportunity to be part of such a special festival. We look forward to having ADFF back in Toronto in 2025! You can find the full recap of this year’s festival on our website: https://lnkd.in/gPpUqcvs 📸 by the talented Harry Choi #architecture #adfftoronto #filmfestival Ontario Association of Architects AZURE Media Designlines Magazine

We know it can be difficult to make connections when moving to a new place—let alone an entirely new country—but don’t worry, the TSA has your back! On Tuesday, November 12 join us for our final TSA CONNECT session of 2024 as we bring together an amazing lineup of Featured Guests—all who have successfully navigated transitioning their lives and careers to Canada—for an evening of networking and connection with a focus on internationally-trained professionals and newcomers.  With architectural degrees, licenses, and professional experience from South Africa to Costa Rica, Italy to India, our amazing lineup of guests will share how they have managed to translate their experiences into a wide variety of career paths in their new home in Toronto, including traditional architectural practice, boutique design firms, urban design, municipal jobs, and so much more. Join us for a fun and insightful evening with our amazing Featured Guests:: Afaf Naseem, Stantec Alejandra Martínez Gómez, Superkül Ali Kafaei, A& Architects Amer Obeid, Arcadis Aránzazu González Bernardo, Odami Bharti Vithal, architectsAlliance Bojana Ralevic, GHD Carlos Morell, GBCA Chioma Sandra Onuegbu, CORE Architects EHSAN ZAREIAN, Q4 Architects Inc. Eman Sabour, BDP Quadrangle Haleh G., MJMA Architecture & Design Leeviana Dsouza, Gensler Mariella Amodio, SvN Architects + Planners Miren Etxezarreta Hariri Pontarini Architects Pradnya Mahajan, DTAH Rosie Meza, Adamson Associates Architects Saachi Padubidri, Arcadis Sneha Kadam, Q4 Architects Inc. Stefan Abidin, HOK So if you are looking to make some more connections in the industry and learn more about the different ways of continuing your career in Canada, this is the event for you! Tickets are sure to sell out soon, so make sure to get yours today! And as always this event is free for TSA Members (student membership is free!). https://lnkd.in/gxwRjZtZ #architecture #architect #torontosocietyofarchitects #networking #newcomers #newcomerstocaOntario

Are you an internationally trained architectural professional and new to Canada? Wondering about paths to practice and where to start when obtaining your licence? We’ve got you covered! Join us online on Wednesday, November 6 at 6:00 PM EST for a special information session with representatives of The Canadian Architectural certification Board-Le Conseil canadien de certification en architcture (CACB) and the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) as we discuss some of the different paths to practice in Canada for internationally trained architectural professionals. We’ll cover a wide variety of programs including Accreditation, Academic Certification, and the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects Program, as well as existing mutual recognition treaties and licensure and what are the limitations of a BCIN. The session will end with a moderated Q&A session providing you an opportunity to ask all those burning questions you have! This year we are also excited to be welcoming representatives of The Royal Architectural Institute Of Canada | L'Institut royal d'architecture du Canada who will provide information on the Syllabus program and whether it might be the right path for you. So, if you’re an internationally trained professional looking to continue your career in Canada, don’t miss out on this opportunity to understand the ins and outs of architectural licensing and practice in Canada. This virtual event is free and open to everyone, so please share widely! https://lnkd.in/eDAVsxdw #architecture #architect #torontosocietyofarchitects #newcomers #newcomerstocanada #immigrationtoCanada 

Are you an architecture and film lover in the GTA? Then you won’t want to miss the return of the Architecture and Design Film Festival—a 4-day festival delivering the very best of global contemporary cinema celebrating architecture and design—coming back to Toronto next week!📽️🍿 Join us from October 23-26 at the world-renowned TIFF Lightbox and catch one (or a few!) of this year’s amazing lineup of 16 films, including numerous Canadian premieres, as well as panel discussions and parties. And if the films weren’t enough, the TSA is proud to once again be partnering with ADFF: Toronto to bring a series of post-screening panel discussions to this year’s film roster. These three panels bring together architects, filmmakers, and subject matter experts to further explore the themes of each film and bring them back to our local context here in Toronto. Check out our lineup of panels below: 🎬 Schindler Space Architect Thursday, October 24, 6:00 PM What makes a house a good home? Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Kfir Gluzberg of Kilogram Studio, Anne-Marie Armstrong of AAmp Studio, and Dave LeBlanc of The Globe and Mail (moderator). 🎬 Biocentrics Friday, October 25, 6:30 PM How are architects, landscape architects, and designers learning from nature in their designs for our city? Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Craig Applegath, FRAIC of DIALOG, Matthew Hickey of Two Row Architect, and Elizabeth Pagliacolo of AZURE Media (moderator). 🎬 Living Together: The Story of De Warren + Where We Grow Older Saturday, October 26, 3:30 PM What does the future of living together look like in Toronto and who is included in that vision? Join us for a post-screening panel discussion with Janna Levitt of LGA Architectural Partners, David Constable of Kindred Works, Giovanna Borasi of the CCA, Canadian Centre for Architecture, and Stefan Novakovic of AZURE Media (moderator). TSA Members: Don’t forget to use your code for discounted tickets to all regular screenings at ADFF: Toronto! Get your tickets & learn more about this year's program on our website: https://lnkd.in/gJVNYJgy Photo by Harry Choi #architecture #adfftoronto #filmfestival Ontario Association of Architects Canadian Architect magazine Building magazine Designlines Magazine Toronto Downtown West BIA The Royal Architectural Institute Of Canada | L'Institut royal d'architecture du Canada

There are few topics as close to the TSA’s heart as volunteering, so we were overjoyed to once again host a special #TSAConnect session centred on this vital theme. In what has now become an annual tradition, this week’s session brought together 21 featured guests representing more than 18 local organizations making a difference in our built environment. Throughout the night, each of our guests had the opportunity to share about their organization, the work they do, and their own volunteering journeys–including how they got involved and their approach to volunteer/work-life balance. It was such a privilege to get to host these inspiring individuals and to hear about their volunteering journeys. Our industry is so lucky to have them! BIG thank you goes out to our inspiring Featured Guests for being part of this session and answering the many questions of our attendees. Thank you as well to our TSA Volunteers and staff who made the event such a success, the helpful CSI team for their support, and to the over 100 attendees who joined us for a night of insightful discussion. A big shout out as well to our TSA CONNECT programming sponsor Arcadis for making this evening possible. And if you missed this one, don't worry! We're looking forward to connecting with all of you at our next session on November 12 where we will focus on the newcomer experience. Tickets are likely to sell out so make sure to get yours soon! by Yianni Tong #architecture #volunteering #volunteer #architects #torontosocietyofarchitects #networking #torontoarchitecture #communitybuilding SOSA - Society of South Asian Architects, Canada Ontario Association of Architects RAIC - IRAC ULI Toronto ARIDO - Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario

What an amazing way to close out our 2024 TSA Building Tours season—with the perfect sunset too! 🌇 Last week we had the privilege of exploring the recently completed Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus at the University of Toronto, led by the amazing team at Teeple Architects Inc. The tour included visits to some of the tower’s most breathtaking spaces like the wood-lined multipurpose hall and the panoramic winter gardens with stunning city views. We also took a peek into an unfinished tenant space revealing the structure and systems so carefully hidden in the rest of the building, as well as the underground parking which has been future-proofed for potential TTC connections and additions. Throughout the tour, the team’s attention to detail and high level of precision really stood out with careful alignments carried out from structure to millwork. Our thanks go out to our tour guides Wes Wilson, Richard Lam, and Richard Lai of Teeple Architects Inc. for all their enthusiasm and willingness to share the stories behind this amazing project. Thank you as well to all the attendees who accompanied us on this season finale tour! And as the season comes to a close we also want to give a big thank you to STEIN + REGENCY Construction Management for their sponsorship of this initiative. Thank you for helping us maintain the affordability of TSA programming. 📷Yianni Tong Do you love building tours? Well now is your turn to lead one! We are currently looking for TSA Building Tour suggestions for our 2025 season. Do you have a new project in the works or recently completed that you think would be a great fit? Get in touch and be part of this initiative! #TorontoSocietyofArchitects #architecture #architects #BuildingTour #TSAtours

Information technology plays a huge role in the daily operations of any architectural practice: from the software we use to model and document our projects, to servers that store our data, and the email and messaging platforms we use to communicate with our team members, consultants and clients. Yet despite the oversized role IT plays in the practice of architecture, we often don’t pay much attention to technology management and hygiene until something goes terribly wrong.🖥️🤔 Join us online at noon on Tuesday, October 1 for our next TSA Technical Lecture, where Brendan Howe, CEO of Techify Inc., will walk us through the basics of technology management and setting up an IT strategy that not only reduces the risk of future failures, but leverages the tools available to minimize busy work and let us focus on what we do best: making great spaces. This will include learning more about strategies for leveraging data and AI to implement automation, the importance of cyber security, and how to be proactive in preventing potential issues. As always, this lecture is open to everyone and is FREE for TSA Members! It is also eligible for 1 Structured Learning Hour with the Ontario Association of Architects. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gZbsJUCx The TSA Technical Lecture Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of ROCKWOOL North America. #TorontoSocietyofArchitects #architecture #architects 

Ready to explore? Check out our new virtual building tour! 🎥🏢 You’ve probably been to Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square hundreds of times, but have you ever noticed the pair of turn-of-the-century towers that anchor the southern edge of the site? Built in 1913 and 1929, these towers were once home to the Imperial Optical Company of Canada and the 1913 tower even briefly held the title of tallest building in the city. Now, 100 years after initial completion, the towers have undergone an extensive rehabilitation process that honours the buildings’ past while ensuring they meet the current and future tenants’ needs. Join us for a virtual visit with Joey Giaimo, OAA, CAHP and Mitchell May of Giaimo, the architects of the latest transformation, as they take us on a tour through this Toronto landmark. During the walkthrough, Joey and Mitchell share the many stories and challenges behind this multi-year rehabilitation project: from the restoration of the original metal windows, to the decision to expose the previously hidden concrete structure, and how re-thinking the culture and scale of tenant fit-outs can have a big impact on a building’s carbon footprint. They even reveal the many carefully incorporated architectural easter eggs that help tell the stories of the building’s past. This is a tour you won't want to miss! You can check out this tour on our Vimeo (subtitles available using the “CC” button) or follow us on Instagram for bite-size reels. https://lnkd.in/gEUf_wgU 🎥 Kurtis Chen Special thanks to our building tours sponsor STEIN + REGENCY Construction Management and to our in-kind production sponsor Make Good for making this virtual tour possible. #toronto #torontoarchitecture #torontosocietyofarchitects #heritage #heritagearchitecture #rehabilitation #buildingtour #TSAtour #architecture