In part 2 of our conversation, Jocelyn Deeks and Malini Pandya discuss gentle density, and the pros and cons of building new versus retrofitting our historical buildings.

This is a 2 part conversation with Jocelyn Deeks and Malini Pandya. Jocelyn is an Urban Planner Specializing in the intersection of planning, development, and Community Engagement, and a Partner at Bousfields. And Malini is an Industrial and Civil Engineer Specializing in Urban Planning and Cities Management. In the first part, both Jocelyn and Malini go into detail about their careers, and then discuss their take on housing in the city of Toronto and the issues with the lack of affordable...

Changing Municipal Zoning requirements for the better, and having strong Leadership to get it done.

From urban construction to rural farming, building a Longhouse, and discovering a 16th Century First Nations village. Discussing the value of good design regardless of the size of the building, and how good design can stand the test of time.

Aleisha goes into more detail about what it's like to build in rural areas, the process of permits, and zoning in these areas. And how that translates into the value of building communities. It does not matter whether you are in a rural or urban area, people are people no matter where they live.

Aleisha Richards is one of the most interesting people I have met. She is a farmer, a designer, a contractor, a supporter of the community. And she has an important voice about the world around us, and our role in it.

The second half of my conversation with Brenda Webster, renowned Urban Designer. We get into the details of the Waterfront project and her take on Micro Solutions, and Working with Nature.

Season 2, Episode 1 - My conversation with renowned Urban Designer Brenda Webster of Stantec. Brenda shares with us her journey as an architect, her take on architecture, design, and her transition to an Urban Designer.

Episode 9 - Our conversation continues with Cynthia Ferguson about what it's like to work in other countries, and the ins and outs of the permitting process at home and abroad.

Episode 8 - In this episode Jon Gregg gives his take on Laneway houses / Garden suites and how the municipality of Toronto is approaching this new take on housing. There are many cities around North America who are looking into the feasibility of these options because of a housing crisis that needs to be addressed. This option isn't going to solve the crisis, but it will be part of the solution. We hope to continue this conversation with Jon, and bring this topic as a series of podcasts with...

Episode 7 - Part 2: The Outdoor Room is our second conversation with Interior Designer Cynthia Ferguson. Yes, the audio is not as fantastic as we would have liked. We were all in very different locations when we got together, but the discussion really is. Hope you find it interesting getting the ins and outs of the design world, and how design can create cultural shifts for better living environments, in public and private spaces, inside and out.

Part 1 - Where is the line between technology and creativity? In our conversation with Jon, a BIM Specialist, he also goes into how he sees architecture and urban planning, and how they merge with each other. As well as his design thinking methodology. To begin with BIM stands for Building Information Modelling. It is a virtual design and construction tool that comes under a variety of acronyms, but basically, it's an umbrella term for digital construction. Jon sheds light on this...

The grass is always greener - In conversation with Principal Architect Kieran Randall. Kieran is the Principal, Lead Architect at his Toronto based architectural firm Architectural Instinct. Kieran began his career in Argentina, and discusses his design process. As well as the differences he has experienced between working in Argentina and working in Toronto.

An in-depth conversation with Cynthia Ferguson about what its really like to work in the interior design industry, all the fun and some of the challenges of the design world.

Vanessa Eckstein - Founder & Creative Director of Blok Design & Fors Studio. Vanessa discusses her design process, her approach to life, and how she sees the world around her.

How did we get here and where do we go now?

What is the definition of design and what is the design process?