Distilling Design Podcast Jennifer Harris & Matthew Feitelberg

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 housing.

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.