People

Nick founded SHAPE Architecture in 2007 on the premise that critical design practice can be both commercially viable and environmentally responsible. His focus is on city making; unlocking design potential with low energy / high performance design solutions and progressive engagement with technology. He is a past juror for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Architecture, previous member of the UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Advisory Board and mentors a number of Intern Architects. A keen fly fisherman, Nick also advocates for youth fitness and coaches youth soccer.

Following a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies in 1996, Alec received a Master of Architecture with distinction from Dalhousie University in 1998. In addition to his work at SHAPE Architecture, Alec has taught Design and Theory at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. His passion for design reflects a conviction that architecture embodies our beliefs and convictions and has the capacity to inspire what is best in us all. Alec led the team that was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s medal for Architecture in 2018.

With over twenty years of professional and academic experience in architecture, Dwayne received both a Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Montana State University, and studies abroad at both the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven and the Bauhaus. Dwayne’s passion for design has been rewarded with multiple Lieutenant Governor’s Awards, a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence, and most recently a Governor General’s Medal. He joined SHAPE Architecture as a partner in 2012 and since then has worked on variety of public projects that seek to translate significant social and cultural ideas into simple, elegant and memorable buildings.

After graduating with distinction from Carleton University School of Architecture, Loretta apprenticed with architects in Ottawa, Edmonton and Vancouver before finding her way to SHAPE Architecture in 2009. Her favourite architects ebb and flow with her interests of the day but she has a soft spot for early modernism.

David provides excellent leadership in SHAPE Architecture’s knowledge and experience as an Associate with over a decade of experience with the firm. Among the list of projects he has completed during this time, he was the Project Architect for the recently completed Vancouver Masonic Centre Affordable Housing project — the 19-storey tower at West 8^th Ave and Granville that currently houses the new custom-designed office space for SHAPE Architecture. David loves making complex ideas into lucid drawings.

Avery joined SHAPE Architecture in 2014 following a diverse education in engineering, business and architecture while based in Vancouver, Singapore and Los Angeles. Avery enjoys uncovering and understanding the layers of a problem, then systematically resolving the inherent complexity to a simple, cogent solution. When not architecting, he’s likely on a culinary adventure somewhere in the world.

A native of Vancouver, Nathan studied architecture at McGill University in Montreal and in Grenoble, France before embarking on a career that has led to work in British Columbia, Ontario, California, Utah and Wyoming. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has worked at a variety of scales from intimate dance stage sets, to mixed use, non-profit, office, education, residential, and government work up to the scale of a National Parks Service Headquarters campus masterplan. Nathan joined SHAPE Architecture in 2019.

Mehran has over 15 years of experience in architecture on projects of varying scales. He received his Master of Architecture from the University of Tehran in 2004. His journey to architecture started with his passion for art, math and physics. He is fascinated by geometries and patterns both in nature and handicrafts. He enjoys the innovative design process at SHAPE Architecture and what he loves most about architecture is when he finds himself in a meaningful space that creates a memorable moment.

Ivana received her Master of Architecture from University of Ljubljana in Slovenia and first fell in love with design because it creates people’s stories. She prefers the simplicity of modernism. Her favourite quote was delivered by her favourite architect, Louis Kahn, “Every building must have its own soul.” The city she’s most excited to visit is the one she hasn’t been to yet.

Alex has been with SHAPE Architecture since 2019, having moved to Vancouver from London. Whilst in London Alex gained valuable experience across a range of sectors, and relishes each project’s unique challenges. Alex’s enjoyment of architecture stems from seeking simple solutions to complex problems and understanding the occupant’s desires.  Alex became a Registered Architect (ARB) in 2018, having previously studied at Bath and Westminster in the UK. Depending on the season, you’ll find him on either the golf course or ski slopes.

Achieving architectural registration in Australia before becoming a Canadian permanent resident, Angela brings over 10 years’ experience split between her time in Melbourne, Australia and Vancouver, BC with award-winning firms. Her past projects span a wide range of typologies from bespoke single-family homes to large mixed-use developments and civic architecture. Having worked on projects both locally and internationally (including France, Sweden and the US) she is adept at navigating local codes and bylaws while designing for site-specific climatic conditions. Aside from her passion for design, Angela enjoys camping, hiking, paddle boarding, snowboarding and wine.

Candace relocated to Vancouver after graduating from Georgian College in 2006. Her foundational career was established while working with a local design firm specializing in hospitality design. This formed that basis of her knowledge and background working on 5-star hospitality projects within Canada. Candace collaborates closely to explore all possibilities and better understand not only what can be created but also, what is the best experience. Her desire is to create innovative, functional and timeless interiors that are driven by a narrative concept. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, camping and trails with her dogs. In the summer, you can find her in her veggie garden.

Arron is a recent graduate from the Master of Architecture program at UBC. When he’s not working on shop drawings, you’re likely to find him tinkering around Vancouver or designing for the unchartered landscape of AED 500 Mars City.

Ciaran holds a Masters in Architecture from University College Dublin. His love for architectural design is defined by the marriage of two complementary pursuits; a personal state of flow and a communal state of collaboration. When Ciaran isn’t drawing, you might find him running, eating, cycling or with a pint in his hand.

Aaron received his Master of Architecture and his Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies from Dalhousie University. He loves design because it requires him to think critically and respond with innovative strategies—you wouldn’t want to go toe-to-toe with him in a board game. These days, his inspiration comes from the design processes of Carlo Scarpa and Louis Kahn.

Jag joins SHAPE Architecture with a Master of Architecture from Carleton University in Ottawa as well as a Bachelor of Environment Design from the University of Manitoba. Formally trained as both a graphic designer and carpenter, Jag’s diverse background in design and construction has proven to be a valuable asset. As a second level Apprentice Carpenter, he has comprehensive knowledge of residential and commercial building materials, structures and assembly methods. While he is nearing the completion of his internship, he has gained considerable knowledge that has enabled him to effectively manage multiple projects from the construction phase to completion. Outside of the office, Jag enjoys cycling, skiing, weight training, video games and cars.

Mostafa joined SHAPE Architecture in 2022. Originally from Rome, Italy, Mostafa has lived in South Korea and Japan, as well as spent time in Dubai, UAE doing his studies. He has garnered architectural work experience and perspectives following his time in Iran, Japan (remote) and Vancouver, BC. When Mostafa isn’t working, he enjoys exercise, video games, movies, driving and shopping.

Behnam grew up in Shiraz, Iran where he graduated from Shiraz University with his bachelor’s in architecture in 2009. He had worked in Iran and Turkey for the first several years of his career and earned his master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Tehran in 2016. Two years later, he moved to Vancouver and has worked on local projects since. His project experience varies from retail, residential, mixed-use, high-rise, and sports and recreation. Behnam loves spending time outdoors as much as possible, hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Matthew joined SHAPE Architecture towards the end of 2020 as a transplant from central Canada where he completed a Master of Architecture from McGill and a Bachelor from Ryerson University. Reflective by nature, he enjoys thinking about how we live, how we could live differently, and how architecture can contribute to that. When not at his desk he can be found outside, usually on skis or a bike.

Gianpaolo joined SHAPE Architecture in 2021. He holds a Bachelor and Master degree from Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio (AAM.USI) in Switzerland under the guide of Swiss architect, Valerio Olgiati. Gianpaolo has lived in 5 different countries, including major hubs like London, Milan and brings diverse experience, including two years of work at a design and research firm in Shanghai, China. He has been in Vancouver working on variety of architectural projects since 2017.

Will holds a Master of Architecture from Princeton as well as a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo. His writings, illustrations and animations have been published in POOL and Scroope, and exhibited at the Sao Paulo Architecture Biennale as well as the Architecture Association. Will is interested in the social practices, elements, and spaces of the domestic sphere, media technologies, and the evolving role of architecture to tell old and new stories alike.

Prior to joining SHAPE Architecture in 2021, Marius worked on various local and international projects including office, mixed-use and airport typologies and has participated in multiple national and international competitions with his previous teams. In addition to his experience mix, Marius has also done extensive work in designing custom homes and interior design projects for apartments. Outside of design, he enjoys snowboarding, tennis and 3D animation.

Inspired and fascinated by the art, science, and beauty of the 19th century historic mansions in Kashan, Iran, Tannaz has built a strong passion for designing healthy, sustainable structures. She is Passive House-certified and holds a Master of Building Engineering from Concordia University, along with experience working as an architectural designer and technologist around Montreal and Vancouver.

David joins SHAPE Architecture with a technical and design background in architecture as well as experience in commercial and multi-residential buildings. He holds a Building Science and Technology diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and an architectural degree from the University of Auckland. His focus on Building Science during his time in post-secondary has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of building envelopes and details. When David isn’t in the office, he can be found playing soccer, kayaking, and working towards crossing off his outdoor activities bucket list.

Adam studied Architecture and Urban Design in the Czech Republic before joining the SHAPE Architecture team. Adam has made the bold observation that design is the exciting synergy between the left and right hemisphere and continues to explore how artificial intelligence and architecture can influence one another. He enjoys crafting storytelling diagrams and is an enthusiast for both indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and snowboarding.

Kevin is a recent architectural graduate from the University of British Columbia, with a background in psychology and industrial design from the University of Alberta. His interest in architecture stems from how people interact as well as how they are affected by space. He loves architecture that can move people emotionally, and bring about new relationships with people and nature. When Kevin isn’t in the office, he loves to snowboard, cook, play instruments and explore new hobbies. Currently, he is learning animation.

Kaili joins SHAPE Architecture as an M.Arch candidate and an honours graduate of UBC SALA’s Environmental Design Program. An avid designer with an interest in sustainable design and affordability while building equity and diversity, Kaili has participated in many national and international competitions with award-winning projects. He is also the co-founder of Collective Art, Architecture, and Design, a Vancouver-based alternative practice looking into historical planning practices and tracking displacement of minorities. Outside of design, he loves to boulder, snowboard and explore all that nature has to offer.

Monika was born and raised in the Czech Republic. After spending her 20’s studying, traveling, and living internationally, Monika arrived to Canada in 2011 with only a snowboard in hand (and a desire to ride the BC powder highway). 10 years later, she is married with two kids. She has an admiration for good design and creative work, and brings this alongside her passion and rigor to her work as SHAPE Architecture’s office manager where she makes sure our staff enjoys the workplace culture and environment. Outside of the office, Monika loves good food and good company, and spends time in the great outdoors snowboarding and hiking.