SHAPE Architecture is a collaborative studio where every individual’s background and interests influence the forward trajectory of the practice. By strategically leveraging each architect’s unique talents and abilities, the practice is both specialized and diversified.

 

 

To ensure our team is empowered both personally and professionally, we believe in an equitable work environment. SHAPE Architecture is proud to be a Living Wage employer. When each individual is supported and valued, everyone benefits—from our clients to the communities in which we work.

 

Principals

Nick is the managing partner of SHAPE Architecture, having founded the Practice in 2007. He has a strategic overview of the work across the Practice and a leading role in practice-wide management.

Nick has led many of the Practice’s award-winning projects, including those in the Housing, Recreation, and Athletics sectors. This work includes schemes for many notable recreation and sports facilities across the Lower Mainland. He currently leads the team developing the new Recreation Centre North for the University of British Columbia and contributed to the design of the South Haven Centre for Remembrance, for which the firm was awarded a Governor General’s Award for Architecture in 2020.

Nick’s passion is 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, a previous member of the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Advisory Board, and mentors students and intern architects. He previously chaired the UBC Advisory Urban Design Panel and has participated as a critic and lecturer. In 2024, Nick was recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for his contributions to sustainable urban development, design, and mentorship.

Nick is a keen fly fisherman who also advocates for youth fitness and coaches youth soccer.

Nick Sully

Managing Partner, Architect AIBC NSAA FRAIC

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.

Alec Smith

Partner, Architect AIBC AAA

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.

Dwayne Smyth

Partner, Architect AIBC AAA MRAIC

Associates

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. She has delivered multiple mixed-use community centres and institutions for municipal and post secondary clients, resulting in award winning facilities. Her favourite architects ebb and flow with her interests of the day, however she has a soft spot for early modernism.

Loretta Kong

Senior Associate, Architect AIBC, LEED AP

David loves making complex ideas into lucid drawings. As a Senior Associate, he brings exceptional leadership to SHAPE Architecture, enriching the firm’s technical tool chest and office culture. With over a decade of experience at the firm, David holds a list of projects within his tenure that is remarkably broad in both scope and typology. At the top of this list, he was the Project Architect for the Vancouver Masonic Centre Affordable Housing project — the 19-storey tower at Granville St & West 8th Ave that currently houses the custom-designed office space for SHAPE Architecture.

David Guenter

Senior Associate, Architect AIBC

Avery has over a decade of experience in architecture and pulls from his diverse education in engineering, business and architecture to approach projects from different angles. He enjoys investigating the many forces on a project then systematically resolving the inherent complexity to a simple, cogent solution. Avery was Project Architect on Maple Grove Elementary which utilized unique stakeholder workshops to create the outdoor school concept. He is currently Project Architect on UBC Recreation Centre North, an inclusive new centre for health and wellness at his Alma Mater.

Avery Titchkosky

Associate, Architect AIBC

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.

Nathan Webster

Associate, Architect AIA (Utah registered)

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.

Mehran Parnian

Associate, Architect AIBC

Alex joined the practice four years ago after working in the UK and completing his architectural training at the University of Bath and the University of Westminster. Since joining SHAPE Architecture in 2019, Alex has focussed his design and project management acumen in developing a number of complex multi-family residential rezoning and development projects. He is currently leading the Innisfail Aquatic Centre in Edmonton and the Bowling Green Community Centre in Richmond.

Alex brings a refined design problem-solving approach in applying straight-forward solutions to complex design problems. His enjoyment of architecture stems from seeking simple solutions to complex problems and understanding client needs. During off-work hours, you’ll find him on either the golf course or ski slopes (depending on the season).

Alex Russell

Associate, Architect ARB (UK registered)

Architectural

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.

Angela Fearn

Architect AIA (Vic. Australia registered)

Arron received his Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia and his Bachelor of Architecture from Carleton University. Beginning in the world of the small scale and finely detailed, Arron gained invaluable experience working with local materials and trades in the construction industry, which has led to multiple design-build projects in the lower-mainland. His passion for the outdoors and travel have exposed him to diverse and inspiring landscapes that influence his practice as a designer at larger scales. Arron believes that good design stems from a strong understanding of place, culture, and ecology. His most notable collaborations at SHAPE Architecture are the Canadian Cancers Society and Survivorship Centre and Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre.

Arron Griffioen

Architect AIBC

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.

Ciaran Long

Architect RIAI (Ireland registered), CPHD

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. Jag has also 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.

Jag Singh

Architect AIBC MAA, LEED GA

Katrina brings over 10 years of experience to SHAPE Architecture. Her expertise on a wide range of building typologies is culminated from her time spent with various practices in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Paris. Katrina’s background in both urban planning and furniture design influences how she contextualizes projects. Energized by the collaborative nature of architecture and construction, she loves bringing together disparate disciplines to form a unified and coherent design.

Katrina Szekely

Architect AIBC

Will holds a Master of Architecture from Princeton and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo. He brings work experience from Toronto, New York and Los Angeles. You can usually find him at home reading, writing, and drawing for architecture and related media.

Will Fu

Intern Architect AIBC

After graduating from the University of Calgary in 2018, Elena ventured to Vancouver where she gained experience on several mixed use, community, and multi-residential projects. She is most inspired by spaces designed to transform, adapt, and evolve with the changing needs of their inhabitants. When she not in the office, you’ll find her trail running, snowboarding, and befriending every dog she sees.

Elena Bushell

Intern Architect AIBC

Michael is an architectural graduate from Dalhousie University. He brings a background in building science, and a pragmatic architectural sense for honest assembly and rational constructability. He is experienced in mixed-use and residential projects, and brings strong visualization software skills. Michael is inspired by the philosophies of Martin Pawley, Carmen Corneil and David Chipperfield. He loves architecture that can move people emotionally, and bring about new relationships with people and nature. When Michael isn’t in the office, he loves anything active and outdoors. You can find him working on DIY projects in his spare time.

Michael Harvey

Intern Architect AIBC

Hayley graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Sciences from BCIT in Burnaby, and a diploma in Architectural Technology from Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institute. Hayley is motivated by sustainable building practices, and enjoys learning about and practicing ways that architecture can harmonize with the natural environment. Outside of the office, Hayley can be found planning her next hike, playing beach volleyball or running with her dog.

Hayley Pateman

Architectural Technologist

Cristina Craiu

Intern Architect AIBC

Marshall Evans

Intern Architect AIBC

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.

Adam Zlamal

Architectural Designer

George Matthews

Intern Architect AIBC

Office

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.

Monika Wittner

Director of Operations

Farnaz Tajpour

Accounting

Lauren MacLean

Administrative Assistant

Past Collaborators

Amy Stapleton

Anne Ehrlich

Behnam Mahdoudi

Ben Fisher

Christian Rutherford

David Ma

Joanne Tran

Dea Knight

Aaron Szeto

Egor Revenko

Emily Koo

Emma Sims

Evan Hauptmann

Francis Garcia

Gianpaolo Taglietti

Candace Reid

Gloria Zhou

Hannah Teicher

Ivana Hainz

Jason Horner

Jeff Walker

Marius Baranauskas

Jessica McGillivray

John Chan

John Speed

Kaili Sun

Kate Busby

Kathy Chang

Kemeng Gao

Kerri Kwong

Kevin Hong

Mary Reaney

Matt Traub

Matthew Breton-Honeyman

Matthew Harty

Maxim Pravosoudov

Megan Florizone

Michael Fugeta

Mostafa Talaei

Nasreen Khadimi

Nathaniel Funk

Nuala O’Donnell

Paul Hegarty

Ron Toth

Ruby Barnard

Scott Keck

Tannaz Doroudian Tehrani

Thomas Bocahut

Valia Puente

Zac Vermeulen