Having taught for over 30 years within the Department of Architectural Science, Masha Etkind has been a mentor to thousands of students in a range of courses from history and studio to structures and construction. In this episode we discover how Masha initiated curricular and pedagogical initiatives that have become anchors in the DAS program.

Masha's Faculty Profile

We all know that there are many benefits to co-op ranging from real world application of skills developed in school to developing soft skills and networking that are critical to success in the industry. But what happens when that model of operation is abruptly put to an end and then transitioned into an exclusively online paradigm? In this episode we are joined by Ben and Vanessa, current co-op students, who compare their co-op experiences before and after the pandemic.

IBI Group

Taylor Smyth Architects

We have a chance to interview with Garth Norbraten, an architect, educator, and proud Saskatchewanian who has been teaching at Ryerson University's Department of Architectural Science for nearly a decade. As if destined to enter the industry, Garth recounts his upbringing in the Canadian Prairies, education around the world, entry into the industry and return to academia. And just like any all the architecture profs, we find out his strange habits and hobbies - if you didn't know him, you would never have guessed them...

Johnson Norbraten Architect Inc.

Garth Norbraten's House in The Globe and Mail

Profile at the 2007 Twenty + Change Next Generation

Over the past few months protests have erupted around the world responding to racial inequalities and mistreatment. This has been happening for centuries and has consciously and unconsciously seeped into society including governance, finance, and even education. Architectural education is no different. In this episode we speak with past and present Ryerson students, David, Tapenga, and Adneth who share their perspectives on being black in the architecture academy and industry. 

David Campbell: https://www.arup.com/our-firm/david-campbell

Black Architects Discussed

Building Equality in Architecture Toronto BEAT

National Organization of Minority Architects NOMA

Black Architects and Interior Designers Association

The Architecture Lobby

Some Social Media Accounts on Instagram – some good local ones too (Courtesy of David):

@blackurbanism_TO

@aliseinwonderland

@michaelford

@hiphoparchitecture

@DeNichols

@theblarchitect

@jay_pitter

@ms_camillemitchell

School might seem like a long time away, but it never hurts to sharpen your ability to simply get things done. From a student perspective, is the studio lifestyle we live something that continues into professional practice? For professionals, what should we be doing to ensure students are able to properly manage themselves on real projects? In this episode we are joined by Justin Perdue, Principal at HDR Architecture's Toronto office. He gives tips on how students can learn to balance their time and get projects done not only in studio but in the industry - while also recounting some of his design work. From Integrated Project Delivery to  Halloween costumes, we have an informative and nostalgic look at productivity.

HDR Architecture

Getting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen

Success in the architecture is not simply a matter of presenting a seductive design, it is inherently tied to its feasibility. Building Science is not only essential in translating design innovation to constructed reality, it also presents a range of tools for contemporary architects to design for higher performance and lower adverse impacts. In this episode we are joined by two Matts, Matthew Sauder, a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Architectural Science Building Science Concentration, and Matthew Tokarik, a graduate from the Building Science graduate program. Between the two of them, we outline the value of Building Science in contemporary practice, the way the technical can be equally creative as design, and what the prospects are for those empowered with Building Science knowledge... we also find out how (and how not) to promote student bonding in classes...

Department of Architectural Science Building Science Graduate Studies

Matthew Tokarik, Vice-President Subterra

Department of Energy 2014 Race To Zero Winners: Harvest Home

In this episode, we get a chance to chat with Marco Polo, Graduate Program Director for Architecture in Ryerson University, distinguished academic and author, and past-editor of Canadian Architect magazine. We discuss everything from the value of history and theory in architectural education and teaching studio through to pursuing graduate degrees and thesis. We also chat about getting banned from doing studio reviews and the drama that arises in final presentations and deadlines.

Faculty Profile

Architecture and National Identity: The Centennial Projects 50 Years On

If you thought working a 25+ hour course load and an additional ~50 hours of homework/studio was intense, you'd be right. If you thought about doing it all while undertaking an additional 25+ hours of working a part-time job on the side was possible, you'd be one of our students on this episode. It's not ideal nor is it easy, but it is possible. Tuition, books, computers, model materials, plotting, rent, and food are not going to pay for themselves! We are joined by two students from our Architectural Science program, Dani and Destiny, who have been working while balancing the pressures of school and studio.  Offering tips on dealing  with employers, faculty, classmates, these ladies provide a glimpse into the life of a student studying architecture concurrently with work demands.

Co-Operative Education

How do I become a great designer? How can I become a national award-winning architect? If I'm not the best student, is there even a chance? In this episode we are joined by Drew Adams, the 2020 recipient of the RAIC Emerging Architect Award as he recounts his distinguished career (thus far) and offers insights on how students can be better students, professionals, and people - because that's just the kind of guy Drew is.

RAIC Award Citation

LGA Architectural Partners

A few of Drew's notable LGA projects mentioned in this episode:

The Don Valley Brickworks Kiln Building Redevelopment

Eva's Phoenix Brant Street

Like cellphone ownership, online shopping, and makeup use (okay maybe not that last one), architectural education is starting earlier and earlier. Summer often marks a bit of a break in the academic calendar, but not so much with architecture; it just simply means institutions have an ability to offer architecture-related programming for elementary and high school students. In this episode past Architectural Science camp counsellors Mutwashukh and Semeen explain what the programs are all about, what they taught, and what they learned...