Principal

Nadia (they/them) is an urban planner, strategist and designer with expertise across sectors and industries on projects big and small. They are passionate about applying innovative methods to address urban and policy challenges through sound analysis, action, and recommendations for decision makers in government, private and nonprofit sectors. Nadia has led multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects from conception to implementation. Nadia was also Designer in Residence at OCAD University in 2019.

Nadia’s clients have included: Canada Council for the Arts, City of Toronto (Children’s Services; Economic Development & Culture; Environment & Energy; Housing Secretariat; Parks, Forestry & Recreation; City Planning; Transportation Planning, Transportation Services, Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild; Solid Waste Management) Community Music School of Toronto, Evergreen, EY, KPMG, Marlin Spring, New Commons Development, OCAD University, Parks Canada, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, TAS, Toronto Arts Council, Town of Newmarket, Town of Whitby, WoodGreen Community Services, The Bentway, The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation, York Region, York Region Arts Council, Yonge Street Mission, Woodbine Entertainment Group.

Senior Strategist

Casey (she/her) is a design researcher, strategist and educator specializing in human-centred design methodologies. She is a proud generalist, bringing together diverse approaches, and people to collaborate and solve complex problems. Her background in the arts and culture sector, community outreach, higher education and international relations continues to inform her design practice. Casey is an advisor for the Design for Change MA program at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dublin and sits on the Board of Directors providing advising and strategic support to Art Spin, a Toronto based community oriented public art and placemaking initiative. 

Casey’s clients have included: Allied REIT, Canada Council for the Arts, City of Toronto (Economic Development & Culture; Housing Secretariat; Parks, Forestry & Recreation; Transportation Planning, Transportation Services, Solid Waste Management) Community Music School of Toronto, Dufferin County Museum, Ensembl, Eons, KPMG, Jems Condoms, New Commons Development, OCAD University, One of a Kind Show, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, TAS, WoodGreen Community Services, The Bentway, York Region, Yonge Street Mission, Woodbine Entertainment Group.

Strategist

Helene (she/her) is a designer, researcher and strategist. She believes in taking a human-centred approach in all of her projects, shaped by her experience in visual design and education. Driven by curiosity and empathy, she uses interdisciplinary design methodologies to create impactful solutions.

Advisor & Facilitator

Layne is an artist, fabricator, producer, project manager, curator, cultural connector and mediator. She is most well-known in her capacity as Co-Artistic Director and Co-Curator for Art Spin, a Toronto-based arts organization that acts as a gallery without walls, programming contemporary art in unexpected spaces. Her work often focuses on shaping public space and using art as tool to bring people together.

Layne has worked on the public art program for Waterfront Toronto, as an advisor on the City of Toronto’s External Advisory Committee on the Public Art Strategy, and in programming and production for Nuit Blanche, and sits on the Board of Directors for InterAcces. Layne was also recently recognized with an OCAD University Alumni Trailblazer Award and has been invited to participate as a panelist, speaker, advisor and jury member for numerous events, organizations and projects.

Planning Advisor

Leah (she/her) is a registered professional planner (RPP, MCIP) with 8+ years of experience specializing in complex development approvals, housing research, affordable housing funding, and project management. She has worked in both the private sector and public sectors, and as a researcher specializing in housing projects across Canada.

Artist + Educator

Melanie Billark (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary Toronto-based artist, art educator, and community activator. Her personal practice draws attention to ecological issues both in the urban and global environment. Melanie works within local communities providing customized art education, lectures, workshops, consulting services, and program development. Melanie specializes in community based installation and activation projects that bring intergenerational community members together.

Coming Soon!

Facilitator

Tyrell Gough, (known creatively as Thai Go), is a photographer and community builder who endeavours to celebrate and document Black and LGBTQIA2+ excellence through his creative practice and explore these communities that he represents. His work aims to spark conversation around representation and inclusion through intentional and creative community building. Tyrell seeks to create impactful connections that give insight into the lives of those who have been othered, and works to create safe and supportive collaborative spaces.