Heather Dubbeldam is a fourth-generation architect and the founder and principal of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, an award-winning studio committed to creating beautifully crafted, innovative projects that embody sustainable approaches. Her forward-thinking design approach, commitment to environmental and social sustainability, and belief in architecture and advocacy as a catalyst for change have established her as a leading Canadian architect of her generation.

With 30 years of professional experience, Heather is known for creativity in design, her integrity in business, and her dedication to leadership in the profession. She is a registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC), and both a LEED and WELL Accredited Professional.

Heather is known for her boundless energy and curiosity, continuously exploring the impact that well-designed environments can have on enhancing people’s lives. She has been recognized as one of the country’s leading architects by Canada’s national newspaper The Globe & Mail, and one of 30 “must know” women architects in the world by Azure Magazine. Last year, her studio’s work was featured in the Venice Architecture Biennale alongside eight other internationally recognized women-led architecture practices from around the world.

As an Associate Principal and part of Dubbeldam’s senior leadership team, Derek is an important bridge between design and technical expertise where he leads project teams from design through construction. His interest in domestic space has inspired his work in custom residential and multi-family buildings, as well as their incorporation into large mixed-use buildings and public space in both rural and urban settings. He has worked extensively in the GTA, and abroad in the Netherlands, Japan, and on projects in Bangladesh, where learning about different architectural ideas and techniques has deeply informed his perspective on sustainable building and models for living.

Derek’s extensive experience on a wide range of scales in housing, including custom homes and multi-unit residential buildings, underscores his commitment to creating spaces that harmonize with their surroundings and enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants, both core design values for our studio. His keen eye for technical details and passion for sustainable design principles ensure that each project not only meets but exceeds expectations for environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.

Since joining Dubbeldam in 2016, Andrew has become an invaluable asset to our team, bringing a people-centred design approach with a strong creative and visual sensibility. After studying geography and anthropology, he pursued his architecture degree from Dalhousie University, fueled by his fascination with architecture’s role in shaping society’s cultural identity and sense of place. He actively pursues his interests in photography and graphic design, using this passion to further his ongoing exploration of the connection between people and their environment. Andrew plays a lead role in the development of our studio’s photographic and graphic assets as well as design studies, enriching the visual narrative of our work.

Andrew’s professional expertise centers on the cultivation of thoughtful and sustainable approaches to heritage structures and contemporary workspaces, where he consistently develops inspiring solutions to the varied challenges of working within existing buildings. He has played a pivotal role in many of our award-winning commercial projects, including the new offices for Azure Magazine, Slack Technologies, and Informa Canada (IDS), as well as a number of sensitive renovations to heritage properties in Toronto where he skillfully navigates the delicate balance between preservation and innovation.

Alejandra is an Intern Architect whose skills in multi-disciplinary research and methodology enable her to seamlessly integrate architectural project work with research and marketing efforts at Dubbeldam. This integration ensures a cohesive transition from investigation to design to presentation, enhancing the overall project development process. Alejandra’s interests lie in the narratives of lived experience and how architecture can help to preserve and foster everyday cultural practices, enhancing communal spaces and fostering community.

Alejandra is involved in a wide range of work at Dubbeldam, including research, the development of exhibitions and competitions, and active participation in project work. She played a key role in collating and designing Dubbeldam’s contribution to the 2023 Venice Architectural Biennale, Reconceptualizing Urban Housing.

Kate is an Intern Architect who holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. She has worked on award-winning hospitality and residential projects at leading firms in Toronto, Ottawa, and Copenhagen, gaining experience with single and multi-unit housing, restaurants, hotels, and wellness-focused environments that prioritize comfort, ambiance, and user experience.

Muskan is an Intern Architect who graduated from the Master of Architecture program at the University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. She previously earned her Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree (Cum Laude) from Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture in 2021. Here at Dubbeldam, Muskan has been involved in various project types, working through design development stages as well as construction documentation.

Muskan gained experience working on diverse single-family, multi-family residential, and mass-timber commercial projects at firms in Toronto and Vancouver. Her academic research focused on how cultural influences shape architectural design, particularly in addressing societal challenges through multi-generational housing typologies.

Before joining the Dubbeldam team as our Director of Business Development and Operations in 2016, Kevin owned and operated successful ventures in consulting, marketing, and enterprise software solutions for over 30 years. With a background in business development, finance, IT, and marketing, he manages new business and pursuits, finance, operations, and IT solutions while continuously improving internal efficiencies and project management procedures for our practice. As co-founder with Heather Dubbeldam of Lokaal Coworking, Park(ing) Day Toronto, and partner in the revitalization of the once derelict building that houses Dubbeldam’s studio, Kevin has been instrumental in shaping the practice’s social and environmental sustainability mandates as well as our efforts in community development and urban renewal.

Kevin has served on the Toronto Society of Architects executive board since 2004 as an advocate for the local architecture community. Beginning in 2009, he was instrumental in launching the TSA’s Toronto Architecture Tours program and the first TSA social media accounts, and continues as co-lead for the popular TSA Connect initiative. He was recently appointed as an Honourary OAA Member for his 20 years of dedication and service to the architecture profession.

As Dubbeldam’s Director of Sustainability, Joanna brings over 25 years of diverse business management and sustainability experience to our practice with a background in renewable energy, waste management, marketing, and design. Founder of Sustainability Solutions and creator of ECO Waste Tracker and Waste Conversion Calculator, she specializes in creating actionable strategies and innovative tools to maximize positive impact for both our project work and within our organization.

In addition to credentials from multiple Canadian universities, Joanna holds a Certificate in Sustainable Management from Duke University. She is a certified TRUE Advisor in Zero Waste and holds credentials from the US Green Building Council, along with a certificate in Aquaponics. Joanna has shared her expertise at various speaking engagements, including as an expert panelist for the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, the California state agency responsible for overseeing recycling and waste management programs.

With over 15 years of financial management and bookkeeping experience, Michelle diligently oversees and regularly assesses everything related to Dubbeldam’s monetary and financial wellbeing. She has been involved with the evolution of our practice for over 10 years, and her deep understanding of financial matters for an architectural practice ensures that all financial aspects are handled correctly and efficiently.

In recent years, Michelle has also taken on the financial management of Lokaal Coworking, monitoring these complementary operations for our practice. Her expertise in tax compliance and financial analysis ensures our firm’s fiscal responsibility and growth, allowing us to focus on delivering exceptional architectural solutions to our clients.