SvN Architects + Planners Appoints New Principals Alongside Internal Promotions
SvN Architects + Planners Appoints New Principals Alongside Internal Promotions
Together, these promotions underscore SvN's commitment to enhancing their leadership as they continue their mission to create sustainable, regenerative and community-focused design solutions.
SvN Architects + Planners (SvN) is pleased to announce the promotion of Ana Espinosa, Gerardo Paez Alonso, and Laura Sellors to Principals, alongside several internal promotions throughout the firm. These strategic advancements reflect SvN’s commitment to cultivating a strong leadership team while enhancing expertise in addressing the complex challenges of urban development. With this strengthened leadership team, SvN is positioned to continue delivering innovative, regenerative, and community-focused solutions that contribute to the well-being of cities worldwide.
"Ana, Gerardo, and Laura have already brought extensive knowledge and expertise to our team, and I'm pleased to welcome them as our newest Principals,” says Drew Sinclair, Managing Principal, SvN Architects + Planners. “With SvN continually pushing the boundaries of design and community development, these promotions will strengthen our ability to tackle the evolving challenges of urban development. This group has played a pivotal role in expanding our work across disciplines and regions, shaping strategic approaches and delivering forward-thinking, regenerative solutions."
From left to right: Ana Espinosa, Gerardo Paez Alonso, Laura Sellors
As Director of Latin America, Ana Espinosa draws on her extensive experience in landscape architecture and urban design and has been instrumental in building SvN’s Mexico City office. She has led multidisciplinary teams on transformative projects, such as the Culiacan River Revitalization Master Plan and the Regional Tourism Action Plan for the State of Sinaloa. Her work has received notable recognition, including a recent award for the Acapulco Rehabilitation Master Plan, while enhancing community engagement and promoting sustainable design and planning practices across Latin America. In Canada, Ana has contributed to numerous transit, urban design and landscape architecture projects, including Ontario Line, Smart Track, Dundas Connects Corridor Plan and the Hurontario LRT.
Gerardo Paez, who leads SvN’s Landscape Architecture team, brings nearly two decades of experience integrating urban design and engineering infrastructure with landscape architecture. He has worked extensively in both the private sector—at three award-winning, multidisciplinary firms in Toronto—and the public sector, where he led the development of Vaughan’s new downtown parks and open spaces. This balanced experience gives him a deep understanding of complex projects, from city-wide planning to detailed execution. Recently, Gerardo has played a key role in public realm initiatives, including the North Maple Regional Park Family Recreation Area and the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study.
Laura joined SvN in October 2023 as the firm’s first Chief Growth Officer. A charismatic executive and strategic thinker, she brings a deep understanding of business strategy, creative processes, and the operations of design-related companies. For more than 20 years, she has shaped and led creative firms across various industries, including software startups, advertising agencies, experiential design companies, and now SvN, an urban planning and architecture firm. A champion for advancing business practices in the creative industries, Laura has served on the boards of the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD), the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Ontario Chapter, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto, and contributed to the Global Design Alliance. She was also involved in the commission of a research study published by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) on the value and ROI of placemaking and is currently serving on the board of Art in Medicine. Her extensive experience and perspective are key as she works to expand SvN’s reach and position among the world’s top firm’s designing for life in the 21st-century.
From left to right: Michael Matthys (Planning Lead), Kelly Graham (Senior Associate), Kevin Hurley (Senior Associate)
In addition to the new principals, SvN is proud to promote Kelly Graham and Kevin Hurley to Senior Associate roles, while Michael Matthys has been promoted to Planning Lead.
Kevin’s focus on integrated transit-oriented development is driven by his commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive communities that contribute to the transition toward a low-carbon future. Leveraging his extensive expertise in land use planning and local economic development, Kevin provides planning leadership on several major projects at SvN, including Rail Deck District, the Ontario Line and the Scarborough Subway Extension.
Kelly brings extensive experience in collaborating with public and private sector clients on projects ranging from site development approvals to master planning and public sector policy development. She guides clients from visioning to implementation, focusing on resilient communities that support regeneration and the transition to a low-carbon future. Kelly has guided the approvals of several affordable housing projects, as well as major reurbanization initiatives, including Shoppers World Brampton and The Beltline Yards.
With over 11 years of leadership experience, Michael’s expertise in land use planning and urban design focuses on creating livable and inclusive communities. He manages complex projects and fosters collaboration among clients and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to design challenges. Notable projects under his guidance include the Ontario Line and expansion projects for North York General Hospital.
"Ana, Gerardo, and Laura have already brought extensive knowledge and expertise to our team, and I'm pleased to welcome them as our newest Principals,” says Drew Sinclair, Managing Principal, SvN Architects + Planners. “With SvN continually pushing the boundaries of design and community development, these promotions will strengthen our ability to tackle the evolving challenges of urban development. This group has played a pivotal role in expanding our work across disciplines and regions, shaping strategic approaches and delivering forward-thinking, regenerative solutions."
New Principals to Lead the Charge
From left to right: Ana Espinosa, Gerardo Paez Alonso, Laura Sellors
As Director of Latin America, Ana Espinosa draws on her extensive experience in landscape architecture and urban design and has been instrumental in building SvN’s Mexico City office. She has led multidisciplinary teams on transformative projects, such as the Culiacan River Revitalization Master Plan and the Regional Tourism Action Plan for the State of Sinaloa. Her work has received notable recognition, including a recent award for the Acapulco Rehabilitation Master Plan, while enhancing community engagement and promoting sustainable design and planning practices across Latin America. In Canada, Ana has contributed to numerous transit, urban design and landscape architecture projects, including Ontario Line, Smart Track, Dundas Connects Corridor Plan and the Hurontario LRT.
Gerardo Paez, who leads SvN’s Landscape Architecture team, brings nearly two decades of experience integrating urban design and engineering infrastructure with landscape architecture. He has worked extensively in both the private sector—at three award-winning, multidisciplinary firms in Toronto—and the public sector, where he led the development of Vaughan’s new downtown parks and open spaces. This balanced experience gives him a deep understanding of complex projects, from city-wide planning to detailed execution. Recently, Gerardo has played a key role in public realm initiatives, including the North Maple Regional Park Family Recreation Area and the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study.
Laura joined SvN in October 2023 as the firm’s first Chief Growth Officer. A charismatic executive and strategic thinker, she brings a deep understanding of business strategy, creative processes, and the operations of design-related companies. For more than 20 years, she has shaped and led creative firms across various industries, including software startups, advertising agencies, experiential design companies, and now SvN, an urban planning and architecture firm. A champion for advancing business practices in the creative industries, Laura has served on the boards of the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD), the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Ontario Chapter, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto, and contributed to the Global Design Alliance. She was also involved in the commission of a research study published by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) on the value and ROI of placemaking and is currently serving on the board of Art in Medicine. Her extensive experience and perspective are key as she works to expand SvN’s reach and position among the world’s top firm’s designing for life in the 21st-century.
Elevating Expertise: New Senior Associates and Leads
From left to right: Michael Matthys (Planning Lead), Kelly Graham (Senior Associate), Kevin Hurley (Senior Associate)
In addition to the new principals, SvN is proud to promote Kelly Graham and Kevin Hurley to Senior Associate roles, while Michael Matthys has been promoted to Planning Lead.
Kevin’s focus on integrated transit-oriented development is driven by his commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive communities that contribute to the transition toward a low-carbon future. Leveraging his extensive expertise in land use planning and local economic development, Kevin provides planning leadership on several major projects at SvN, including Rail Deck District, the Ontario Line and the Scarborough Subway Extension.
Kelly brings extensive experience in collaborating with public and private sector clients on projects ranging from site development approvals to master planning and public sector policy development. She guides clients from visioning to implementation, focusing on resilient communities that support regeneration and the transition to a low-carbon future. Kelly has guided the approvals of several affordable housing projects, as well as major reurbanization initiatives, including Shoppers World Brampton and The Beltline Yards.
With over 11 years of leadership experience, Michael’s expertise in land use planning and urban design focuses on creating livable and inclusive communities. He manages complex projects and fosters collaboration among clients and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to design challenges. Notable projects under his guidance include the Ontario Line and expansion projects for North York General Hospital.
Continuing Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
From left to right: Lucy Cui, Ana Morodo, Daniela Leon
SvN is also excited to announce several internal promotions as part of its continued growth. The firm is promoting Lucy Cui, Daniela Leon, and Ana Morodo to Associate positions.