About

About

SvN is a multidisciplinary design firm working to solve the greatest challenges faced by rapidly growing cities around the world.

We are committed to building regenerative communities, fostering the economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts needed to move our world forward.

SvN is a multidisciplinary, regenerative design practice comprising a diverse team of architects, urban planners, urban designers and landscape architects. Since our inception over 40 years ago, we continue to shape the built environment in regions, cities and towns across Canada and worldwide for the betterment of people and planet. We have revitalized industrial waterfronts, developed new forms of affordable housing, designed resilient neighbourhoods, reformed transit-oriented development, and promoted rural and urban economic vitality.

By focusing on opportunities that reimagine how we live, our team is motivated to positively impact the built environment. Working together with our collaborators, clients, and the communities we serve, we endeavor to tackle the most pressing issues of our time. We think beyond our disciplines' bounds and infuse our work with research and innovation to achieve meaningful outcomes. We believe every project has ripples and the ability to positively impact communities at a social, physical and economic level.

As an integrated full-service studio, we guide both public- and private-sector projects, providing design-intensive services that resolve complex urban issues, including land-use regulations, regional infrastructure requirements, and community development.

We understand the vision and context

Listen First is the first of our core values. We start each project with a deep understanding of the ambition, the challenge, and the context so we can deliver innovative, unique, and tailored solutions that are pragmatic and grounded.

We are nimble and responsive

Through critical thinking, innovation and an evidence-based approach, we transform complex problems into simple and superior outcomes.

We value meaningful relationships

We invest fully in the project, the outcome, and its impact. We provide trusted and enlightening guidance every step of the way. We work with our partners to build meaningful, long-term relationships between communities, landowners, developers and government.

We are a interdisciplinary firm with a diverse staff working with diverse communities on extraordinary projects.

Who We Are Together

Our team is motivated to positively impact the built environment and take creative risks when necessary as we work together. We operate as a team that chooses its members for what they bring to the table: every person plays a critical role in achieving our collective success. As a collective, we are energized by competition. We love to win, learn from each other, and continuously improve and prepare. It's the spirit that underpins everything we do.

Our Shared Purpose

Our shared purpose is a belief system that clients trust, partners appreciate, and talent recognizes. At SvN, we endeavour to tackle the most pressing issues of our time. We think beyond our disciplines' bounds and infuse our work with research and innovation to achieve meaningful, catalytic results. Every project has ripples and the ability to positively impact communities at a social, physical and economic level. Our motivation to transform big ideas into better housing, better mobility and better communities guides everything we do, including our work and the people we hire. By focusing on opportunities that reimagine how people live, we foster value-driven relationships with partners, clients and staff who share a similar optimism and vision for the future.

Our Values Drive Our Purpose.

To achieve a meaningful impact, the following values comprise the unique characteristics that embody our team when we are at our best:

  1. Listen First.  We listen without dogma because any idea could form part of a great solution. We seek to understand the context as a starting place.
  2. Think Critically. Where there are no ready-made solutions, we test the limits of what is possible.
  3. Consider everything.  Even meanwhile spaces are meaningful places.
  4. Do Your F#*%ing Best.  Give everything you have.
  5. Be Human.  Respect is universal. We are thoughtful at all times. We are all connected.
  6. Finish Strong.  We believe the last minute is as important as the first.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

As an integrated planning and design firm, land and community are the foundation of our practice. SvN works in many places, and our team is from around the world. Our main studio is located in Toronto, and we have offices in Vancouver and México City.

Toronto is from the Mohawk word Tkarón:to, which occupies the lands covered by Treaty 13 (1805), also known by the colonizers as the Toronto Purchase; an agreement between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. It is also on lands covered by the Williams Treaty (1923), signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands, of the Anishinaabe nation. These lands have been cared for, for thousands of years by many Nations, including the Mississaugas, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, the Huron Wendat, the Métis, and the Inuit. Today, Tkarón:to is shared by many Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. We recognize the Dish with One Spoon Covenant, an agreement that epitomizes our collective responsibility to each other and Mother Earth.

The City of Vancouver is located on territory that was never surrendered to the Crown, and is the unceded and ancestral traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. These Nations have retain their jurisdiction and relationships with the territory since time immemorial. We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to work on these lands.

We also acknowledge that México City was colonized by the Spaniards, and was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlán, which was once the capital of the Aztec Empire. Many tribes inhabited these lands including the ancient Aztec (Mexica), Toltec and Chichimeca tribes. The City’s relationship with its Indigenous heritage is unique to its context; today, the majority of the City’s population identifies as mixed Indigenous and White heritage, as opposed to the 5% who identify as Indigenous in Canada (2021 Census). However, México grapples with some of the most stark economic inequalities in the world, where the wealthiest 1% earn 21% of the Country’s total income; a legacy of slavery and colonialism.

We give thanks to First Nations and Indigenous Peoples and their descendants who are stewards of these lands, and we acknowledge their spiritual connection to the land and water. We must learn from these caretakers, and share in the responsibility to make decisions today that sustain our world for the seventh generation.

Our frameworks of mapping, measuring, and exchanging land for monetary value are constructs of a colonial system within which we operate. Early land use planning in North America was a tool used to dispossess First Nations, Métis and Inuit from their land, while fostering destructive assimilation. The legacy of colonization and institutionalized racism continues to impact Indigenous Peoples. We firmly believe that architects, landscape architects, designers, and planners have a role to play in Truth, Justice and Reconciliation. We all share the roles of guests and caretakers of this land.

At SvN, we commit to moving forward in the spirit of Partnership, co-management, collaboration, and Reconciliation. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we make the following commitments as part of our duty to those who graciously share this land with us.

Learning and Understanding
  • Learn about Indigenous values, traditional knowledge systems, community building, land stewardship and design practices.
  • Uncover Indigenous history and ground our projects in the cultural and natural context of the land.
  • Honour Indigenous laws, land rights and governance practices.
  • Listen, learn and accept truths from Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and Residential School Survivors.
Building Relationships
  • Establish respectful relationships with First Nations and Indigenous Peoples and organizations.
  • Amplify the voices and talents of Indigenous colleagues, designers, and practitioners.
  • Support industry efforts to increase Indigenous representation in planning, urban design, architecture and landscape architecture.
Implementing Through Our Work
  • Seek opportunities to meaningfully engage and listen to First Nations and Indigenous Peoples throughout our project work.
  • Support and advocate for First Nations and Indigenous clients to question and challenge our colonial systems of planning and governance.
  • Ensure our work is respectful of the environment and its resources for current and future generations, seeking opportunities to build resiliency and accommodate all living beings.
  • Integrate and communicate truths, knowledge, and Indigenous narratives into our projects.

Architecture

Interior Design

Landscape Architecture

Planning

Urban Design

  • Architecture

    SvN offers a range of full-scope architecture, interior design, retrofit, programming and construction management services for public and private projects, especially within mixed-use developments. Our approach focuses on user experience and the creation of environments that reflect the culture and identity of our clients. Our flexible designs for housing, mixed-use communities, schools, churches, community-based institutions and public spaces allow for incremental changes in program and building use to be realized over time. We have a history of initiating and realizing projects that fill critical gaps in the market, and that are sensitive and adaptable to evolving cultures and contexts to ensure the immediate and long-term health of communities.

  • Interior Design

    SvN has extensive interior design experience having worked on a diversity of project types from commercial office, institutional and residential as well as a range of scales from single family to multi-unit residential. As an integrated firm, we have qualified interior design staff who are well versed in the process of selecting materials and finishes, coordinating with suppliers, resolving complex detailing and preparing the necessary information for an FF&E package. Our collaborative design process and seamless integration of architecture and interior design, ensures design decisions are thoughtfully considered based on their potential contribution to the end user and the client’s objectives.

  • Landscape Architecture

    SvN offers a full spectrum of landscape architecture services for major development sites, mobility sites, mobility hubs, transit corridors and streetscapes. Our placemaking work includes ongoing collaborations with projects that acknowledge complex ecologies, histories and connectivity. Our landscape architect team builds upon our ability to think holistically and

    creatively, from small urban spaces to reconfigured landscapes and large-scale, mixed-use developments, all of which lead to thriving urban ecologies.

  • Planning

    SvN offers comprehensive planning, approvals and development management to governments, landowners and non-governmental organizations. Our experience working from concept through to construction allows us to guide our clients at each stage of a project, anticipating the challenges that come with complex development. We take an integrated approach to planning that strengthens and improves the relationships between buildings, landscape and infrastructure.

  • Urban Design

    SvN offers a range of urban design services related to placemaking, master planning and public realm improvement. We work with governments, institutions, developers and community-based organizations to create complete and compact neighbourhoods, active and public transit infrastructure, and vibrant public spaces. Our designs are sensitive to local history, environments and cultures—allowing people to maintain an ongoing sense of connection to their community as it grows and evolves.

Awards & Honours

Greenwood Park

2023: The A+ List Architecture and Design Firms to Watch
2022: AZ Awards, Urban Design Visions
2022: Jury Vote Winner, 10th Annual A+ Awards, Unbuilt Master Plan

MRKT Alexandra Park

2021: Best High-Rise Building Design, BILD Awards

Six Points Interchange

2018: RAIC National Urban Design Awards, Certificate of Merit, Urban Design Plans
2018: Consulting Engineers of Ontario Award of Merit
2017: Toronto Urban Design Award of Merit

Eglinton Connects

2015: Toronto Urban Design Award of Merit
2015: Canadian Institute of Planners Award for Planning Excellence
2013: Institute of Transportation Engineers for the Toronto Section Project of the Year Award

Thompson Economic Diversification Plan

2014: Award of Planning Excellence. Canadian Institute of Planners
2014: Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Award for Community Engagement and Environmental Excellence, Finalist. Mining Association of Canada (2014)

Lawrence-Allen Revitalization Plan

2011: Award for Excellence in Planning. Ontario Professional Planners Institute

Greater Amman Municipality Zoning Regime

2010: Award for Planning Excellence – International Development. Canadian Institute of Planners

“Shaping the Toronto Region”

2009: Award for Planning Excellence – Planning Publication. Canadian Institute of Planners

40R Shaftesbury Avenue

2009: Award of Excellence. Ontario Association of Architects

Amman Master Plan Project

2008: Award for Planning Excellence (Honorable Mention) – International Development. Canadian Institute of Planners

Drew Sinclair, Principal

2008: Canada Council Prix de Rome for Emerging Practitioners

The Amman Plan

2007: World Leadership Award for Town Planning. World Leadership Forum

Places to Grow: The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe

2007: Daniel Burnham Award. American Planning Association
2007: Award for Planning Excellence – Re-urbanization. Canadian Institute of Planners

Evergreen at the Brick Works Master Plan

2007: Award of Excellence, Urban and Community Design. Ontario Professional Planners Institute
2006: “Brownie” Award for Brownfields Redevelopment – Best Project, Heritage/Adaptive Reuse. Canadian Urban Institute

John van Nostrand, Principal – for Contributions to the City’s Vitality

2004: Jane Jacobs Award. Ideas That Matter

Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant

2004: National Citation – Site Design. Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
2004: Planning Honor Award – Site Design. The Waterfront Centre (Washington DC)
2002: Award of Excellence – Site Design. Canadian Architect

Making Waves: Principles for Building Toronto’s Waterfront

2002: Peter Bloodoff Award of Excellence. Canadian Institute of Planners

York University Computer Science Building

Governor General’s Medal. Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Evergreen at the Brick Works Master Plan

2004: Award of Excellence, Urban and Community Design. Ontario Professional Planners Institute

Fort Erie Gateway Master Plan

2001: Award of Excellence (Hon. Mention). Ontario Association of Architects

Pro-Home: A Planned, Progressive Approach to Affordable Housing

2001: Award of Excellence. Ontario Professional Planners Institute

St. George St Revitalization

1997: Urban Design Award. City of Toronto

West Bank Development Project – East London, South Africa

1995: Association Award for International Excellence. CIDA/Canadian Exporters

Queen/Sackville Non-Profit Housing

1994: Design Award. City of Toronto

Seaton Community Plan

1994: First Place – International Competition. Province of Ontario

Salvation Army Scarborough Citadel

1993: Award of Excellence. Canadian Architect

Bill White Cooperative Housing

1992: Design Award. Ontario Association of Architects

Lesotho Urban Upgrading Project 

1991: World Habitat Award. Building & Social Housing Foundation
1991: Award of Excellence. Canadian Institute of Planners

Clients

  • Birchmount Green
  • Bird Construction
  • Brenyon Way Charitable Foundation
  • C Squared Properties
  • Campus Living Centres
  • Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
  • Castlepoint Numa
  • Chartwell Retirement Residences
  • City of Guelph
  • City of Hamilton
  • City of Markham
  • City of Mississauga
  • City of Pickering
  • City of Toronto
  • City of Vaughan
  • Cochrane District Social Services Board (CDSSAB)
  • Conservatory Group
  • CreateTO
  • Crown Realty
  • Cushman and Wakefield
  • Discovery Homes
  • Durham College
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Halloway Holdings
  • Halton Region Community Housing Corporation
  • Hamilton Community Foundation
  • Impressions Group
  • Infrastructure Ontario
  • Main and Main
  • Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation
  • Metrolinx
  • Niagara Region
  • North York General Hospital
  • ONE Properties
  • Ontario Ministry of Health
  • Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
  • Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Ontario Realty Corporation
  • Options for Homes
  • Pemberton Group
  • Petro MaxX
  • Ports Toronto
  • Revera
  • RioCan REIT
  • River Oaks Group
  • Saint Elizabeth Healthcare
  • Slate Communications
  • SmartCentres REIT
  • TAS Design Build
  • Toronto Community Housing Corporation
  • Toronto Region Conservation Authority
  • Toronto Transit Commission
  • Town of Halton Hills
  • Town of Newmarket
  • Town of Whitby
  • Trent University
  • Trillium Housing
  • Triple Group of Companies
  • Trolleybus Urban Development
  • Turner Construction
  • University of Toronto
  • Valentine Coleman
  • Vandyk Group
  • Waterfront Toronto
  • Western Asset Management

For all positions and career inquiries, please send your resume and portfolio via our Careers Portal.

Join our Team!

SvN is a dynamic multidisciplinary culture-driven practice comprised of a diverse team of architects, urban planners, urban designers and landscape architects. We are always interested in meeting exceptional design professionals eager to work in housing, mobility and community. Since our inception over 40 years ago, we continue to shape the built environment in regions, cities and towns across Canada and worldwide. We have revitalized industrial waterfronts, developed innovative and affordable housing projects, designed resilient neighbourhoods, and promoted rural and urban economic development. As an integrated full-service studio, we guide both public- and private-sector projects. One of SvN's unique strengths is providing design-intensive services that resolve complex urban issues, including land-use regulations, regional infrastructure requirements, and community development.

SvN is a Certified Living Wage Employer.

 

Click here to see all of our open opportunities.