Behind the Build
Episodes
Behind the Build ID: Marti Gallucci - Mason Studio
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marti Gallucci is a Partner and Design Director at Mason Studio, where she has been a key part of the firm’s evolution for over 13 years. She joined...
Behind the Build AD: Nicolas Koff, Sebastien Bartnicki, Uros Novakovic - Office Ou
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nicolas Koff, Uros Novakovic, and Sebastian Bartnicki are the founding partners of Office Ou, a practice shaped as much by lived experience and cultur...
Behind the Build ID: Lara Nancy - LN Studio
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lara Nancy Cupido is a Toronto born interior designer and the founder and principal of LN Studio, a full service firm based in Caledon, Ontario. Raise...
Behind the Build AD: Kevin Weiss - Weiss Architecture & Urbanism
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Born in Medicine Hat and raised across the Prairies, Kevin Weiss grew up moving from city to city, an experience that shaped his appreciation for stab...
Behind the Build ID: Jane Lockhart - Jane Lockhart Design
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jane Lockhart is a Toronto-based interior designer, television personality, author, and colour expert whose career spans nearly three decades. She fou...
Behind the Build Roundtable Series: The Missing Middle - ft. Naama Blonder, Sue-Jean Chung, Evan Saskin & Gabriel Fain
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The first roundtable series: The Missing Middle, is a candid conversation on how cities can deliver more housing at a scale between single family home...
Behind the Build: Arancha González Bernardo & Michael Fohring - Odami
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arancha González Bernardo and Michael Fohring are the co-founders of Odami, a Toronto-based architecture and design studio shaped by their internatio...
Behind the Build: Murray Legge - Murray Legge Architecture
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Murray Legge is an award-winning architect based in Austin, Texas, originally from Whitevale, Ontario, a rural community outside Toronto. Growing up ...
Behind the Build: Jeff Cogliati - Bloom Architects
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff Cogliati is a Canadian architect and the founder of Bloom Architects, an emerging Toronto-based studio recognized as one of the country’s first...
Behind the Build: Aleris Rodgers & Francesco Valente-Gorjup - Studio Vaaro
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aleris Rodgers and Francesco Valente-Gorjup are the co-founders of Studio VAARO, a Toronto architecture practice focused on thoughtful, holistic desig...
Behind the Build: Jason Halter - Wonder Inc.
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Halter is a Toronto-based designer and founder of Wonder Inc, an interdisciplinary studio known for its explorations in modular and prefabricate...
Behind the Build: Pat Hanson - gh3*
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pat Hanson is a founding principal of gh3*, a Toronto-based architecture, landscape, and urban design practice recognized for its clarity, precision, ...
Behind the Build: Robert Davidov - Davidov Architects
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Davidov is the founder and director of Davidov Architects, a Melbourne-based architecture and interiors practice established in 2011. His studi...
Behind the Build: Marianne McKenna, Shirley Blumberg, Bruce Kuwabara - KPMB The Founders
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the first time ever, Bruce Kuwabara, Marianne McKenna, and Shirley Blumberg sit down together to share the story of founding KPMB and shaping it i...
Behind the Build: Kelly Alvarez Doran - Ha/f Climate Design
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Build, Kelly Alvarez Doran joins, both architect and co-founder of Ha/f Climate Design. Based in London and working inte...
Behind the Build: Magnus Ström - Ström Architects
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Magnus Ström is the founder and Principal Architect of Ström Architects, a UK-based practice internationally recognized for its refined, modernist a...
Behind the Build: Andrew Kline - Workshop APD
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Kline, Principal at Workshop APD, joins Behind the Build to share a career built on craft, risk, and mentorship. Raised in rural Ohio, his crea...
Behind the Build: Waterloo University Alumni - Carol Phillips, Robert Kastelic, Lisa D'Abbondanza, & Drew Mandel
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was recorded live at the University of Waterloo before an audience of students, alumni, and colleagues. Four graduates returned to share ...
Behind the Build: Katherine Chia - Desai Chia Architecture
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Katherine Chia, FAIA, is the co-founder and co-principal of Desai | Chia Architecture, a New York City practice she leads with her husband and partner...
Behind the Build: Evan Saskin - Blue Lion Building
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Evan Saskin is an architect, builder, and founder of Blue Lion Building, an architect-led design-build practice in Toronto and now, Halifax, Nova Scot...
Behind the Build: Gordon Magnin - Magnin Architecture
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Gordon Magnin discovered his creative spark early through visits to an architect’s studio where renderings and mod...
Behind the Build: Matthew Bishop & Lucas McDowell: Bishop McDowell
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bishop McDowell is a design-forward architecture practice based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, co-founded by Matthew Bishop and Lucas McDowell in May 2024. ...
Behind the Build: Don Schmitt - Diamond Schmitt Architects
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don Schmitt is a founding partner of Diamond Schmitt Architects, one of Canada’s most respected architectural practices. He was born in South Porcu...
Behind the Build: Janna Levitt - LGA Architectural Partners
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Janna Levitt is a founding partner of LGA Architectural Partners and a respected leader in socially conscious architecture in Canada. Raised in a Toro...
Behind the Build: Shirley Meisels - M House Inc.
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shirley Meisels is the founder and creative force behind the Toronto interior design studio M House Inc. With over 20 years of experience, she brings ...
Behind the Build: Gene Sandoval - ZGF Architects
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gene Sandoval’s story is one of vision, resilience, and impact. Born in the Philippines, Gene grew up immersed in the world of craft and creation, w...
Behind the Build: Olly Bray - OB Architecture
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Olly Bray is the founder of OB Architecture, an award-winning practice with studios in Winchester, London, and Chamonix. On this episode, Olly traces ...
Behind the Build: Sacha Lee - Aeon Design: Architecture & Interiors
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sacha Lee is the founder and principal architect of Aeon Design, a Toronto based architecture and interiors studio focused on thoughtful, high perform...
Behind the Build: Shane Czypyha - Parkin Architects
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shane Czypyha is a principal at Parkin Architects and one of the founding forces behind their Vancouver office. A graduate of the University of Waterl...
Behind the Build: Cori Halpern - Cori Halpern Interiors
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cori Halpern is the founder and principal designer at Cori Halpern Interiors, a Toronto-based studio known for its unapologetically personal and colou...
Behind the Build: Younes Bounhar & Amanda Large - Doublespace Photography
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Large and Younes Bounhar are the co-founders of Doublespace Photography, a studio recognized internationally for its refined and evocative arch...
Behind the Build: Cindy Rendely - Cindy Rendely Architexture
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy Rendely’s journey into architecture was never a straight line. It began with a science degree in physiology and zoology from the University of...
Behind the Build: Judah Mulalu - Ten-2-Four Architecture
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Judah Mulalu is the founding architect of Ten-2-Four Architecture, a Toronto-based studio guided by a commitment to empathetic and inclusive design. B...
Behind the Build: Limor Benmor-Mizrahi - LB Mizrahi Architect Inc
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Limor Benmor-Mizrahi’s path to architecture was anything but linear—and that’s what makes her story so compelling. Trained initially in the scie...
Behind the Build: Anne-Marie Armstrong - AAmp Studio
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Anne‑Marie Armstrong is an architect, educator and co‑founding principal of AAmp Studio, the cross‑border practice she leads with partner An...
Behind the Build: Nadeen Rajani - Drawing Room Architect
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nadeen Rajani, is the newly minted principal of Drawing Room Architect, the Toronto studio known for marrying rigorous detailing with lived in warm...
Behind the Build: Todd Saunders - Saunders Architecture
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Todd Saunders grew up on Newfoundland’s rugged coast, carving cabins and learning early that good buildings start with good stories. That hands-on ...
Behind the Build: Kfir Gluzberg - Kilogram Studio
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kfir Gluzberg is the founder and principal of Kilogram Studio, a Toronto-based architecture practice recognized for its inventive approach to resident...
Behind the Build: Andrés Muñoz Alarcón - EStudio AMA
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Andrés Muñoz Alarcón is the founder and creative force behind EStudio AMA, a thriving design practice based in Mexico ...
Behind the Build: The Making Of... with Bruce Borden & Jonathan Jacobs - Walden Homes
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We celebrate Behind the Build turning one year old with a conversation that goes straight to the heart of where it all began. In this anniversary epis...
Behind the Build: Maggie Bennedson & Amin Ebrahim - KSA
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maggie Bennedsen and Amin Ebrahim are principals at KSA, a practice known for its diverse and impactful architectural work. Maggie has been with KSA s...
Behind the Build: Ben Gaum - Project Studios Architects
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Gaum built his path to architecture from a young age, after a school test in Grade 5 surprisingly and accurately suggested “architect” as the ...
Behind the Build: Frank DiSarra - FrankFranco Architects
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Frank DiSarra, principal of Frank Franco Architects, has dedicated over 25 years to shaping contemporary architecture that seamlessly blends artistry ...
Behind the Build: David Hine - David Hine Engineering Fire and Building Code Consultant
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Building codes are often seen as limitations, but for David Hine of David Hine Engineering Fire and Building Code Consultant, they offer opportunities...
Behind the Build: Jackie Burgess & Chris Chevalier - s.no Architecture Pt.2
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the heart of Canada’s North, Jackie Burgess and Chris Chevalier are redefining architecture through their firm, s.no Architecture. Based in White...
Behind the Build: Jackie Burgess & Chris Chevalier - s.no Architecture Pt.1
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2020 by Jackie Burgess and Chris Chevalier, s.no architecture is a Whitehorse-based studio shaped by the unique environmental and cultural ...
Behind the Build: Lisa Kooistra - LKD
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Kooistra is the Principal Designer and Creative Director of LKD (Lisa Kooistra Designs), a Burlington-based interior design studio specializing i...
Behind the Build: Rick Galezowski - Great Lake Studio
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rick Galezowski is the founding principal of Great Lake Studio, a small and nimble architectural practice in Toronto. His work focuses on a selective ...
Behind the Build: D'Arcy Jones - D'Arcy Jones Architects Pt.2
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this second installment with architect D’Arcy Jones, we dive deeper into the evolution of his practice over the last 25 years. D’Arcy shares ho...
Behind the Build: D'Arcy Jones - D'Arcy Jones Architects Pt.1
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
D’Arcy Jones is the founder and principal of D’Arcy Jones Architects, a practice celebrated for its inventive, human-centered design and seamless ...
Behind the Build: Adrian Worton - Daymark Design
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian Worton is the founder of Daymark Design, an architectural practice dedicated to crafting modern, high-performance homes that connect seamlessly...
Behind the Build: Leanne Tammaro & Adolphina Czyrsky - Design Theory
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Design Theory is a Toronto-based interior design studio led by Leanne Tammaro and Adolphina Czyrsky, renowned for their exceptional work in transformi...
Behind the Build: Peter Braithwaite - Peter Braithwaite Studio Pt. 2
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Braithwaite’s architectural journey continues to unfold in fascinating ways, as highlighted in Part Two of our conversation. Picking up where ...
Behind the Build: Peter Braithwaite - Peter Braithwaite Studio Pt. 1
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Braithwaite’s journey in architecture is as inspiring as it is distinctive. Growing up, Peter’s early life was shaped by a curiosity for des...
Behind the Build: Brian O'Brian - WORKS OFFICE of Brian O'Brian Architect
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I recently had the pleasure of hosting Brian O'Brian on Behind the Build, and it was an experience filled with insight and laughter. Despite having no...
Behind the Build: Deborah Gottesman - Gottesman Associates
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deborah Gottesman is one of those people you’re lucky to have in your corner. We’ve worked with her on several projects, including one with Walden...
Behind the Build: Bill Dewson - Dewson Architects
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Behind the Build, I speak with Toronto-born architect Bill Dewson, founder of Dewson Architects. Bill's architectural journey began at th...
Behind the Build: Brian MacKay-Lyons - MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Pt. 2
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of my conversation with Brian MacKay-Lyons of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects on Behind the Build, we explore a wide range of thought-pro...
Behind the Build: Brian MacKay-Lyons - MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Pt. 1
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian MacKay-Lyons, born in Arcadia, Nova Scotia, is a celebrated Canadian architect known for his designs that connect deeply with the coastal landsc...
Behind the Build: Sam Sacks - Sam Sacks Design
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An artist with an insatiable curiosity, Sam Sacks infuses every space she designs with a rich tapestry of stories and inspirations. Armed with a combi...
Behind the Build: Hugh Randolph - Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hugh Randolph, founder and principal of Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects, has had a lifelong passion for architecture, with his calling to design bu...
Behind the Build: Maria Denegri & Tom Bessai - Denegri Bessai Studio
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're featuring Denegri Bessai Studio. Founded by partners Maria Denegri and Tom Bessai, who balance a shared life in architecture with tea...
Behind the Build: Elsa Lam - Canadian Architect
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Elsa Lam is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Architect, dedicated to elevating architectural practices across Canada. With a background in architectur...
Behind the Build: Beth Wassermuhl - StudioWI
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re thrilled to feature Beth Wassermuhl, a second-generation architect whose practice, StudioWI, has been making waves. Beth’s unique...
Behind the Build: Heather Dubbeldam - Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather Dubbeldam is the founder and principal of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, a practice known for its focus on contemporary and modern architect...
Behind the Build: Brooke Guzar - Blackwell Structural Engineers
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brooke Guzar is a trailblazer as the first-ever CEO of Blackwell Structural Engineers—a significant achievement, especially considering she was only...
Behind the Build: Chantal Philippe - NuNu Interior Design
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chantal Philippe is the founder and principal of NuNu Interior Design, based in Toronto, Ontario. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in constructi...
Behind the Build: Naama Blonder - Smart Density
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Naama Blonder is the mastermind behind Smart Density, an architecture practice in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After moving to Toronto from Israel, she a...
Behind the Build: Paul Raff - Paul Raff Studio
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Raff is the founder of Paul Raff Studio, an architectural practice that seamlessly integrates interior and landscape design. Before establishing ...
Behind the Build: Cathy Garrido - Altius Architecture
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cathy Garrido is the co-founder of Altius Architecture, recently (since recording) re-named as Sustain Design Architects Inc., alongside fellow Water...
Behind the Build: Gillian Gillies - Gillian Gillies Interiors
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Born on the outskirts of Edinburgh in Scotland, Gillian Gillies found her love for design. As she began her career, she was invited onto a trip where ...
Behind the Build: Kelly Buffey & Robert Kastelic - Atelier Kastelic Buffey (AKB)
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Buffey and Robert Kastelic founded Atelier Kastelic Buffey (AKB) in 2004. Celebrating their 20 year mark, at what has become one of the more ...
Behind the Build: Michael Amantea - Amantea Architects
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Amantea started his practice in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2012. His family was instrumental leading him on his path into architecture. His f...
Behind the Build: Jeffrey Douglas - Douglas Design Studio
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeffrey Douglas is the founder and sole principal of Douglas Design Studio, an interior design studio based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Don'...
Behind the Build: Lucas Maino Fernandez - Lucas Maino Fernandez Arquitectos
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lucas Maino Fernandez founded his practice, Lucas Maino Fernandez Arquitectos, with a focus on modern architecture to be designed and built south of h...
Behind the Build: Jennifer Kudlats - Studio for Architecture and Collaboration (StudioAC)
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this engaging episode, Jennifer Kudlats, one of the principals and founders of Studio for Architecture and Collaboration, or StudioAC, opens up abo...
Behind the Build: Michael Taylor - Taylor Smyth Architects
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Taylor founded Taylor Smyth Architects with business partner Robert Smyth, based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 2000. Since the creatio...
Behind the Build: Nathan Buhler - BLDG Workshop
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nathan Buhler is the founder and principal of BLDG Workshop, a modern architectural design practice operating out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With a ...
Behind the Build: Brenda Izen - Izen Architecture
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brenda Izen is the founder and principal of Izen Architecture, a powerful all-female practice focused on modern architecture, based out of Toronto, On...
Behind the Build: Richard Wengle - Richard Wengle Architect Inc. (RWAI)
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Wengle has been practicing architecture since the 1980s, knowing he was going to become an architect in high school. He has since never deviat...
Behind the Build Special Edition: Moriyama Teshima Architects - Ontario Science Centre
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Special Edition: On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Moriyama Teshima Architects released a statement that they would provide pro-bono architectural services f...
Behind the Build: Drew Mandel - Drew Mandel Architects (DMA)
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Drew Mandel started Drew Mandel Architects (DMA) in 2004, after various experiences working at other practices, including two internships at KPMB whil...
Behind the Build: Winda Lau - Studio Lau
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a history of working for some of the most notable Canadian architects, Winda Lau started her practice Studio Lau, focused on Contemporary and Mod...
Behind the Build: Beth Lowenfeld - Four Blocks South
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Lowenfeld is the charismatic principal and founder of Four Blocks South, an interior design practice based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In h...
Behind the Build: Gabriel Fain - Gabriel Fain Architects Inc.
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gabriel Fain is the principal and founder of Gabriel Fain Architects Inc. located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His practice started in single family ...
Behind the Build: Barbora Vokac Taylor Architect Inc. (BVTA)
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Barbora Vokac Taylor, founded her practice in 2012, based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In what was an incredible drop of knowledge, you'll fin...
Behind the Build: Vanessa Fong - Vanessa Fong Architect (VF-A)
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Vanessa Fong is the founder and principal of Vanessa Fong Architect, a studio based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada that focuses primarily on contemporary...
Behind the Build: Shane Laptiste - Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA)
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shane Laptiste runs his practice, Studio of Contemporary Architecture, known as SOCA, with his partner Tura Cousins Wilson. SOCA is based out of Toron...
Behind the Build: Les Klein - BDP Quadrangle
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Les Klein is the founder of what is now called BDP Quadrangle, formerly known as Quadrangle. His achievements in architecture are extensive, as are th...
Behind the Build: Jordan Heckman - Jordan Station Design Studio
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Heckman runs his practice, Jordan Station Design Studio, out of an area of Ontario, called Jordan Station. Located between Beamsville and St. C...
Behind the Build: Justin Sherry - Justin Sherry Design Studio
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Sherry is a young design professional running his practice out of Barrie, Ontario. Justin has taken his practice from a single, owner-operated ...
Behind the Build: Joe Knight - blackLAB Architects
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Knight is one of four principals that make up the blackLAB Architects team. Joe discusses his life in England and how it has evolved in Toronto. ...
Behind the Build: Joel Tanner - SMPL Design Studio
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joel Tanner runs his practice out of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the creative mind pushing the self-proclaimed, "gnarliness" of modern ...