Stephanie Cantlay

Planner
MPL

Stephanie contributes to a variety of projects across Canada including comprehensive land use plans and parks and open space master plans. She aims to take an equity-lens to planning policy and engagement and has experience in the private, public, and non-profit sector. 

Stephanie holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Queen’s University. Her research project was recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners and awarded the best overall graduate submission. She also holds a Master of Arts (Sociology) from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology) from Carleton University. 

Myles Carbert

Associate, Landscape Architect
AALA, OALA, CSLA

Myles is a registered Landscape Architect with design and construction experience on a wide range of projects in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. His expertise ranges from working drawing production to contract administration and project management. Myles has a particular interest in developing budgets and facilitating construction from procurement through project closeout. 

 Myles holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph and a diploma in Landscape Architectural Technology from NAIT.

Tiffany Chan

Marketing and Business Development Manager
BA

As Marketing and Business Development Manager at O2, Tiffany takes the lead in developing existing and new business opportunities, managing strategies to scale growth, and building client relationships.

 With over a decade of experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, she is passionate about collaborating with clients, working with leaders to implement go-to-market strategy, and leading high value bids. She is a results-orientated marketing expert with experience managing and executing solutions to build brands in local, national, and international markets. 

Omair Chaudhry

Principal, Data Analytics and Engagement
Ph.D., MSC, BE, DIP

At O2 Omair is the GIS lead for planning and design projects. He has developed innovative online and mobile spatial public engagement tool applications. He has also implemented bespoke spatial analysis and modelling tools for parks, recreation and growth modelling, land use and land cover mapping.

Omair holds a Doctorate and a master’s degree in Geographic Information Science from the University of Edinburgh, a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Software from the National University of Science and Technology in Pakistan, as well as a diploma in project management. Omair has published journal articles and book chapters and presented papers at international conferences.

Simran Chowdhary

Planner
MPlan, BArch

As a Planner at O2, Simran utilizes her diverse skillset in urban design and architecture to contribute to regional, urban and community planning projects. She possesses a deep interest in the evolution of spaces, extending beyond the built and unbuilt environments. Intrigued by the intersection of spatial justice, local culture, and placemaking, Simran conducted research titled 'Informality in the Built Environment – A Kumasi-Calgary Collaboration Project,' which earned her the Theresa Baxter Social Issues in Environmental Design award.

Simran holds a Master of Planning from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Sushant School of Art and Architecture in India. She is actively engaged in the Federation of Calgary Communities' Urban Planning Committee and the Activate YYC Review Panel and is dedicated to creating vibrant, inspiring, and inclusive urban environments.

Sarah Danahy

Senior Associate, Engagement & Communication Design Lead
MDes, BDes

Working across disciplines, Sarah leads the community engagement and visual communications work at O2 – ranging from community-led collaboration to broad-scale data collection. Her experience and strengths lie in synthesizing and visualizing complex information with clarity for a public audience. She is passionate about centering user experience at the core of the engagement and design processes, ensuring diverse voices are involved to create meaningful outcomes for project decision-making.

Sarah holds a graduate degree in Design Innovation and Environmental Design from the Glasgow School of Art and a degree in graphic design from York University and Sheridan College. She has a certificate from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) in Foundations in Public Participation.

Sara de Korte

Associate, Landscape Architect
BLA, AALA, CSLA

Sara is a registered Landscape Architect (AALA, CSLA) with a decade of experience on diverse landscape projects, with a focus on leading multi-disciplinary, high-profile urban parks. Her project experience includes public spaces, mixed-use developments, and waterfronts that have complex infrastructure, stakeholder, and programming considerations.

 Sara sits on the Board of Directors for the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects and has been a guest critic for the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. Her education includes a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with distinction from the University of Guelph, a year of studies at Carleton University’s flagship School of Journalism and Communication, as well as training with the International Association for Public Participation.

Henry de Vela

Senior Landscape Designer
B.S. Arch

Henry has more than thirty years of experience in landscape architecture, urban design, construction contract administration and project management. His knowledge in construction and design is invaluable, ensuring a smooth process from design development through to final construction. 

Henry’s professional experience included Belt Collins Hong Kong and Ronald Lu & Partners Hong Kong. Henry’s rigorous quality control and attention to detailed design are always displayed from initial concept to implementation. Henry has contributed to the success and memorability of many projects including the Rose Garden and the Urban Carpet entrance plaza at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville.

Rachelle Dillon

Senior Associate, Planner
RPP, MCIP, MPlan

Rachelle is an urban planner with extensive experience leading and crafting plans and strategies in both Canada and Australia. Rachelle is interested in how the different facets of city building interact to create welcoming, healthy, dynamic, and resilient communities. This interest is anchored in her experience in many different planning disciplines, including mobility, open space, urban design, flood resiliency, heritage protection, land use and strategic growth planning.

Rachelle holds a Master of Planning degree (Dalhousie University), a Bachelor of Arts in Art History degree (University of Calgary) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree (University of Calgary). Rachelle has completed additional training in real estate development at the University of Calgary, graphic design at the Alberta University of the Arts, Indigenous history at the University of Alberta and public engagement through the International Association of Public Participation.

Katelyn Dunning

Associate, Landscape Architect
BLA, MES, AALA, CSLA

Katelyn is an environmental landscape architect who specializes in stormwater management and restoration of wetlands and stream banks. She is experienced in the development of sustainable urban ecosystems, including stormwater management and low-impact development (LID) techniques.

Katelyn holds a Master’s Degree in Ecological Restoration from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph. She also has an ecological restoration foundation in riparian and aquatic restoration techniques, particularly in urban environments.

Logan Gray

Landscape Designer
LAT

Logan Gray is a landscape designer based out of O2’s Toronto office. He studied Landscape Architectural Technology at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where he developed skills to design and implement landscape projects from concept to construction. To pursue his passion and deepen his understanding of the natural and built environment, he is completing a certificate in Environmental Management at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. His research in urban ecology, ecosystem health, environmental risk assessment, and climate change brings a focused perspective on how landscape design and planning can be utilized to promote sustainable development to enhance local ecologies and human wellbeing.

Logan has worked on a variety of project types and scales in Canada and internationally through various design phases to construction. He excels at using his detail-oriented technical skills and construction knowledge to deliver projects that are rooted in sustainable practices that create harmonious dynamics between built form and natural systems. 

Chris Hardwicke

Principal, Urban Design
BArch, BES, BA, RPP, MCIP, FFUD

Chris leads the firm’s urban design practice and combines his training in fine art, environmental studies, and architecture to bring integrated design thinking to complex urban projects. His expertise includes community, urban, public space, and campus streetscape design. Chris is highly regarded for his strategic and collaborative approach to complex urban projects – including charting and leading the public engagement process.

Chris is a Registered Professional Planner, a member of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada and an urban designer. As an accomplished facilitator, Chris speaks about healthy cities across North America and abroad. He achieved international recognition as a Fellow of the Forum for Urban Design in New York; a Recognized Practitioner in Urban Design in the UK; and, as a member of the Project for Public Spaces Leadership Committee and the Council for Canadian Urbanism.

Megan Horachek

Ecological Planner
MSc, MPlan, P.Biol.

Megan has a diverse interdisciplinary background in ecology, GIS, and planning, along with a passion for parks, water, and conservation and leveraging natural ecological functions to create innovative solutions for environmental stewardship and management.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree (University of Guelph), a post-graduate certificate in GIS with a specialization in Cartography (Fleming College), a Master of Science degree in Ecology (University of Saskatchewan), and a Master of Planning degree (University of Calgary) with a focus on ecological design. Prior to joining O2, Megan spent 5-years working in academic research, using her skills in analysis and GIS to support research objectives related to climate change and resilience.

Brian Horton

Principal, Senior Urban Planner
MPLAN, MCIP, RPP

Brian leads the studio’s development planning and approvals team; from large-scale neighbourhood and community masterplans to single parcel redevelopments. His work focuses on improving the built environment through the delivery of innovative urban design solutions.

Brian began his planning career in London, UK, which provided him with the opportunity to work on some of the UK and London’s highest-profile projects, including a new community and brownfield redevelopment for the Prince’s Trust and Urban Design Masterplan for the area surrounding the future Farringdon Crossrail Station.

Zachary Hunter

Associate, Landscape Architect
OALA, CSLA, MLA, MCRP

With a diverse educational background spanning architectural design, city and regional planning, and landscape architecture, Zachary brings a holistic perspective to every project. Drawing from this multidisciplinary foundation, he seeks to bridge disciplines and create sustainable and transformative environments. From master planning to detailed design, Zachary is guided by a passion to seamlessly merge built environments and natural ecosystems into a harmonious landscape.

Zachary holds master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies. In addition, Zachary has also served on Planning Advisory Committees and worked as an historic preservation planner.

Reinaldo Jordan

Associate, Landscape Architect
OALA, CSLA

Reinaldo is a licensed Landscape Architect with over 15 years of experience in design, project management and business development.

His educational background includes landscape architecture, architecture, environmental sciences and fine arts studies from the University of Toronto and the Architectural Academy-Amsterdam.

He has extensive experience in landscape architecture, urban design, and industrial design. His professional experience includes West 8 and Janet Rosenberg & Studio.

Having worked in Canada and internationally on multidisciplinary teams designing renowned, complex projects, he places design innovation and strategy as the driving force behind landscape architecture.

He is inspired by public life and motivated by design excellence's critical role in creating landscapes that catalyze community-building, real estate development and environmental sustainability.

Hayden Keogh

Planner
MPL

As a Planner at O2, Hayden uses his policy, community engagement, and land use planning experience to contribute to a wide range of planning projects across Canada. He aims to support projects that value sustainable and equitable development across cities and regions.

Hayden holds a Master of City Planning degree from the University of Manitoba, where upon graduation, was a recipient of the Canadian Institute of Planners Outstanding Graduating Student Award. During his Master’s degree Hayden researched office to residential conversion projects in Calgary’s downtown. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from the University of Calgary.

Matt Knapik

Senior Associate, Urban Designer
MArch, MEDes (Urban Design)

In his role as an Urban Designer at O2, Matt brings a multi-disciplinary skill set and keen design sensibility to projects in planning, landscape, and urban design. He is drawn to complex projects where institutions and infrastructures collide with the city.

Matt received Master’s Degrees in both Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Calgary. He sits on the board of directors for Calgary Reads and is a founding member of the award-winning design and research collaborative The Bench Project. For the last eleven years, Matt has taught and lectured at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary, where he was co-recipient of the Faculty of Environmental Design Award for Teaching Excellence.

Sarah Ko

Landscape Architect
BA, BscH, MLA, ALA

Sarah combines her backgrounds in environmental sciences and landscape architecture to bring beautiful and ecologically sustainable designs to life. She previously worked for the Sustainability Office at the City of Markham before transitioning to the private sector, gaining experience designing important civic and institutional public spaces around Toronto and Southern Ontario. Her work includes university campuses, vibrant streetscapes, urban parks, master-planned neighbourhoods, and waterfronts. She has a strong interest in plants native to southern Ontario and has specialized in planting designs that respond to the local ecology.

Sarah holds a Master's of Landscape Architecture, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects and is a proponent of community-driven and sustainable design.

Nicholas Kuhl

Associate, Planner
MPL, RPP, MCIP

Nicholas specializes in policy, public engagement, and land-use planning; using these skills to contribute to regional, urban, and community planning projects from coast to coast.

Nicholas holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Queen’s University, and degrees in Geography and Education from Brock University. Nicholas is an active advocate for planning, currently sitting on the Canadian Institute of Planners national board of directors and the Beltline Neighbourhood Association’s Urban Development Committee.

Katie Lobban

Planner
MPL

As a Planner at O2, Katie contributes to a wide range of projects across Canada using her skills in engagement, policy research, and keen interests in master planning and placemaking. She aims to bring a sense of community to all the work she does to enhance and help them reach their full potential.

Katie holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Queen’s University where she took a keen focus on land use as well as health and social planning. In her capstone project report, she worked alongside a team of colleagues for the National Capital Commission to vision animating the core area waterfront in downtown Ottawa. She is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and is actively working towards her RPP designation.

Sarah Lumley

Associate, Planner
MPL, RPP, MCIP

Sarah contributes to a range of urban and regional land use projects, including parks and open space planning, downtown planning, and the development and delivery of engagement strategies. Sarah is interested in how policy can be used to increase community resiliency, which she explored in her research at Queen’s University, “Bridging the Gap Between Disaster/Emergency Management and Urban Planning in Vancouver Island Communities”. The project earned her the Canadian Institute of Planner’s Thomas Adams Award.

Sarah holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Vancouver Island University.

Fiona MacIver

Landscape Designer
MLA, BA

Fiona is a Landscape Designer at O2, with over a decade of experience in the design and project management of urban landscapes. Fiona has been involved in a notable range of projects including institutional, residential, mixed-use developments, light industrial and business park projects, transportation, and road widening related works, parks and pathways, and ecological restoration projects. She is challenged and inspired by projects that aim to make the world visually, ecologically, and functionally better.

Fiona holds a Master's of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) majoring in Fine Art History, and minoring in Philosophy and Environmental Ethics from the University of Toronto. She is an Associate of the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Madiha Mehdi

Landscape Designer
MLA, BArch

As a Landscape Designer at O2, Madiha brings her creativity and design skills to the development, documentation and graphic visualization of urban landscapes. She is passionate about exploring strategies for creating inclusive urban environments that cater to diverse backgrounds.

She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Calgary where she graduated with the SAPL gold medal for receiving the highest academic distinction in the department. She has an undergraduate degree in Architecture from NIT Bhopal, India. Prior to entering the field of Landscape Architecture she has experience working at an architecture studio and at a non-profit organization that practices afforestation across India.

Ute Maya Giambattista

Principal, Urban Design
BArch, MPl, MCIP, RPP, LEED AP

As an urban designer and planner, Ute approaches her work with the understanding that design can be a powerful tool for creating healthy places and communities while being aware of the complexities of urban spaces and the potential of infrastructure to transform the vitality of a place. Integral to all her management and design work is her commitment to the integration of social, economic, and environmentally sustainable practices from the early stages of the process.  With more than 22 years of practice, Ute’s experience working for public and private clients in Canada, the United States, Russia and China includes municipal lead secondary and tertiary plans as well as site, master and community planning developments ranging in size from 4 to 4,000 hectares.

Ute is a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners. Ute is the President of the Council for Canadian Urbanism, a member of the City of Vaughan Design Review Panel, a member of the Province of Ontario provincially appointed AODA Design of Public Spaces Standards Development committee, a board member of Toronto’s Design Industry Advisory Committee, a member of the PISG group at OPPI and the past chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative Allies in Action sub-committee at the Urban Land Institute. 

Getachew Mengesha

Senior Financial Administrator
BA

Getachew is O2’s Financial Administrator in charge of budgeting, project reporting, financial reporting, invoicing, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Zegha Business College (City University College) in Accounting and Finance and a Diploma in Accounting from the Addis Ababa Commercial College.

Andrew Palmiere

Principal, Urban & Regional Planning
MPL, MCIP, RPP

Andrew leads the firm’s Urban & Regional Planning practice. His work emphasizes the linkages between policy, implementation, and urban design; thereby creating places defined by environmental responsibility, economic vitality, vibrant culture, social discourse, creative design, and a desirable, sustainable quality of life. He has extensive experience in high-profile urban planning and urban design projects in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and overseas.

Andrew holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor and a Master of Arts in Geography from the University of Calgary. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, the Alberta Professional Planners Institute, and the Association of Professional Community Planners of Saskatchewan. Andrew also holds a Certificate in Public Engagement from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).

David Pantaleo

Associate, Landscape Architect
OALA, CSLA

With experience working in landscape architecture, urban design, and client and community consultations, David has led the design and development of several public park and urban infill projects within Toronto and the GTA.  His enthusiasm, creative thinking, leadership and management skills culminate in the development of exciting and inspiring landscapes with focus on innovative designs that are environmentally and economically sustainable within an urban context. His passions for nature and urban lifestyle continuously inform his approach to designing comfortable, human scaled ‘people spaces’ within Cities.

David is currently a full member of the OALA and CSLA and holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Guelph, with hons. and a Certified Landscape Technician diploma from Humber College. 

Denise Poon

Landscape Architect
BLA, LAT, AALA Intern

Denise is a Landscape Designer at O2 with over 5 years of experience delivering award-winning landscape architecture projects from conceptual design to built product. She brings her visualization, design intuition, and technical ability to the team and is passionate about realizing the potential of the space through great design, coordination, and execution.

Denise holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph. She also has a diploma in Landscape Architectural Technology from NAIT.

Lynnette Postuma

Principal, Senior Landscape Architect
MLA, OALA, CSLA

Lynnette has over 15 years of experience in the design and project management of urban landscapes across Canada. She is motivated by a desire to contribute to city-building through art and design. This interest has been fostered through involvement in civic projects including public parks, courtyards, streetscapes and waterfront redevelopment. Lynnette’s professional experience includes Waterfront Toronto, West 8 New York and Janet Rosenberg & Studio.

Lynnette holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree (University of Toronto) and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and Music (The King’s University). She also studied Dutch art and architecture in Amsterdam (NL) and has completed a number of public art commissions in Toronto.

Christopher Quick

GIS Analyst
BA, BSc

Christopher is a member of O2’s GIS and Geodesign team and contributes to the spatial and data analysis components of O2 projects. He has a geography and environmental science background and thus loves working on anything related to the natural world but is also keenly interested in built landscapes and how people interact with them. He is driven to leverage new technologies to interactively present mapping and data analysis results.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Organizational Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Western Ontario.

Shaina Rosell

Software Engineer
BSc

In her role as a software developer at O2, Shaina applies her skills in web development, data analysis and GIS. She has developed a data visualization tool/dashboard for the City of Calgary and a web application for Suncor. She also supports the team by using GIS tools for collecting and analysing spatial data.

Shaina holds a Bachelor of Science, Computer Science from the University of Calgary.

Laxmi Shadija

Landscape Designer
MLA, B. Arch., OALA (Associate), ISOLA

Laxmi began her landscape career in India and has worked on landscape projects from residential to master planning and regional scale. She is passionate about designing spaces that enhance user experience and are functional with a blend of clear aesthetics. She brings a systematic approach and understands the project requirements, from concept to addressing city submissions and leading the project to the construction stage.

Laxmi holds a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from CEPT University India and a Bachelor of Architecture from RGPV University India. She also completed a Certificate course in Environmental Project Management from CEPT University India and a Certificate in Landscape Design from Ryerson University Toronto.

Adam Shamchuk

Associate, Planner
BA, RPP, MCIP

Adam is a Senior Planner and Associate with O2, known for his pragmatic and principled approach to work. Sought after as a trusted advisor on matters of planning, development, and policy. His mission is to help communities solve complex problems and build amazing places.

 Adam holds a BA in Human Geography from the University of Alberta and has been a Registered Professional Planner since 2018.

Colin Suggett

GIS Analyst
BA, BGIS

Colin approaches geospatial design challenges with an environmentally conscious lens. He enjoys applying his skills to real-world problems, combining his technical expertise with an eye for design that finds its way into his high-quality mapping products. As an effective communicator, Colin excels at translating complex geospatial concepts into plain language that is accessible to all and is an integral part of O2’s GIS team.

He holds a Bachelor of Applied Technology GIS from SAIT Polytechnic, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Victoria.

Jacob Tempan

Landscape Designer
LAT, BLA

As a Landscape Designer, Jacob provides a strong eye for detail in all project aspects from project setup, inventory and assessments, planning and design, graphic visualization, construction documentation and administration. His professional experience includes a variety of projects across Alberta including streetscapes, stormwater management, and wildlife crossings.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Guelph as well as a Diploma in Landscape Architectural Technology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.