Architecture has the power to shape the world around us. As founders, Shane and I have always been committed to using that power to reimagine spaces that serve and reflect marginalized communities, particularly Black communities. We believe good design goes beyond just aesthetics. It should be rooted in culture, community, and history. This philosophy drives everything we do, with a focus on creating spaces that amplify the voices of the communities we serve while honouring Black culture, identity, and stories.

A prime example of this vision is the Wildseed Centre for Art and Activism in Toronto. This project revitalizes and expands a Listed Heritage property to become the new home for Black Lives Matter – Canada. The design creates a dynamic hub for art, culture, education, and community gathering, bringing together Black communities, Black-centric networks, and allies. The facility fosters a deeper connection to the diversity of Black experiences, nurtures creative experimentation, and extends the rich legacy of Black activism in Toronto.

Community Engagement in Design

At SOCA, we see architecture as a collaborative process, where community input is essential, especially in the early design stages. Many of our projects are shaped by direct conversations with the people they serve.

For Wildseed, we engaged in a series of in-person and online discussions with our client and Toronto’s wider Black communities to help define the functional program. In Toronto’s Little Jamaica, we partnered with Black Urbanism Toronto and Open Architecture Collaborative Canada to co-author A Black Business Conversation, a report outlining a future vision for the neighbourhood that addresses affordability and displacement. This vision was shaped through in-depth working sessions with Eglinton West community members to ensure it reflected their needs.

In Ottawa, we facilitated community engagement sessions for a disability-focused dance company, helping to expand its vision for a new, inclusive dance space.

Recognition and Impact

We are very fortunate and honoured to have been recognized with significant awards this early in our practice history. In 2023, we won both the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Emerging Architectural Practice Award and the Canada Council for the Arts’ Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture travelling grant. 

This has reassured us that our ambitions and community-focused design, particularly for Black communities, have value in broader architectural and cultural discourses in Canada and beyond. The Prix de Rome has enabled us to connect with architects, artists, community leaders, and builders in the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA. These connections have opened possibilities for collaboration and provided us with new perspectives on our work.

Personal Journeys into Architecture

Our upbringing has profoundly shaped our approach to architecture. I, Shane, was born and raised in Montreal, where I first understood how space influences community dynamics, particularly within Black communities. My time in Edmonton deepened this understanding, teaching me how architecture can foster community building. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion to design spaces that meet the needs of marginalized communities.

Tura, my partner, brings a different perspective, shaped by his upbringing in Toronto. Growing up in a multicultural environment deeply influenced his work. He also studied in the Netherlands, where he gained a broader understanding of urban density, architecture, and infrastructure. This international experience has provided him with a unique lens on how Canadian cities can learn from global practices, especially in terms of sustainability and transit-oriented design.

Addressing Gaps in Architecture

Architecture is a physical expression of culture and a reflection of what we value as a society. At SOCA, we are committed to bridging the gaps in the industry, particularly in designing spaces for Black and marginalized communities. Black spaces of culture in Canada are often informal adaptations and are seldom purpose-built or designed by formally trained practitioners. We believe architecture should honour the histories of the communities it serves, which is why we ensure every project reflects their needs, values, and traditions.

Our Prix de Rome research was a pivotal step in exploring how Black communities can create spaces that celebrate their cultural heritage. A key takeaway was the power of vernacular architecture and how the use of local materials, cultural references, and community engagement leads to more meaningful and relevant designs. This approach ensures that architecture is not just functional but also a lasting cultural landmark, preserving history while serving future generations.

Sustainability in Architecture

Our work underscores the importance of financial sustainability in architecture. While often perceived as a luxury, well-designed spaces are both aesthetically valuable and smart long-term investments. Early involvement of architects helps clients understand the impact of design and make cost-effective choices. With expertise in functional programming, site selection, and planning, architects can lower costs over time while ensuring spaces genuinely serve their communities.

Architecture also plays a vital role in wealth creation, especially for underrepresented professionals and firms. At SOCA, we see it as a tool for community-driven development, helping clients enhance their spaces while ensuring investment benefits the local economy rather than contributing to displacement. Mentorship and opportunities for emerging professionals are essential to fostering the next generation of architects.

We’re particularly excited about the rise of sustainable practices, especially the recycling and disassembly of buildings instead of demolition. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also preserves the cultural significance of historic structures. Thoughtful, sustainable design is the future, and we hope to see more of it.

Advice for Young Architects

For young architects hoping to make a meaningful impact, our advice is simple: embrace your individuality and let your personal experiences shape your practice. Authenticity is key in this field, and it’s important to stay true to your values and your vision. Financial sustainability comes from understanding the value you bring to a project and making sure you’re compensated for that value.

In the end, architecture is about creating spaces that foster community, preserve culture, and drive social change. At SOCA, we’re committed to ensuring that architecture in Canada becomes more inclusive, innovative, and reflective of the diverse communities it serves.