BEAT Special Events encompass a variety of initiatives, including book launches, portfolio reviews for BIPOC students, Cross Pollination Parties (events inviting non-architects), game nights, wine tours, as well as special lectures or events featuring distinguished guests. These special events have benefited from collaborations with allied organizations such as DesignTO, BAIDA, SOSA, TSA, and others.
BEAT is thrilled to host a virtual roundtable for International Women’s Day. Please join us for Finding Your Voice, an inspiring conversation with our panelists Kelly Buffey (Akb), Brenda Izen (Izen Architecture), Ashely Rumsey (Mason Studio), Sue Jean Chung (Studio JCI). The discussion will be moderated by Chair of the Executive Board of BEAT, Jennifer Esposito (Place of Work/TMU).
Navigating the early years of your architecture career can be challenging. How do you make yourself heard in meetings, on calls, or on-site? In Finding Your Voice, four accomplished principals share their personal journeys, the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to establish their presence in the profession. This candid and inspiring conversation will explore how different personalities, strengths, and experiences shape the way architects communicate and lead. If you're looking to refine your professional voice and learn from those who’ve walked the same path, this discussion should not be missed.
BEAT is a volunteer-run organization made up of architects, designers, leaders, and entrepreneurs creating opportunities for community-building, advocacy, networking, and mentorship.
Limited space available.
While this event is free to attend, a ticket for entry will be required.
Our Featured Guests include:
Kelly Buffey
Kelly Buffey is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Akb Architects, an internationally celebrated architecture practice established in 2004 with her partner, Robert Kastelic. Kelly thoughtfully drives the vision of the studio in a collaborative effort that synthesizes client desires, place-making and conceptual intent, to create meaningful architectural experiences defined by a sense of quietude. Kelly holds a Master in Architecture degree from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University. She is an OAA registered architect and a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
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Brenda Izen
Brenda Izen is the founding principal of Izen Architecture, an all-female architecture and design firm, specializing in modern residential design that is bold, boundary pushing and highly individual. The foundation of her practice is based on the belief that a great home leads to a better life. The common thread is a meticulous attention to detail, resulting in an effortless luxury and sense of ease within each home. Her considerable experience with building construction and fabrication offers a unique approach – she combines conceptual ambition with the realities of construction in order to instill each project with design innovation, a focus on detail, and material creativity.
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Ashely Rumsey
Ashley is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mason Studio, an interior design and art consultancy firm known for its people-focused approach and award-winning projects. Her leadership drives Mason Studio’s strategic growth through human-centered design values. With global experience across the Middle East, Asia, and the United States, Ashley combines operational expertise with creative vision to deliver impactful spaces. She fosters a supportive and innovative team culture at Mason Studio, drawing on the diverse strengths of her team to transform creative ambition into celebrated projects reflecting her belief in design as a tool for meaningful connection and lasting value.
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Sue Jean Chung
Sue Jean Chung is a co-founder of Studio JCI, known for high-quality residential and mixed-use urban developments. Her approach combines urban-scale development with detailed design, enhancing context and prioritizing user well-being. She leads complex residential projects from feasibility to completion, maintaining the firm's design vision with technical precision. Sue Jean also dedicates time to fostering the professional development of emerging architects, offering mentorship to refine their leadership abilities.
Moderator:
Jennifer Esposito
Jennifer Esposito believes in an architecture of place rooted in urban and remote settings that respond to context, climate and her client's daily lives. Her commitment to teaching, advocacy and mentorship is reflected through her roles as Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and Chair of the Executive Committee for Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT). With over 40 houses in her portfolio, Jennifer's work invariably explores poetic and practical aspects of domesticity. She is a graduate of Carleton University and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where she continues to serve on its Alumni Council.
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Location:
Zoom
Event Schedule:
12:00 - 1:00 PM