Principal Architectjoël león, oaa fraic
Joël is an architect, researcher and community builder whose career has been shaped by a strong interest in public policy, placemaking, and the critical dialogue between the architectural profession and the public. He is also one of the youngest Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in the organization’s history.
Believing that everyone should be engaged in shaping their built environment, his work strives to remove barriers of participation and engage users and the public throughout the design process in a meaningful and empathetic way. With a decade of architectural experience, Joël’s portfolio includes a wide variety of residential projects, including renovations, additions and new builds, as well as institutional and commercial retrofits. His work also includes dozens of articles, as well as exhibitions, tours and other unconventional publication formats which aim at making architectural discussions accessible to all.
In addition to his role at Make Good, Joël is the Executive Director of the Toronto Society of Architects, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of architecture in the Greater Toronto Area. In this capacity he has led the organization through one of its most significant growth periods, overseeing the development of dozens of new initiatives and the modernization of its administrative services.
Accolades—
Arbour Award
Alpha Rho Chi MedaL
RAIC Honour Roll
Jules F. Wegman Fellowship
Peter Prangnell Awardpartner, designerkurtis chen, cphd
Kurtis Chen is a multidisciplinary designer with a background in architecture, film, and communications. His work spans the gamut from wayfinding design to architectural detailing and documentary filmmaking, all tied by an interest in understanding the built environment and shaping it for the better. He has a keen eye for detail and a strong interest in building performance and technical execution, with diverse experience working across a range of building and project types—from commercial renovations to residential additions and new construction. His commitment to sustainability is backed by his Passive House certification, a program that emphasizes highly energy efficient design.
Kurtis is also deeply committed to giving back to his community outside of work, serving in volunteer committees at the Ontario Association of Architects and as an Executive Member of the Toronto Society of Architects where he leads the Pride initiative and Technical Lectures initiative.
Accolades—
Juno Award (Best Music Video)
Uoft student Leadership Award
Faculty Design Prize
Bronze Marketing Mag Award (creative directioN)
William F. White Cinematography Award