BAIDA Canada

Hey West Coast! Join BAIDA’s Executive Director, Renée Powell-Hines @avec.renee , for a link-up in Vancouver on May 5th. At this special gathering, we will be engaging Black architects and interior designers in BC in order to mobilize BAIDA West. While most of our membership is based in Toronto, our mission is for BAIDA to perform at national level and provide a wider network of support for members across Canada. We will also be celebrating three BAIDA Members being inducted into the RAIC College as Fellows and Honorary Fellows at the 2026 RAIC Conference! Shane Laptiste (BAIDA co-founder and board member), and Paul Hastings (long-time BAIDA member) are 2 of the new 2026 Fellows of RAIC. Tosin Oshinowo, BAIDA collaborator, is now an Honorary Fellow of the RAIC - a huge congrats to all! This event is being sponsored by Thermador Vancouver @thermadorhomecanada ; we are incredibly grateful for their support and generosity in the planning of this engagement! We will also be joined by representatives of @bidc.ca as we work towards a deeper partnership! If you will be in Vancouver next week and want to engage, socialize and celebrate, visit the Thermador Vancouver Experience and Design Centre on May 5th @ 5pm to join us. Let us know you’re attending at the link in bio. #BlackArchitects #BlackInteriorDesigners #BAIDA #BAIDAWest #VancouverEvents

BAIDA’s second Open Studio Night is coming up in 3 short days, and we’d like to introduce our 2 speakers as well as our event host! We’re excited to share that this Open Studio session will be hosted at the Wildseed Centre for Art + Activism! Thank you to the team for your interest in this program. @wildseedcentre Introducing Chukwuebuka Idafum (@ebuka_idafum_designs ), our first presenter at BAIDA’s upcoming Open Studio Night. Chukwuebuka is a design-driven problem solver working at the intersection of architecture, technology, and education. As a BIM Coordinator at FORREC, he manages multidisciplinary teams and coordinates federated BIM models across projects in the MENA and Asia regions, supporting client-facing initiatives. His practice extends into digital education, where he creates content that supports students and professionals navigating architecture school and the workplace. We’d also like to introduce Oluwatobiloba Babalola (@tobiloba.babs ), our second presenter. Oluwatobiloba is a Toronto-based intern architect whose work bridges architecture, technology, storytelling, and innovation; he holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Architecture from Bells University of Technology, Nigeria, and a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo, Canada. Oluwatobiloba currently works at the award-winning Studio KSA in Toronto. He is also the founder of Let’s Talk Design, an online platform and network built collaboratively with three other partners, hosting notable voices across the AEC industry, including Tim Fu, Adeyemo Shokunbi, Titilayo Adeleye, and Anetor Eromosele, among many others. @letstalkdesignll @titilayomi_adeleye At Open Studio Night, Chukwuebuka and Oluwatobiloba will be sharing insights shaped by both industry and academia, bridging technical expertise with a passion for knowledge-sharing. 📍 Wildseed Centre for Art + Activism (24 Cecil St, Toronto, ON M5T 1N2) 📅 Thursday, April 30th at 6PM (please arrive promptly for opening remarks) Free event, open to all! Register using the link in our bio. #BAIDA #BlackDesigners #BlackArchitects #TorontoEvents #BIMCoordination

We’re proud to support the #RAIC2026Conference on Architecture, which will take place May 5 - 8 in Vancouver, BC, organized by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Canada’s architectural community will unite to learn and discuss ways to improve our built environment. BAIDA’s Executive Director, Renée Powell-Hines, will be attending this conference on behalf of our organization, and hosting a BAIDA West Meet-up to engage and activate our west coast members! If you are a designer working in Vancouver, or will be in Vancouver during the conference, please send us a message or email to connect with Renée! Learn more about the conference at the link in bio!

We’re excited to continue the BAIDA Newcomers Series! This series creates space for newcomers to Canada to hear how professionals have transitioned into new cultural and professional contexts. Through these conversations, we spotlight a range of experiences across architecture and interior design. The series continues with our second guest, Michael Obi, a representative of our platinum level sponsor, HOK Toronto! Michael Obi spent his formative years in Nigeria, and pursued higher education in Malaysia and the United Kingdom before undertaking the exciting and arduous transition to building a career in Canada. This international journey has shaped his global perspective and adaptability across diverse cultural and professional environments. Michael is currently part of the team at HOK in Toronto, where he contributes to innovative, sustainable design solutions in our increasingly dynamic world. Join us for a virtual conversation with Michael on May 5, 2026 @ 12PM, where BAIDA members, BIPOC newcomers to Toronto, and the wider design community are invited to engage, learn, and connect directly. Use the link in our bio to register for the event! Registrants will receive the meeting link in advance. Stay tuned as we continue to share more voices from within our community. We hope to see you there! #BAIDA #BAIDANewcomers #BlackArchitects #BlackDesigners #BlackInteriorDesigners

BAIDA is once again hosting an evening of knowledge-sharing and connection. BAIDA Open Studio Night returns as a space to come together, share work, and engage with ideas shaping our collective practice. This gathering invites Black designers, architects, and creatives to exchange perspectives and learn about the unique projects and workflows within our community. Presenters on this evening can share their recent projects, works-in-progress, or new ideas — sparking dialogue, feedback, and new opportunities for collaboration. 📍 ***Updated Location: Wildseed Centre for Art + Activism (24 Cecil St, Toronto, ON M5T 1N2) 📅 Thursday, April 30th at 6PM (please arrive promptly for opening remarks) Whether you’re presenting or attending to show support for our speakers, your presence contributes to the energy of the space. Register at the link in our bio to attend this session! If you’re a current BAIDA member and interested in sharing your practice, a project, or tailored workflow with our audience, sign up at the link in our bio or send us an email! ([email protected]) The exact location of this event will be shared after registration. #BAIDA #BlackDesigners #BlackArchitects #TorontoEvents #DesignCommunity

The 2026 BAIDA Externship program would not be possible without the support of our program partner, and various collaborators at different stages! In October 2025, the talented team behind Hampton University’s Spring Shadow Studio presented the successes of their programming at NOMA’s 2025 Conference in Kansas City; BAIDA Executive Director Renée Powell-Hines was in attendance and connected with the team. The Spring Shadow Studio became a direct inspiration for our 2026 Externship, and was substantially improved by the generosity of Dr. Daya and Jeffrey who were more than willing to share their resources and tips to encourage our success. We are immensely grateful!! Our program participants were supported by Sebene, Sadberk and Treya, who acted as mentors throughout the program and provided constructive feedback towards the design charette. Dyonne Fashina, Founder and Principal Designer of Denizens of Design, met with our participants during the program and shared her insights in relation to each participants’ design considerations. Renée, BAIDA’s ED, acted as the program lead and met with the participants on several occasions to provide guidance, support and clarity. Lastly, we’d like to acknowledge Laura Alexim, Molly Adams and Alba Zagorcani for their time spent welcoming our group to their office, and introducing everyone to the intricacies of KPMB’s work culture. We are also very thankful to members of KPMB’s design team for taking time out of their day to meet our participants and introduce them to new technologies and concepts. We’re very much looking forward to the next iteration of this program! #BAIDA #BlackArchitects #SupportingBlackDesigners #SupportingBIPOCDesigners #BlackDesignProgramming

BAIDA is proud to share that our first Externship program has officially wrapped! ✨ Over the course of ten days, BIPOC post-secondary design students and recent grads had the opportunity to gain access to a Toronto design firm, shadow working professionals, and present their work to designers for feedback. During the program, participants spent time with team members of our partnered firm and Silver-level sponsor, @kpmbarch , where they shadowed critiques and conversations, learned about the work culture at KPMB, and gained insight into professional practice. In between shadowing days, participants worked on a design charette, exploring form-finding, design-thinking, and accessibility through their sculptural canopy designs. To wrap up the program, participants presented their work to the KPMB team and engaged in thoughtful discussion and critique. We’re so proud of all the participants who brought such great energy and intention to the program! A huge thank you to KPMB Architects for believing in the impact of this partnership, collaborating with our team, and for the excitement they brought to the delivery of this program! 💛 More to come: Meet our Externship mentors and our BAIDA guest reviewer! Photos courtesy of KPMB Architects 📷: Kian Tang #BAIDA #BAIDAExternship #SupportingBlackDesigners #BlackArchitects #BlackInteriorDesigners

We’re thrilled to share that we are an in-kind partner @thelivingluxedesignshow ! The #LivingLuxeDesignShow, presented by @jennaircanada , will take over 100,000 sq. ft. of the @torontocongresscentre , happening April 16–19 - showcasing cutting-edge interior and exterior designs with a touch of fashion flair. This is where industry leaders, firms, associations, and creative networks come together under one roof Here’s how to redeem your tickets ✨ Visit livingluxedesignshow.ca (link in bio) Go to the ticket portal for the LLDS Enter code (INK26LLDSBAIDA) to claim your complimentary pass . . . #livingluxemagazine #interiordesignshow #fashion #LLDS

Introducing the BAIDA Newcomers Series! This new initiative is an opportunity for newcomers to Toronto/ Canada to tune in and hear about how a variety of professionals relocated their career to a new context. Our guest speakers will feature licensed architects and interior designers, as well as professionals who pivoted in their career and re-established themselves! We’re excited to spotlight Brenda Danso, founder and principal designer of BD Interior Design, as one of the voices contributing to this series. Born in Ghana, raised in California, and now based in Toronto, Brenda brings a global perspective shaped by diverse cultural and professional experiences. Her path into design has been anything but conventional. Practicing in a dual role as both a social worker and designer, she approaches space through a human centred lens. Having navigated multiple cultures, industries, and career paths, Brenda understands the realities many newcomers face when entering the design and build sector. Brenda joins BAIDA’s Newcomers Series to share her unconventional journey and offer perspective on resilience, adaptability, and turning diverse experiences into professional advantage. Join us for a virtual conversation with Brenda on April 2, 2026 @ 12–1 PM, where BAIDA members and newcomers are invited to engage, learn, and connect directly. *Use the link in our bio to register for the event! Registrants will receive the meeting link in advance.* Stay tuned as we continue to share more voices from within our community. We hope to see you there!

BAIDA is excited to support the SSHRC-funded research project ‘Taking Stock: Voices of Women in Architecture Across Canada’, hosted at Toronto Metropolitan University, Department of Architectural Science, as a community partner along side community partners @beat_to and @sosa_canada , as well as others, and five academic institutions. This national symposium is dedicated to exchanging knowledge and advancing critical conversations around women in architecture. The event brings together practitioners, educators, and advocates from across the country to explore how identity, equity, and lived experience shape the future of architectural education and practice. As a community partner, BAIDA representatives will be present at the symposium to engage with attendees, connect with the broader architectural community, and support dialogue around equity and representation in the profession. We’re especially proud to highlight BAIDA members who will be contributing to symposium sessions: ✨ Anne-Marie Armstrong @aampstudio — Moderator, Session 1: Women in Academia ✨ Farida Abu-Bakare @faridaabubakare — Panelist, Session 2: Intersectional Barriers, the Politics of Design, and Rethinking “the Body” in Design These sessions examine how identity, pedagogy, and lived experience shape architectural education and professional practice today. BAIDA Members receive 20% off symposium tickets; check out our latest newsletter for the access code! 📅 March 6–7, 2026 📍 Department of Architectural Science, 325 Church St, Toronto We encourage our community to attend, engage in these important conversations, and connect with voices shaping the future of architecture and design across Canada. Find the link to register for this event at the link in our bio! *Tickets to the Symposium have SOLD OUT but passes to the Networking Night are still available at this time!*

We’ve got big news… But first things first, happy Black History Month! ✊🏽✊🏽 We’re super excited to announce that BAIDA will be organizing our very first Externship program! This program provides an opportunity for post-secondary design students and recent grads to gain access to a Toronto design firm, shadow working professionals in the office, and present their work to influential designers for feedback. The Externship pilot program takes place over two weeks from March 16th to March 27th. During the program, participants will have guided visits with staff at our partnered firm and Silver level Sponsor, @kpmbarch ! There, they will shadow working professionals, be privy to critiques and conversations in office, and learn about the work culture at KPMB. In between the shadowing days, participants will work on a design charette; we will explore form finding, design thinking, and accessibility. If you’re interested in participating in this program, or if you are a BIPOC design professional and would like to support this program as a Mentor, apply at the link in bio! BIPOC post-secondary design students and recent grads form design programs will be prioritized in this program, but all are welcome to apply! This program is geared towards architectural design, but is open to all design disciplines. Deadline to Apply: Friday, March 6th at 11:59pm #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackFuturesMonth #BlackPowerMonth #SupportingBlackDesigners #BlackArchitects

“Taking Stock: Voices of Women in Architecture Across Canada” is a 2-day symposium on March 6 & 7 at Toronto Metropolitan University that brings together architects, academics, students, historians, writers, and policymakers from across the country to reflect on historic and contemporary conditions shaping women’s experiences in architecture, and to move those conversations toward actionable change in pedagogy, practice, and policy. The symposium is supported by SSHRC and a broad network of academic and professional partners. AAmp’s Anne-Marie Armstrong is a co-organizer of this event, with the generous support of @uoftdaniels . We are excited to welcome a diverse range of voices to this event and would encourage all to attend! Please follow @takingstock_canada for further details and ticket registration.