Femi Akigbogun, M. Arch., OAA, PMP & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Femi is an OAA Architect with a M.Sc. in Architecture and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over a decade of experience in various building typologies.  
Currently working at Wallman Architects in Toronto, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Science in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University. 
He has worked on a range of complex projects from concept through construction. His professional strengths include building code compliance, advanced Revit proficiency, and a strong focus on multi-disciplinary coordination. He is passionate about building science and the development of construction details.

Mona Khatami, OAA, LEED Green Associate, MSc., BArch & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Mona is an Architect with over 16 years of experience leading the design and delivery of residential, commercial, office, cultural, and mixed-use projects, including high-rise condominium developments. She is recognized for strong project leadership and people management skills, with a proven ability to guide complex projects from concept through completion. Driven by a commitment to high-quality, innovative, and efficient design solutions, she hold a Master’s degree in Energy in Architecture, bringing specialized expertise in energy performance analysis and optimization. Her work is grounded in a passion for sustainable, high-performance, and environmentally responsible design. Mona is currently an Associate Manager at Arcadis.

Mark Carlo Santana, B. Arch, MBA, OAA, UAP & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Mark is a Licensed and Registered Architect in both Ontario, Canada (OAA) and the Philippines (UAP). He holds an MBA in Management and a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Currently, he serves as Partner and Project Architect at JRI Architects Inc., where he leads its Canadian architectural design and construction projects. His expertise spans industrial, residential, and assembly occupancies, as well as tenant fit-outs, alterations, and new builds. Mark is actively involved throughout the project lifecycle—from conceptual design and site plan applications to zoning reviews, permit drawings, engineering coordination, contract administration, and occupancy. Beyond architecture, Mark brings over 21 years of international and diversified experience in construction, QA/QC management, and building design. He has worked in Canada, the Middle East, and the Philippines, specializing in Integrated Management Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001), internal auditing, and precast/prestressed concrete technology. He is a registered member of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and the United Architects of the Philippines Ontario Canada Chapter (UAP-OCC), where he served as Director and later Vice President for Operations (2018–2023). His professional credentials also include past certifications and memberships with the American Concrete Institute (ACI – Concrete Special Inspector/Technician), Project Management Institute (PMP), International Registry of Certificated Auditors, and the Saudi Council of Engineers, among others.

Mehdi Soltani, B.Arch, M.Arch, OAA, BCIN, LEED Green Associate & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Mehdi is a licensed Architect in Ontario with over 14 years of professional experience in architectural design, project leadership, and project delivery across industrial, commercial, and mixed-use developments. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Architecture, is registered with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), holds a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), and is a LEED Green Associate, with strong expertise in the Ontario Building Code, regulatory processes, and sustainable design principles. Throughout his career, Mehdi has led architectural teams and managed projects from early design through construction documentation and contract administration. He has extensive experience working with municipal building departments, consultants, and contractors, and navigating planning approvals and complex regulatory environments across Ontario.

Carving a Career Path in Architecture in Canada

Aasiya Aslam, B.Arch., M.Arch., OAA & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Aasiya is an Intermediate Architect at Zeidler Architecture, Toronto, with over five years of local experience. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from India and a Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture from The University of Sheffield, England. Prior to moving to Canada, she worked for several years as an Architect in India and the Middle East. With her experience in multi-unit residential and institutional projects, her focus now is on high-performance envelopes and energy-efficiency. Her keen eye for detail and strong technical skills have enabled her to work on all project phases from schematic design to contract administration. Aasiya also mentors students from TMU and is actively involved with local architecture societies. She leads an eco-conscious lifestyle and likes exploring Toronto’s neighbourhoods, reading, cycling and crocheting in her free time.

From Arrival to Registration: Navigating Architecture Licensure in Canada

Ridhi Shah, B.Arch., M.Arch., OAA & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Ridhi is a licensed Architect with the Ontario Association of Architects and has over six years of professional experience delivering projects ranging from $25 million to $400 million across housing, institutional, high-rise residential, retail, mixed-use, and masterplanning. She has worked across all project phases from pre-design through contract administration. Her professional work balances large-scale planning and fine detailing. She holds a five year Bachelor of Architecture degree from BSSA, NMIMS, India. As an immigrant to Canada, Ridhi obtained her architectural license through the Intern Architect Program with the Ontario Association of Architects. Besides local experience, she holds a local degree in Master of Architecture (Post-Professional) from the University of Toronto. Alongside her work, she mentors students and professionals with licensure, professional practice, portfolios, softwares, and navigating university and architectural pathways in Canada. She has 2 cats and outside of work, she enjoys her time playing chess and doing voiceovers.   

How Working Experience and Knowledge from back home may affect the Licensing Exam Preparation Process

Milutin Djilas, M.Arch., OAA & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Milutin opened a private practice shortly after completing his Master’s degree in Architecture in Serbia in 2006.
Most of his work at that time focused on interior design, as he did not yet hold a license for building design.
In 2010, Milutin obtained his architectural license in Serbia.
He continued working on various residential and commercial projects until 2016, when he moved to Canada. In 2018, the CACB recognized his Master’s degree. However, his architectural license was not recognized by the OAA.
Therefore, he applied for OAA membership and began the process from the beginning.
In the same year, Milutin started logging hours and gaining professional experience and knowledge in Canada. In 2024, he completed the ExAC, and in 2025, obtained his Canadian architectural license.
Milutin currently works as an architect at Wallman Architects in Toronto.

From Generalist to Specialist and Back: Navigating the Breadth of Architectural Practice in Canada

Aziz Farid Shyaka, B.Arch., OAA & IPLAN Practice Graduate

Aziz is an Architect with nearly a decade of professional experience practicing in East Africa and Canada. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Syracuse University and the University of Rwanda. He is registered as an architect in both regions and has worked across a diverse range of project types, including affordable housing, educational facilities, and complex healthcare projects. His experience spans work with non-profit organizations as well as large multidisciplinary firms. He is currently employed at Stantec, where he works as an Architect with a particular focus on healthcare projects. Alongside his professional practice, Aziz remains actively engaged in non-profit work and is in the process of establishing a small architectural consultancy.