(“Text as submitted by Architect”)
Heather Dubbeldam
Heather Dubbeldam is a fourth-generation architect and the founder and principal of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, an award-winning studio committed to creating beautifully crafted, innovative projects that embody sustainable approaches. Her forward-thinking design approach, commitment to environmental and social sustainability, and belief in architecture and advocacy as a catalyst for change have established her as a leading Canadian architect of her generation.
With a portfolio of a diverse range of projects in many sectors including hospitality, workspaces, mixed-use, and residential, as well as landscape design and architectural installations, her studio is known for sustainable design that enriches the human experience. Heather has been recognized as one of the country’s leading architects by Canada’s national newspaper The Globe & Mail, and one of 30 “must know” women architects in the world by Azure Magazine. In 2023, her studio’s work was featured in the Venice Architecture Biennale alongside eight other internationally recognized women-led architecture practices from around the world.
Recipient of over 90 awards for design, practice and advocacy, including the Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture awarded by the Canada Council for the Arts, her studio has received wide recognition in national and international publications. More recently, Dubbeldam was awarded the 2024 Architectural Practice award from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, an award given every year to recognize a Canadian architectural practice that has consistently delivered a high level of excellence in architecture while achieving a new standard for the profession.
Practice Ideology
Dubbeldam Architecture + Design is a multi-disciplinary design studio committed to creating thoughtful projects that embody sustainable approaches. Led by fourth-generation architect Heather Dubbeldam, the studio has garnered acclaim for its forward-thinking approach, design research endeavours, and dedication to crafting sustainable environments. They are recognized as one of Canada’s leading architecture practices for their commitment to architectural excellence and dedication to social responsibility through advocacy.
Dubbeldam’s work exemplifies bold design and meticulous craftsmanship. With a diverse portfolio incorporating a wide range of project types, their work ranges from homes, multi-unit residential projects, workspaces, hospitality, and mixed-use buildings to landscape design and architectural installations. Notable projects include Dubbeldam’s own office building housing their studio and coworking space, Slack Technologies’ Toronto office, the highly sustainable Bata Shoe Factory adaptive reuse project, design research for Sidewalk Labs, “missing middle” pilot projects for CreateTO, and hospitality projects for a private golf club and the landmark Walper Hotel in Kitchener, Ontario. At every scale, they prioritize design that benefits both people and the planet while enhancing overall quality of life.
Dubbeldam’s self-initiated design research focuses on developing approaches to address the shortage of housing options in urban areas by proposing incremental, rapid solutions to increase density, with an emphasis on supporting liveability for inhabitants. From field research on sustainability in Sweden, Denmark and Norway to the Reconceptualizing Urban Housing exhibition at the 2023 Venice Biennale, the studio’s growing global engagement fosters insights that help shape the future of architecture and urban living.
Dubbeldam has been recognized with over 90 awards for design excellence, advocacy, and practice, including the Canada Council for the Arts Professional Prix de Rome and the 2024 RAIC Architectural Practice Award from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, two of the highest honours for architectural practices in Canada.
