Design Philosophy

At RDA, we firmly believe the foundation of a successful project lies in attentive listening to our clients, meticulous team selection and maintaining clear communication among all stakeholders.

RDA has developed what we call “Engaged Iteration.” It’s an ongoing process where we combine iterating to test various design solutions, with structured recurring feedback loops that can involve all stakeholders and consultants. Initiating this process early allows determination of optimal solutions to meet project requirements while maintaining decision-making transparency.

The key to Engaged Iteration is providing comprehensive analysis to the client for design variations. This analysis encompasses various aspects, which can include interior design and spatial layout, circulation comparisons, constructability factors, quantity takeoffs for pricing, and pro/con lists specific to the current design challenge. We find Client’s appreciate this approach because it helps them make well-informed decisions confidently.

Team

The RDA team brings with them extensive experience across all sectors of development, including multi-residential, hospitality, healthcare, long term care, educational and cultural. This foundation informs their ongoing work through an increased attention to detail, coordination rigor and understanding of complex buildings.

Rosalie Dawson

OAA, M.Arch., AOCAD, LEED AP
Principal Architect

Rosalie is a creative and diversely skilled architect, committed to design excellence and building strong relationships with clients and consultants. With over 20 years experience at respected Ontario architecture firms, Rosalie’s distinguished career brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her own firm. Her diverse portfolio includes single and multi-family residential, mixed use and institutional, specifically in the education, healthcare, and long-term care sectors.

  • An academic foundation in interior design and sustainable architecture enhance Rosalie’s comprehensive understanding of the creative and technical design process. She approaches each client with impartiality and a willingness to produce the most resolved design solution. To achieve this, she actively incorporates client and consultant feedback and iterates her designs using a variety of skills including diagrams, hand sketching, rendering and 3D digital modeling.

    Her exemplary ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and make informed decisions quickly, supports each phase of the project in running smoothly. Rosalie provides exceptional client service, as she takes a genuine interest in meeting and exceeding strict budgetary, programmatic, and technical requirements.

Esther MacWilliams

B.Arch. Sci., LEED AP
Sr. Architectural Technologist and Project Manager

Esther is an experienced Architectural Technologist, contributing over 18 years to the management and coordination of projects with clients, consultants, contractors and authorities at all stages of development and construction

  • Esther’s leadership, effective skills in organization and multi-tasking have supported the development of efficiencies in the delivery of multiple fast-paced projects. Her active, detail-oriented involvement leading teams through document development and construction administration is an integral part of RDA’s success with the integrity of her technical excellence and problem-solving continuously demonstrated in her work. Esther has extensive experience in hospitality, commercial, residential, and institutional facilities.

Megan Warne

B.Arch. Sci., LEED AP
rETAIL SPECIALIST AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

With over 15 years experience in architectural design, and design and construction management, Megan has worked on commercial, office, residential, recreational, and mixed-use projects. She’s represented clients and consultants on master plans and large multi-use building to small scale interventions, giving her a unique understanding of real estate development. Megan’s extensive experience managing retail design, development feasibility and tenant repositioning has made her a core asset to Developer, Tenant and Consultant teams.

  • Megan is a dedicated design professional with considerable creative, management, and communication strengths, and is skilled in all phases of the development, design, and construction processes. Her approach to design management ensures that the original design vision is maintained through the project’s development and has been instrumental to the success of many well-crafted and integrated projects reflecting the original vision and client goals.

Alexandria Kusiak

M.Arch., B.Arch.Sc., LEED AP, PMP
Architectural Designer and Project Manager

Alexandria is an accomplished designer and project manager, bringing a breadth of valuable skills to the firm with over 10 years of progressive experience in the design, coordination, and project management of small to large scale projects in retail, mixed-use and high-rise residential sectors.

  • Alexandria prides herself on her organizational abilities, due diligence, and efficient project delivery skills. She understands and excels at managing complex jobs, making well-researched decisions, negotiating between stakeholders and overseeing project teams, with the goal of delivering designs that uphold the overall vision and meet the needs of clients. Alexandria holds a PMP Certification in Ontario and is in the final phase of accreditation with the Ontario Association of Architects as a Licensed Architect.

Peter Akiki

M.Arch., B.Arch.
Intern Architect and BIM Coordinator

Peter brings several years of experience as an Intern Architect, with exceptional skills in Building Information Modelling and other emerging digital technologies including visual scripting and virtual reality tours.

  • His work developing parametric three-dimensional models has advanced the visualization, collaboration and management of datasets for RDA. Peter has been a part of the documentation and coordination of architectural features for mixed-use residential buildings, focusing on their materials and methods of construction. Peter enjoys challenging his workflow with new ideas and technologies and working with the team to produce progressive and inventive solutions to design projects.