SOSA Cross Sections: Typology Talks

An annual event that follows a speed discussion format where attendees connect and engage with guest speakers in rotating group discussions.

CROSS SECTIONS returns with a fresh lens: Typology Talks — where practice meets purpose through the frameworks that shape how we live, work, and heal.

From reimagined heritage sites to new models of housing and care, this year’s speed-discussion format brings together six leading voices in adaptive reuse, residential, and healthcare design.

Through intimate, rapid-fire conversations, our speakers will share the challenges, strategies, and moments of insight that define architectural practice today. Whether you’re a student, emerging designer, or seasoned professional, you’ll leave with new ideas and real-world reflections.

Each typology holds more than function — it carries systems, stories, and the potential for impact.

TYPOLOGIES:

Type 3: Residential

Type 1: Adaptive Reuse

Type 2: Healthcare 

GUEST SPEAKERS

PAIR 1: Adaptive Reuse

DUANNE RENDER

Building Transformation & Adaptive Reuse Leader, Studio Director

GENSLER

Duanne’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing Gensler’s expertise in office-to-residential conversions. He has driven the analysis of hundreds of buildings for suitability for conversion, ranging from individual properties to entire portfolios for both the public and private sectors.

In his role as Studio Director, Duanne focuses on growing the region’s thought leadership and market positioning around the most pressing challenges facing landlords and developers and is responsible for projects that span large-scale master planning, complex adaptive reuse and repositioning projects, and new, ground-up buildings. Duanne’s breadth of experience as an architect includes major residential and mixed-use developments across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Africa.

KURT KRALER

Project Manager

ERA Architects

Kurt Kraler is a registered Architect (OAA) and project manager at ERA Architects; an award-winning architecture and planning firm focused on conservation through reactivation. He completed his Master of Architecture (M. Arch) degree at the University of Waterloo with a graduate thesis that focused on the history of the themed hotel resort typology in Las Vegas and the broader social implications of the built environment. His thesis work was recognized with the AIA Henry Adams Medal and Certificate.

At ERA, Kurt has worked on a wide variety of projects from hospitality to private residential to institutional. He specializes in the design of new construction for heritage contexts. Kurt is also the co-editor of “The Signs That Define Toronto”, a book that explores the history, culture, and stories behind some of the city’s most distinctive signage.

PAIR 2: Healthcare

ANKUR TANDON

Project Manager, Health Sciences

NORR

Ankur is an internationally trained architect having worked with various Architectural firms based in Asia, the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada. Ankur completed his Bachelor’s in Architecture in 2005. He worked in India for about 4 years before he went to the UK to pursue his Master’s in urban design from Mackintosh School of Architecture at Glasgow School of Arts. After post-graduation, he moved to Singapore in 2010 for another 9 years before moving to Canada in 2019. Over 20 years, he gained experience in various sectors, building typologies in different geographies. His experience includes residential projects (high-rise condos, including boutique villas, and individual houses), and commercial buildings (shopping malls and business centers). While in Singapore, he worked on large-scale transportation projects including, mass transit stations (above ground and underground), bus depots, rail depots, Singapore Changi Terminal 5, and Toronto Pearson T3 expansion projects.

Since 2022, Ankur has been working as a Project Manager in the Health Science sector with NORR. He enjoys working in healthcare as it brings a great deal of satisfaction to him to be part of a sector that directly benefits a vast majority of people and improves their health and well-being during their treatment in the healthcare facility. Ankur strongly feels that as an Architect, it is our responsibility to create an environment that speaks of care and comfort for people from all walks of life. Ankur would like to continue to work in the healthcare sector to gain a holistic perspective of Healthcare Design.

MAHDIE IRANNEJAD

Healthcare & Public Architect / Project Manager

NORR

Mahdie Irannejad is a licensed architect with over 10 years of experience in healthcare, institutional, and public projects across Canada. She is currently a key team member at NORR, where she leads and supports the design and delivery of complex healthcare facilities, including recent work on the SickKids Zebrafish Lab Expansion and other provincial health system upgrades.

Mahdie brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to architecture—balancing clinical functionality with human-centered design. Her portfolio spans a range of scales and typologies, from adaptive reuse of hospital wings to new ground-up ambulatory surgery centres. She is passionate about designing inclusive, accessible environments that support wellness, dignity, and sustainability.

A Master of Architecture graduate, Mahdie is a licensed member of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). She enjoys engaging with the architectural community through mentorship, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

PAIR 3: Residential

BRIANA-NICOLE ZITELLA

Architect, Studio Lead

RAW Design

Briana has been with RAW Design for 10 years, starting as a student and now as an Architect and Studio Lead. She holds a Master of Architecture – Advanced Standing from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She has always had a passion for city-building and as a result, focused her thesis on developing new multi-unit housing typologies for Toronto’s detached single-family neighbourhoods.

Briana is a strong proponent of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and has a deep understanding of the tools used in this process. She has brought this software knowledge to a variety of project types at RAW, at all stages of design and construction. Briana is currently working on a number of unique developments in The Junction neighbourhood that house retail, residential, and commercial programming.

SULEMAN KHAN

Project Architect

RAW Design

Suleman is a master’s graduate from the McEwen School of Architecture and currently has been a Project Architect at RAW Design for 5 years. He brings a love of detail-oriented design, attention to craft, tectonics, and place. Practicing from the stance that architecture shapes the world we live in, Suleman works with the intention of leaving a positive mark in which architects create responsible, sustainable and beautiful structures to increase our quality of life. He’s works in various sectors and brings experience in all project phases and scale.

Agenda

5:30 PM: Doors Open

Food and drinks are available for attendees throughout the event (5:30-8:30pm).

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Check-In + Casual Networking

When you arrive, please meet a SOSA team member at the check-in desk to collect your name tag and coloured wrist band. 

6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Opening Remark

Opening Remark will include SOSA’s introduction, a short briefing on the event format, and Guest Speaker introductions.

6:15 PM – 7:30 PM: Speed Discussions

Pair of Guests will rotate every 25 mins to meet and chat with a group of attendees. We encourage you to grab quick bites and drinks in-between group discussions.

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Networking

8:30 PM: Doors Close

The venue has a STRICT policy of doors close at 8:30pm. We encourage attendees to take advantage of the downtown location and continue their conversations at nearby bars and restaurants afterwards.