S2 Architecture is a dynamic firm with offices in three cities and a team of more than 80 talented individuals that include interior designers, architects, technologist, project administrators and support professionals. Our team is led by our talented Principals, Associate Principals and Associates.
Leadership
Our Team is the Backbone of S2
S2 Principals
Architect, AAA, AIBC, SAA, OAA, LEED AP
Brian Corkum is a talented architect with over 25 years of experience designing and managing complex projects in Western Canada. He has worked in various sectors, including recreation, education, and senior care. Brian has a passion for design and brings strong skills in project management and team leadership. His keen sense of understanding the client’s vision and objectives contributes tremendously to the overall success of a project, and his experience working in an integrated design environment has fostered innovative and effectual design solutions for his clients.
Projects of Note:
Architect, AAA, AIBC, SAA, LEED AP
Jason Curtis is an award-winning architect with over 25 years of experience in designing and managing a wide variety of building types across Canada and the United Kingdom. His expertise includes recreation, multi-family and mixed-use residential, commercial, municipal, and large master planning projects. Jason is known for his creative design solutions, 3D visualization abilities, and working with clients in a collaborative and flexible way. Design excellence and superior client service are at the core of Jason’s values. He combines a solid understanding of what is required to program with creative design and workable and cost-effective solutions.
Projects of Note:
Peter Streith is an accomplished architect with over 30 years of experience designing large-scale and technically challenging projects across the country and the globe. He worked for eight years in Switzerland, providing design and master planning services for institutional, commercial, and industrial projects. Peter’s strength lies in his ability to skillfully design, coordinate, and execute complex designs that enhance productivity and user experience. He believes in a collaborative and client-centric approach, focusing the team’s effort on design excellence and creating technically superior buildings that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
David Symons, co-founder of S2 Architecture, is a highly skilled architect with over 30 years of experience in the design and construction of recreational, residential, commercial, and master planning projects. His expertise in large- and small-scale projects is recognized nationally and internationally. He has played a vital role in the design leadership and management of significant projects undertaken by the firm. David’s creative approach and innovative design solutions have made him a recognized leader in the industry.
Linus Murphy is an accomplished architect with over 40 years of experience. Linus is a leader with a passion for collaboration and a deep commitment to creating outstanding buildings that enhance people’s lives. Linus offers a unique skill set and strengths, including his hardworking and honest nature, humility, and childlike curiosity. He has worked on many notable projects throughout his career. He has earned numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence 2018 for Edmonton’s Windermere Fire Station. Linus’ commitment to inclusivity and sustainability aligns with S2 Architecture’s mission, and he has led many inclusive and sustainable design projects throughout his career.
Architect, AAA, AIBC, SAA, MRAIC
Genevieve Giguere is a Principal at S2 Architecture and Managing Principal of the firm’s Calgary studio. With over 20 years of experience, Genevieve focuses on educational institutions, emergency services, residential mixed-use, hospitality, and senior care. She believes in actively engaging with project participants, communities, and user groups to ensure that buildings have a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives. Genevieve’s profound personal sensitivity and collaborative approach make her an excellent team player. She is committed to design excellence and superior client service, and her ability to work collaboratively and inclusively has contributed to the success of many projects.
Projects of Note:
Michelle Rowles brings over 15 years of experience, primarily in multifamily residential projects, to S2 Architecture. With a background in the multi-family development industry, Michelle offers a unique perspective on both the client and consultant sides of the design process. Her designs prioritize project intent and vision, striking a balance between versatility, functionality, budget, and schedule considerations. Michelle's professional, approachable, and collaborative leadership style ensures a smooth and effective process throughout each project.
Associate Principals
Chad Zyla's pragmatic approach to project management blends seamlessly with his creative design sense, making him an invaluable asset to S2 Architecture. With a strong focus on clear communication and fostering relationships between project teams and communities, Chad drives projects toward achieving their vision. As a talented designer, he excels at translating design concepts into integrated drawing sets. Chad's experience spans architecture and master planning projects across various sectors, including commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, and residential. In recent years, he has honed his expertise in modular construction, elevating S2's profile in this growing market sector.
Shaad Oosman, a chartered professional accountant, and holder of a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, oversees financial reporting, strategic planning, and budgeting for S2 Architecture. His personable style, passion for leadership, and dedication to the architectural industry allow Shaad to make meaningful daily contributions. Serving on two not-for-profit executive committees as treasurer, Shaad supports Operation Eyesight and the Calgary Waldorf School Society.
With over two decades of architectural experience, Cynthia Toyota, Associate Principal, has left an indelible mark on many high-profile projects globally. Since originally joining S2 Architecture in 2011, Cynthia has combined her passion for innovative design with a deep understanding of its impact on the community. Cynthia plays a pivotal role in the leadership team of S2’s Vancouver studio as Associate Principal, contributing to project design and documentation while fostering a collaborative culture within the office. Her dedication extends beyond the studio, as evidenced by her membership on the Advisory
Design Panel for the City of North Vancouver, where she advocates for smart and creative design to enhance our neighbourhoods. She recognizes the transformative power of architecture in shaping our social, cultural and environmental fabric. Through her diverse experience in cultural, educational, residential and recreational projects, Cynthia exemplifies the belief that architecture goes beyond construction; it is about creating better, more sustainable, and connected communities.
With an impressive 25 years of experience, Steven Mott brings a diverse portfolio to S2 Architecture's production team. His work spans high-rise residential, mixed-use, commercial, institutional, and office projects. Steven is known for his meticulous attention to detail, exceptional project management, and consultant coordination abilities. As a technical team lead, project manager, and job captain, Steven has proven to be an outstanding collaborator and communicator. He is deeply passionate about delivering top-quality projects and his expertise in Revit greatly enhances the design team's ability to meet project deadlines and budgets.
Ken Shaman, boasting over 18 years of architectural design experience, showcases exceptional project management skills for small and large-scale projects. Ken's recent focus on complex projects with high coordination and stakeholder engagement demands has sharpened his abilities as an effective team leader and communicator. He expertly navigates and balances competing forces on projects, leveraging his understanding of approval processes and project timelines to ensure success. Ken's dedication to meeting client needs and advancing design solutions has been instrumental in delivering projects across various sectors.
Associates
Alex is an Associate at S2 Architecture with over two decades of experience in the architecture and construction industry. He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve project delivery and outcomes. Alex's expertise covers a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, residential, and commercial. His commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in his leadership on significant projects and his active involvement in professional organizations like the Alberta Building Envelope Council. Alex holds a Diploma in Architectural Technology from SAIT, which provides a strong foundation for his
technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Michael brings over twenty years of architectural design and project management experience to S2 Architecture. He's passionate about design excellence, energy efficiency, and creating impactful architecture across various sectors. Michael’s skill shines through in notable projects like the Royal Alberta Museum, the Walterdale Bridge redevelopment, and the Edmonton Telus World of Science. He is a collaborative leader known for creative solutions and meticulous attention to detail. He has been recognized with numerous awards, alongside his team, including the RAIC Award of Excellence, the Edmonton Urban Design Awards, and the Alberta Minister of Transportation Award for Innovation.
Nicole is a Senior Interior Designer with integrated design experience on a variety of project types, and leading projects through all phases of design and construction. She believes that success is achieved through a collaborative team based approach.
Nicole is passionate about creating environments that enrich the lives of people and spaces. She is enthusiastic and committed to the success of each project, providing creative and functional design solutions tailored for each project.
Melissa Chabot's passion for design and project management skills set her apart. As one of our Interior Design Team Leads, she is tasked with providing guidance to others, while creating dynamic, innovative spaces that prioritize functionality for clients and end users. Melissa has in-depth expertise in a multitude of project sectors and in all phases of work, and has led the team through numerous complex, large scale projects. As a LEED® AP, she champions sustainable design, offering clients creative and functional environmentally progressive solutions.
Simon Ho brings 25 years of experience in architectural design, project management, and firm leadership to S2. Specializing in managing complex projects, Simon plays a pivotal role in all aspects of project delivery, from development analysis to serving as the primary project liaison. Trusted to provide quality service at every project phase, Simon establishes project standards from the start, ensuring each project's requirements are met seamlessly. His commitment to maximizing project potential is unwavering.
With over 20 years at S2, Jason Dolha has amassed a wealth of experience across diverse projects. As an effective team leader, he emphasizes collaboration with consultant teams to integrate cost-effective solutions that fulfill design objectives. In his role as Department Manager, Jason has been instrumental in establishing high-quality standards for the technical documents produced by the firm.
With over 24 years of experience, Natalie Weiss excels in various sectors and building types as a lead interior designer. Her comprehensive approach spans all project phases, from programming and conceptual design to design development, contract documents, and contract administration. A strong communicator, Natalie effectively conveys designs through renderings, sketches, models, and material and finish boards. With extensive furniture procurement experience, she adopts a holistic approach, blending form and function seamlessly. Natalie consistently strives to understand clients deeply, delivering forward-thinking solutions that exceed expectations and reflect their visions.
Stephen Jabs has been with S2 Architecture since 2001, providing advanced information technology solutions for all studio locations. His leadership, innovative approach, and technical experience have been crucial in driving the firm forward. Stephen's dedication to network security and cutting-edge technology ensures S2 Architecture remains at the forefront of the industry.