Behind the Build

• Behind the Build: Maggie Bennedson & Amin Ebrahim - KSA

  Maggie Bennedsen and Amin Ebrahim are principals at KSA, a practice known for its diverse and impactful architectural work. Maggie has been with KSA since 1998, and Amin joined the firm in 2013. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the practice, contributing significantly to its success and reputation for designing thoughtful, enduring spaces.Maggie Bennedsen, originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, completed her studies at the University of Waterloo, earning a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) and a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). After joining KSA in 1998, Maggie worked on high-profile projects such as the Arrendale Student Centre. She has built a career focused on residential design and public buildings, with a particular passion for creating meaningful spaces that reflect the needs of the people who use them. Outside of architecture, Maggie is an avid adventurer and cyclist. She and her husband, Rick Galezowski embarked on an epic "pole-to-pole" bike trip, a journey that became a defining chapter in her life. Her love for exploring the world, combined with her architectural pursuits, shapes her approach to design, always seeking new perspectives and experiences. Maggie’s work is driven by a commitment to design excellence, collaboration, and community involvement.Amin Ebrahim’s path to architecture began with a civil engineering degree from MIT. After discovering his passion for architectural history and design, Amin transitioned into architecture and later completed his professional degree at McGill University. He joined KSA in 2013, where his diverse background in engineering and architecture has been instrumental in tackling complex design challenges. Amin has been involved in projects ranging from public institutions to residential spaces, and his work is defined by a focus on both technical precision and creative problem-solving. When not immersed in design, Amin enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors. He is particularly active and enjoys travel and hiking with his family. His interest in building relationships extends beyond his professional life, and he strives to foster a balanced life of work, family, and adventure.Together, Maggie and Amin have shaped KSA’s dynamic practice, bringing their years of experience, diverse expertise, and shared commitment to innovative design.

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• Behind the Build: Ben Gaum - Project Studios Architects

  Ben Gaum built his path to architecture from a young age, after a school test in Grade 5 surprisingly and accurately suggested “architect” as the perfect intersection of his creative and analytical strengths. That early insight stayed with him and eventually shaped his formal education and career. He began with an architectural technology degree at Fanshawe College, where he gained deep technical knowledge and became part of the last generation to hand-draft working drawings. He later pursued architecture at Dalhousie for his undergrad and completed his master’s at Ryerson, balancing conceptual thinking with practical execution.Early in his career, Ben worked with several large and mid-sized firms, including KIRKOR Architects and Humphreys Partners, developing a strong foundation in high-density residential and mixed-use work. In 2017, he co-founded a practice and, within a few years, assumed full ownership—leading the studio as sole principal from that point on. The firm launched with major multi-residential projects already underway, giving Ben an unusually fast transition from startup to active construction.His work stands out for its pragmatism, experimentation, and design execution. Whether delivering a fully precast 144-unit condo in Hamilton or exploring advanced fabrication techniques for an educational project, his approach consistently merges design innovation with technical resolution.Ben is also the founder of Block House, a studio focused on container-based laneway and garden suites. What began as a personal project became a scalable initiative to reduce construction costs and time, while addressing housing in dense urban contexts. Block House combines prefabrication, steel construction, and architectural detail in a way that’s both efficient and flexible—often coming in at 30% less than traditional builds.Outside of practice, Ben is a musician, a former photographer, a golfer, and a dad. His work and his studio are driven by curiosity, technical craft, and a love for solving real architectural problems through design.Sponsored by Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/To connect with Caplan's Appliances, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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• Behind the Build: Frank DiSarra - FrankFranco Architects

  Frank DiSarra, principal of Frank Franco Architects, has dedicated over 25 years to shaping contemporary architecture that seamlessly blends artistry with technical precision. A graduate of Carleton University’s architecture program, Frank’s early education instilled in him a deep appreciation for both design theory and hands-on craftsmanship. His journey in the industry has been anything but linear—beginning with traditional architectural practice before expanding into construction management and even launching a millwork company to refine his understanding of materials and fabrication.Throughout his career, Frank has worked on an array of projects, from high-end custom homes in Ontario to designs for international sites, including residences in Jamaica and New York. His exposure to global architecture has influenced his meticulous approach to detailing and his ability to create spaces that are both functional and striking. Whether designing expansive estates on sprawling properties or navigating the constraints of urban lots, he thrives on the challenge of balancing innovative aesthetics with the realities of construction.Frank's commitment to craftsmanship stems from his early years, where time spent with his grandfather instilled a passion for tinkering, repurposing materials, and problem-solving. Today, this same ethos guides his work, as he remains deeply involved in the construction process—collaborating closely with trades, overseeing site details, and ensuring that every project is executed with the highest level of precision.With a boutique practice that takes on only a select number of projects each year, Frank prioritizes quality over quantity, focusing on bespoke designs that push the boundaries of contemporary architecture. His work is a testament to the power of thoughtful, well-crafted design—where even the simplest details are executed with intention and expertise.Sponsored by Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/To connect with Caplan's Appliances, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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• Behind the Build: David Hine - David Hine Engineering Fire and Building Code Consultant

  Building codes are often seen as limitations, but for David Hine of David Hine Engineering Fire and Building Code Consultant, they offer opportunities—if you know where to look. As an engineer and building code consultant, David has worked alongside architects and builders for decades, ensuring that complex designs meet regulatory standards without losing their intent. His expertise has shaped projects like Integral House by Shim-Sutcliffe, the OCAD building, and some of Toronto’s most challenging residential builds, including Iceberg houses with deep basements and structurally ambitious homes.David’s career started in municipal building departments, but he transitioned to consulting to work directly with architects, helping them navigate fire safety, accessibility, and evolving regulations. His role isn’t just about compliance—it’s about finding solutions. He played a key part in pushing back against restrictive policies around laneway and garden suites, helping to open up more housing opportunities in Toronto.In our conversation, David shared his perspective on how building codes have changed, from early fire protection standards to today’s focus on accessibility. He also spoke about the importance of challenging rigid interpretations of the code, advocating for creative solutions that support good design. Whether working through alternative compliance strategies or rethinking how buildings interact with their occupants, David’s approach is grounded in both technical expertise and a deep respect for architecture.As he gradually winds down his practice, David remains a strong advocate for architects leveraging code consultants early in the design process. His work is a reminder that great buildings aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about problem-solving, compliance, and making spaces work better for the people who use them.Sponsored by Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/To connect with Caplan's Appliances, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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• Behind the Build: Jackie Burgess & Chris Chevalier - s.no Architecture Pt.2

  In the heart of Canada’s North, Jackie Burgess and Chris Chevalier are redefining architecture through their firm, s.no Architecture. Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, their practice is shaped by extreme climates, long winters, and a commitment to designing buildings that not only endure but thrive in the northern environment.s.no Architecture’s work is informed by the dramatic seasonal swings of the Yukon—five-hour winter days, midnight sun in summer, and temperature fluctuations from -40°C to +30°C. Their approach balances energy efficiency with liveability, pushing beyond building code minimums to create durable, high-performing structures that remain deeply connected to place. Materials must be robust yet transportable, often prioritizing metal over masonry due to logistical challenges, while insulation strategies are tailored to mitigate permafrost shifts and extreme cold.Beyond technical constraints, s.no’s work is also defined by sits cultural sensitivity. Much of their practice involves working with Yukon’s self-governing First Nations, where architecture intersects with governance, heritage, and long-term sustainability. They understand that buildings must not only function in a harsh climate but also serve the needs of communities with their own histories, priorities, and maintenance capacities.Despite their deep roots in the North, Jackie and Chris are always looking outward—studying how other cold-climate communities design, adapt, and build for longevity. Whether learning from Scandinavian architecture or simply stepping away for a warm-weather recharge, they bring a curiosity and pragmatism to everything they do.Through s.no Architecture, they are shaping the built environment of the Yukon with a forward-thinking, practical, and deeply local approach—one that considers not just how buildings perform today, but how they will serve their communities for generations to come.Sponsored by Caplan's Appliances: https://caplans.ca/To connect with Caplan's Appliances, email me: [email protected] the Build on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_build_podcast/

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