Architects DCA
@architectsdca.bsky.social
Architects DCA is an Ottawa-based architectural firm with 25+ years of experience in infill, laboratory, and commercial design.
Productivity? Never met her 😌
November 27, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Productivity? Never met her 😌
The W Awards are open!
A great opportunity celebrating women and non-binary people in architecture.
Entries close 28 November.
If this applies to you or someone you know, consider submitting!
email.architectural-review.com/q/1IEI6gLJgJ...
A great opportunity celebrating women and non-binary people in architecture.
Entries close 28 November.
If this applies to you or someone you know, consider submitting!
email.architectural-review.com/q/1IEI6gLJgJ...
November 25, 2025 at 8:27 PM
The W Awards are open!
A great opportunity celebrating women and non-binary people in architecture.
Entries close 28 November.
If this applies to you or someone you know, consider submitting!
email.architectural-review.com/q/1IEI6gLJgJ...
A great opportunity celebrating women and non-binary people in architecture.
Entries close 28 November.
If this applies to you or someone you know, consider submitting!
email.architectural-review.com/q/1IEI6gLJgJ...
November 20, 2025 at 10:23 PM
The Lansdowne 2.0 discussion isn't going away, and it shouldn't.
Let's keep pushing for transparency, accountability, and better city planning
Read the latest version here 👇
www.canadianarchitect.com/op-ed-a-look...
Let's keep pushing for transparency, accountability, and better city planning
Read the latest version here 👇
www.canadianarchitect.com/op-ed-a-look...
November 18, 2025 at 8:57 PM
The Lansdowne 2.0 discussion isn't going away, and it shouldn't.
Let's keep pushing for transparency, accountability, and better city planning
Read the latest version here 👇
www.canadianarchitect.com/op-ed-a-look...
Let's keep pushing for transparency, accountability, and better city planning
Read the latest version here 👇
www.canadianarchitect.com/op-ed-a-look...
I said what’s an RFP, not give me the history of architecture 😩
All jokes aside, an RFP is a Request for Proposals. It shapes how a project begins. A good RFP isn’t just paperwork; it’s how we ensure fair, transparent procurement and choose architects based on quality, not the cheapest fee.
All jokes aside, an RFP is a Request for Proposals. It shapes how a project begins. A good RFP isn’t just paperwork; it’s how we ensure fair, transparent procurement and choose architects based on quality, not the cheapest fee.
November 13, 2025 at 9:16 PM
I said what’s an RFP, not give me the history of architecture 😩
All jokes aside, an RFP is a Request for Proposals. It shapes how a project begins. A good RFP isn’t just paperwork; it’s how we ensure fair, transparent procurement and choose architects based on quality, not the cheapest fee.
All jokes aside, an RFP is a Request for Proposals. It shapes how a project begins. A good RFP isn’t just paperwork; it’s how we ensure fair, transparent procurement and choose architects based on quality, not the cheapest fee.
Remembrance Day
At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, we remember.
We honour all Canadians, past and present, who have served our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, we remember.
We honour all Canadians, past and present, who have served our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
November 11, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Remembrance Day
At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, we remember.
We honour all Canadians, past and present, who have served our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, we remember.
We honour all Canadians, past and present, who have served our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
#Lansdowne 2.0 is one idea, but it shouldn’t be the only one.
The most #sustainable building is the one that already exists. Instead of starting over, what if we #invested in maintaining & upgrading the city we already have?
Article below👇
www.architectsdca.com/news/a-look-...
@ottawacitizen.com
The most #sustainable building is the one that already exists. Instead of starting over, what if we #invested in maintaining & upgrading the city we already have?
Article below👇
www.architectsdca.com/news/a-look-...
@ottawacitizen.com
A look at the many risks of Lansdowne 2.0 • Architects DCA Inc.
Ottawa architect Toon Dreessen examines Lansdowne 2.0 through the lens of sustainability, transparency, and long-term planning, asking how the city can build smarter and invest wisely in its future.
www.architectsdca.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
#Lansdowne 2.0 is one idea, but it shouldn’t be the only one.
The most #sustainable building is the one that already exists. Instead of starting over, what if we #invested in maintaining & upgrading the city we already have?
Article below👇
www.architectsdca.com/news/a-look-...
@ottawacitizen.com
The most #sustainable building is the one that already exists. Instead of starting over, what if we #invested in maintaining & upgrading the city we already have?
Article below👇
www.architectsdca.com/news/a-look-...
@ottawacitizen.com
What do you think is most important for Lansdowne?
We joined the Lansdowne 2.0 Public Forum. The conversation touched on community priorities, green space, arena use, & city planning, giving residents the chance to share.
It was a great reminder that shaping our city takes community voices.
We joined the Lansdowne 2.0 Public Forum. The conversation touched on community priorities, green space, arena use, & city planning, giving residents the chance to share.
It was a great reminder that shaping our city takes community voices.
November 4, 2025 at 9:39 PM
What do you think is most important for Lansdowne?
We joined the Lansdowne 2.0 Public Forum. The conversation touched on community priorities, green space, arena use, & city planning, giving residents the chance to share.
It was a great reminder that shaping our city takes community voices.
We joined the Lansdowne 2.0 Public Forum. The conversation touched on community priorities, green space, arena use, & city planning, giving residents the chance to share.
It was a great reminder that shaping our city takes community voices.
POV: You’re finishing drawings while the ghosts of deadlines lingers behind you 👻
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
October 31, 2025 at 5:25 PM
POV: You’re finishing drawings while the ghosts of deadlines lingers behind you 👻
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
When your camera roll is all architecture 😮💨
October 29, 2025 at 8:51 PM
When your camera roll is all architecture 😮💨
When the floor plan backfires and there’s no place to hide 👀
October 23, 2025 at 11:48 PM
When the floor plan backfires and there’s no place to hide 👀
An important project contributing to local jobs and built for long-term durability. Watch the video to learn more about the military base being built in Quebec.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=tn2U...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=tn2U...
October 16, 2025 at 9:42 PM
An important project contributing to local jobs and built for long-term durability. Watch the video to learn more about the military base being built in Quebec.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=tn2U...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=tn2U...
When your French comes out… but maybe it should’ve stayed in 😅
At least the message was right! You should care about public procurement reform!
At least the message was right! You should care about public procurement reform!
October 14, 2025 at 8:18 PM
When your French comes out… but maybe it should’ve stayed in 😅
At least the message was right! You should care about public procurement reform!
At least the message was right! You should care about public procurement reform!
What if thinking differently was actually one of architecture’s greatest strengths? 🧠
#DyslexiaAwareness Week is a good reminder that we often see dyslexia as a challenge with reading or writing, but in architecture, it can mean strong visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
#DyslexiaAwareness Week is a good reminder that we often see dyslexia as a challenge with reading or writing, but in architecture, it can mean strong visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
How can architecture practices support colleagues with dyslexia?
With Dyslexia Awareness Week just around the corner, it’s a great opportunity for practices to learn more about what they can do to make a difference.
www.architecture.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
What if thinking differently was actually one of architecture’s greatest strengths? 🧠
#DyslexiaAwareness Week is a good reminder that we often see dyslexia as a challenge with reading or writing, but in architecture, it can mean strong visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
#DyslexiaAwareness Week is a good reminder that we often see dyslexia as a challenge with reading or writing, but in architecture, it can mean strong visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
The job never really ends when you’re the owner.
October 3, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The job never really ends when you’re the owner.
#Reconciliation is not a single day, but an ongoing journey of learning, #listening, and #action. Today, we reflect on the #histories and truths that continue to shape our #communities.
For more information: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/kiw...
For more information: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/kiw...
September 30, 2025 at 7:41 PM
#Reconciliation is not a single day, but an ongoing journey of learning, #listening, and #action. Today, we reflect on the #histories and truths that continue to shape our #communities.
For more information: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/kiw...
For more information: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/kiw...
So shiny! 😮💨 #Polishing the #floors and getting ready for opening day.
#construction #projectupdate
#construction #projectupdate
September 23, 2025 at 7:47 PM
So shiny! 😮💨 #Polishing the #floors and getting ready for opening day.
#construction #projectupdate
#construction #projectupdate
September 4, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Ottawa’s #riverfront is finally getting the love it deserves. Toon Dreessen shared his thoughts with @cbcnewz.bsky.social on why this is the kind of vision our city needs. A big step in putting #publicspace to good use. 👏
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
A floating sauna on the Ottawa River? The NCC wants to build one | CBC News
The National Capital Commission has put out a request for proposals to build a floating sauna next to the century-old River House in the Rockcliffe area. It's hoping to have it open by the end of the ...
www.cbc.ca
September 2, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Ottawa’s #riverfront is finally getting the love it deserves. Toon Dreessen shared his thoughts with @cbcnewz.bsky.social on why this is the kind of vision our city needs. A big step in putting #publicspace to good use. 👏
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Ahhh… the 2000s. 😮💨
From launching his practice in a basement to leading Architects DCA, Toon Dreessen has built a career dedicated to design and advocacy for architecture.
From launching his practice in a basement to leading Architects DCA, Toon Dreessen has built a career dedicated to design and advocacy for architecture.
August 27, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Ahhh… the 2000s. 😮💨
From launching his practice in a basement to leading Architects DCA, Toon Dreessen has built a career dedicated to design and advocacy for architecture.
From launching his practice in a basement to leading Architects DCA, Toon Dreessen has built a career dedicated to design and advocacy for architecture.
Becoming an architect is a marathon.
In Canada:
5–7 years uni
5,600H internship
Licensing exams
Architects face layers while balancing design, budgets, community needs & regulations. It can drive you a little “crazy” 😅
Architects don’t just design buildings, they shape the communities we live in.
In Canada:
5–7 years uni
5,600H internship
Licensing exams
Architects face layers while balancing design, budgets, community needs & regulations. It can drive you a little “crazy” 😅
Architects don’t just design buildings, they shape the communities we live in.
August 21, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Becoming an architect is a marathon.
In Canada:
5–7 years uni
5,600H internship
Licensing exams
Architects face layers while balancing design, budgets, community needs & regulations. It can drive you a little “crazy” 😅
Architects don’t just design buildings, they shape the communities we live in.
In Canada:
5–7 years uni
5,600H internship
Licensing exams
Architects face layers while balancing design, budgets, community needs & regulations. It can drive you a little “crazy” 😅
Architects don’t just design buildings, they shape the communities we live in.
Architecture is #political.
#Elections remind us that #design decisions shape #housing, #climate resilience, & #community well-being.
#Australia’s architects entered their election with a clear advocacy paper, #Canada’s voice was less defined. 👀
www.architectsdca.com/news/raic_ne...
#Elections remind us that #design decisions shape #housing, #climate resilience, & #community well-being.
#Australia’s architects entered their election with a clear advocacy paper, #Canada’s voice was less defined. 👀
www.architectsdca.com/news/raic_ne...
Royal Architecture Institute of Canada needs to better advocate for design, culture, and the future of our profession • Architects DCA Inc.
Architecture is political and advocacy matters. Toon's recent article compares how Australia and Canada approached their 2025 elections, highlighting the need for stronger architectural advocacy in Ca...
www.architectsdca.com
August 19, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Architecture is #political.
#Elections remind us that #design decisions shape #housing, #climate resilience, & #community well-being.
#Australia’s architects entered their election with a clear advocacy paper, #Canada’s voice was less defined. 👀
www.architectsdca.com/news/raic_ne...
#Elections remind us that #design decisions shape #housing, #climate resilience, & #community well-being.
#Australia’s architects entered their election with a clear advocacy paper, #Canada’s voice was less defined. 👀
www.architectsdca.com/news/raic_ne...
I’m not like a regular architect, l’m a cool architect 💅
If you know, you know. 😎
#MeanGirls #CoolMom #architecture #womeninarchitecture
If you know, you know. 😎
#MeanGirls #CoolMom #architecture #womeninarchitecture
August 15, 2025 at 4:27 PM
I’m not like a regular architect, l’m a cool architect 💅
If you know, you know. 😎
#MeanGirls #CoolMom #architecture #womeninarchitecture
If you know, you know. 😎
#MeanGirls #CoolMom #architecture #womeninarchitecture
Calling #lanewayhomes the solution is like putting a band-aid on a broken bone. 😬
If we’re serious about the #housingcrisis, we need bigger, smarter moves.
What would you do instead?
Originally published in @thestar.com
www.architectsdca.com/news/what-ma...
If we’re serious about the #housingcrisis, we need bigger, smarter moves.
What would you do instead?
Originally published in @thestar.com
www.architectsdca.com/news/what-ma...
I'm an Architect and this is what Mayor Chow and Toronto are getting wrong about laneway homes • Architects DCA Inc.
Architect Toon Dreessen critiques Toronto’s pre-approved laneway home plans, warning they sideline architects, risk poor design, and miss bigger housing solutions. Toon is calling for quality, accessi...
www.architectsdca.com
August 13, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Calling #lanewayhomes the solution is like putting a band-aid on a broken bone. 😬
If we’re serious about the #housingcrisis, we need bigger, smarter moves.
What would you do instead?
Originally published in @thestar.com
www.architectsdca.com/news/what-ma...
If we’re serious about the #housingcrisis, we need bigger, smarter moves.
What would you do instead?
Originally published in @thestar.com
www.architectsdca.com/news/what-ma...