Celebrating Claudia Schaaf’s Legacy and Welcoming David Leonard as METAFOR’s New Managing Principal At METAFOR, we are at a pivotal moment in our journey as we celebrate the incredible legacy of Claudia Schaaf and warmly welcome David Leonard as our new Managing Principal. This leadership transition marks a significant milestone in our firm’s history, one that reflects our ongoing commitment …
Leadership and Empathy at METAFOR: The Foundations of Culture and Human-Centric Design
The art of leadership is an ever-evolving practice, requiring continuous learning, resilience, and vulnerability. Central to this is empathy – an innate ability to understand the human experience. At METAFOR, this philosophy extends into our design methodology and culture, emphasizing a human-focused approach. This belief not only underpins effective leadership but also enriches our design philosophy. Leadership is dynamic. First, …
Compassion in Hospice and Palliative Care: The Role of Designers in End-of-life Care
Throughout my life, I have had a very front facing and personal relationship with individuals who, for a variety of reasons, were coming to the end of their lives and preparing for their final moments. Working in seniors’ homes and volunteering in end-of-life care from an early age painted a picture for me of what it is to live, to …
Employee Spotlight: Melanie Dell
Welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series, where we take you behind the scenes to meet the incredible individuals who form the backbone of METAFOR! Meet Melanie Dell Associate | Calgary StudioWho or what inspired you to pursue the career you have today?I’ve always had a strong interest in the ways people engage with and utilize physical environments. This inspired me …
Employee Spotlight: Gordon Franklin
Welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series, where we take you behind the scenes to meet the incredible individuals who form the backbone of METAFOR! Meet Gordon Franklin Associate | Edmonton StudioWho or what inspired you to pursue the career you have today?Since very young (which is many many years ago!!) I have always valued good design/quality in everything over just …
Employee Spotlight: Ryan Agrey
Welcome to our Employee Spotlight Series, where we take you behind the scenes to meet the incredible individuals who form the backbone of METAFOR! Meet Ryan Agrey Project Architect | Calgary StudioWho or what inspired you to pursue the career you have today?Growing up, my parents encouraged the idea that creativity and fun can be applied to any activity. I …
Where Art Meets Architecture – Part 1: Purpose
A 3-part series exploring the intersection of craft, material, and innovation Light pours in through the pyramid-shaped skylight, the wood beams casting sharp shadow lines across the concrete walls and floor. The striped pattern transforms the triangular space into an abstract image, resembling a Frank Stella painting. Descending the entry stairs, memories of the space flood back and I am …
