SARA SHEMIRANI
Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc.
SAY IT LOUD - Toronto
Toronto Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by peers whose work advances sustainable and thoughtful approaches to existing buildings and by seeing how they navigate challenges and grow in their careers.
SARA SHEMIRANI
Bio:
Sara is an Associate at Giaimo working across architectural design and heritage conservation. A Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP), she has over 5 years of experience on heritage and existing-building projects across Ontario, including multi-unit residential renovations, building assessments, conservation plans, and heritage interpretation installations. She also serves on the CAHP Awards Committee, supporting recognition of excellence in the field.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My father is an architect, and spending time in his office as a child watching drawings, models, and ideas take shape sparked my interest in design and the built environment.
What do you do?
I am an Architectural Designer and Heritage Specialist at a firm that integrates design with conservation. I work with existing buildings through adaptive reuse, assessments, and heritage interpretation projects.
What excites you in the work you do?
Working with existing buildings means every project is unique. Discovering their histories, contexts, and challenges and contributing to a more sustainable field by reducing demolition waste and valuing embodied carbon excites me most.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by peers whose work advances sustainable and thoughtful approaches to existing buildings and by seeing how they navigate challenges and grow in their careers.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Returning to TMU as a guest lecturer for a session in the Heritage Conservation Theory and Practice course where I first discovered this field was a meaningful milestone as an alumna.
Featured Project Name:
Oculus
Featured Project Location:
South Humber Park, Etobicoke
Featured Project Completion Date:
2021
Role in Featured Project:
Architectural Designer and Heritage Consultant
Featured Project Description:
The Oculus is a fantastical space-age modernist pavilion constructed in 1959 and located in the South Humber Park. Once neglected, the pavilion was revitalized by Giaimo and ACO Toronto through a light exterior restoration, addition of contextual outdoor furniture, and a series of engaging and educational programming. The revitalization highlights the cultural, environmental, and social value of existing infrastructure while celebrating Toronto’s modernist heritage. Ria and Sara contributed throughout the project, supporting planning, restoration and design, fabrication, and the installation of Brighter Days Ahead, a temporary on-site artwork followed by an on-site exhibition. The project was a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation.
