OFFice Culture

For Todd, Architecture is a journey of creating beautiful structures, each with its own unique story. A stickler for resiliency and perseverance, Todd continuously pushes VOSH team members to overcome design obstacles and challenges, encouraging individuals to actively engage in critical thinking and problem solving. As an Architect, mentor, and design “colour commentator” with 27 years of hard-earned experience, Todd’s love for Architecture is fueled by ever-changing sources of inspiration that spark creativity, inventiveness, and imagination. He is best known for his ability to engage our clients and project team members in meaningful conversations that lead to authentic moments of collaboration and discovery.

“Little-Known Fact”: At the age of 23, Todd and his young family packed their belongings into 25-year-old school bus that was resuscitated with a new battery, a rebuilt carburetor, and problematic brakes the day before heading out for a life-changing trek from Camrose, Alberta to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The goal of this trip: arrive in time (and in one piece!) for Todd to begin his first year of Architecture at the Technical University of Nova Scotia (which was eventually merged into Dalhousie University). The former Junior A Tier 1 hockey player, his wife and two young children (aged 3 months and 3 years) travelled for ten days across Canada in a stripped-down bus packed with furniture and a red Honda Civic hatchback in tow before reaching their destination. The trusty yellow school bus has since been retired.

DeAnna brings over 25 years of leadership and expertise in Healthcare Administration and Human Resources management. Over the last two decades, she has been involved in the strategic planning of operations management and the implementation of healthcare programs across the province of Alberta. As the Managing Partner of VOSH, DeAnna’s affinity for structure, communication and organization brings a vital balance to the VOSH team’s whirlwind of creativity and passion for architecture.

“Little-Known Fact”: DeAnna was the recipient of a full-ride softball scholarship in Washington State where she played second base for a Division 1 Junior College. During this time, DeAnna received the Gold Glove Award and several other awards for home runs, batting averages and runs batted. She also managed to snag two National Championships in the USA Women’s League. DeAnna’s love for the game of softball is only rivaled by her love for her family and her two grandkids, Wesley and Ryut.

Mike is an Architectural Technologist with 15 years of experience in the design and construction industry. From the production of drawings and building models to contract administration and project management, Mike has a demonstrable understanding of the link between concept and construction. Mike’s approachability and responsiveness enables him to build constructive and effective working relationships with clients and project team members.

“Little-Known Fact”: Mike is a talented drummer who met the love of his life, an equally talented songstress, as members of an Edmonton-based band. Together, Mike and his wife have recorded several albums and have lit up the stage playing at the smallest dives in the city to the Edmonton Convention Centre. Design and architecture aside, Mike’s second profession is building large-scale Lego sets. Every year, Mike participates in Extra Life – Edmonton’s largest 24-hour gaming marathon that raises money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

A recent graduate of NAIT’s Architectural Technology program, Erin wrapped up her studies on the Dean’s Honour Roll and an Indigenous Careers Award in tow. Erin’s penchant for design is bolstered by a boundless curiosity for exploring every aspect of design and discovering what’s possible. A self-motivated and disciplined team member, Erin is an enthusiastic learner with a sponge-like ability to absorb knowledge.

“Little-Known Fact”: Having successfully completed the program at NAIT, Erin and close friend decided to treat themselves to graduation gift: a 10,000-foot skydive over Vancouver Island. What made this adventure even more memorable for Erin is that it was a completely spontaneous moment and one that she would happily do all over again. Erin also enjoys cooking vegan/vegetarian meals and considered opening her own restaurant before pursuing a career in architectural design and drafting. Erin also has a wonderfully colourful half-sleeve tattoo, which she proudly designed herself.

Jane joins our team at VOSH with a Master’s Degree in Sociology from Renmin University of China and a Bachelor’s Degree in Publishing Science from the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication. She is an accomplished journalist and editor with 7 years of experience working for a Beijing-based magazine. During this time, she was the recipient of national awards for her work as an investigative reporter in 2008 and 2009. Eventually, Jane and her husband moved to Canada to raise their two young daughters. A nature-lover at heart, Jane enjoys exploring Canada’s vast outdoors with her family and quiet moments reading her favourite books.

“Little-Known Fact”: During her years as a stay-at-time mother, Jane created a YouTube channel dedicated to reading classic children’s books that she had taken the time to translate from English to Chinese. A creative and talented wordsmith, Jane also penned her own children’s stories to share with her daughters before bedtime.

Chris is a recent graduate from VCAD with a passion for architectural design and a background in construction as a scaffolder. 
Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our team, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and innovation he’ll bring to our projects. Outside the office, Chris enjoys spending quality time with his fiancé and their growing family, including three wonderful stepkids, and two sons of his own.

When he’s not at work, you’ll find Chris exploring the great outdoors—camping, fishing, and traveling to beautiful Kelowna are just a few of his favorite activities. 🏕️🎣🌲 And if there’s one thing you can always count on, it’s Chris’s knack for bringing smiles and laughter wherever he goes.