It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of Simon Ko from DIALOG’s Partnership and Practice as he moves into retirement.

Following more than eight incredible years as a DIALOG Partner and over 36 years in the architecture profession, Simon Ko will be retiring from DIALOG, effective August 1, 2022. “It’s time for me to spend more quality time with my family and to do more travelling – which I haven’t had the chance to do before – and to finally slow down the work,” says Simon.

Since joining DIALOG as a Partner in 2014, Simon has tackled many complex mixed-use residential projects and a number of significant large-scale developments in the Greater Toronto Area. He’s worked on master plan community developments in Mississauga, Vaughan and Markham, a multi-phase livable community at Ottawa’s Heron Gate, and several infill high-density mixed-use developments in downtown Toronto and North York. His strength in applying design skills to solve problems of any scale has unlocked the potential of each site through fusing the visions of our clients and city planners.

“Simon has been instrumental in building our team and positioning DIALOG as a leader in residential and mixed-use design,” says Jim Anderson, DIALOG Chair.

A highly personable and collaborative leader, he is known to his colleagues and clients for his wisdom, enthusiasm, positivity, and attention to detail. Simon is also a generous mentor, investing in and promoting the careers of countless DIALOGers. Outside of leading the Toronto Design Champions, Simon has always been a buoyant and integral part of the Toronto studio culture and will be sorely missed.

Though his retirement will see him spending more time traveling, Simon is still a DIALOGer at heart and will continue exploring new ways to improve the wellbeing of others. “The years I’ve spent at DIALOG have been the best years of my humble career. I am leaving a practice and a group of people that I truly love. I will continue to carry the spirit of DIALOG in whatever I do, and I will promote the Practice wherever I go.”

Simon will provide valued expertise as an advisor to DIALOG and clients alike, assisting with ongoing projects remotely, and providing mentorship as needed. His legacy will live on in the continued growth and innovation from our residential and mixed-use team led by partners Frank Wang and Golara Jalalpour.

We wish Simon all the very best as he embarks on his next great adventure. Our Practice and studio have been made immeasurably better as a result of his many contributions.