Meeta is an architect with 20+ years of experience leading complex architectural projects. Licensed in both British Columbia and California, she has designed and managed institutional, scientific and commercial projects across Canada and the United States. Her wide-ranging experience has prepared her to lead and coordinate large, multi-disciplinary teams of design and construction professionals.
Meeta enjoys working closely with owners and stakeholders to navigate their projects through not only design and construction but also through the political and regulatory processes related to development. Her process-driven approach has won her praise on budget- and schedule-driven projects from clients and contractors alike. She is very proud of the recently-completed Phase II Residences project at Simon Fraser University designed by DIALOG which brought together a precious architectural legacy, indigenous cultural values, and occupant well-being principles applied to the needs of student-residents on a very unusual physical site.
Meeta enjoys leveraging her design experience in shaping her community. Until recently, she served on the City of Vancouver’s Urban Design Panel and, in the past, has served on the Planning and Design Review Commission of the City of Sacramento, California. She has presented in design and construction industry conferences and volunteers with CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women).
At DIALOG, she has lead design technology initiatives focused on exploring emerging technologies as well as building core strengths. She is one of the prime instigators of the firm-wide revival of the Science and Technology Community of Practice and is passionate about growing DIALOG’s contribution in that sector to support BC’s evolving life sciences ecosystem.
Whose work are you most impressed by? Why?
I admire Kate Gerson’s passion in mentoring the emerging generation. Since the real education in architecture begins after one gets out of school, it is invaluable to have good mentorship. For this reason, I admire Kate’s work in building our profession and Dialog, one intern at a time.
What is your favorite DIALOG initiative? Why?
I love the Thursday Pin Ups, in which DIALOGers present their ongoing or completed work to the entire studio. The Pin Ups are a win-win-win: the presenter receives excellent feedback, it is a tremendous learning opportunity for those in the audience, and DIALOG’s clients receive the benefit of DIALOG’s brain trust beyond the project team.
How does your work inform your personal philosophy and vice versa?
Early in my career, I thought there would be a day when I would be “experienced” enough that I could learn less and apply more. I now realize that architects operate in a very dynamic professional space that is constantly changed by externalities, whether it be technology, society, cultural expectations or climate, and to stop learning is to stop growing. I try to always be willing and enthusiastic to learn.
What do you do to get out of a creative rut?
Brainstorming with my amazing DIALOG colleagues. Often, all it takes to break through the designer’s block is stepping outside my own mind-bubble and bouncing an idea off someone else who has a few minutes to spare. Especially with the diverse perspectives within easy reach in our multi-disciplinary practice, it works wonders!
Master of Architecture
Georgia Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Architecture
CEPT University
Exchange Semester, Architecture
ETH Zurich (Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)