Our Team
Rachele Gunderson Associate, Architect  BAs | MArch | AAA Calgary

Rachele is an architect who seeks to unearth the story of a place, its history, and its people to serve as a meaningful compass for design. She enjoys working on teams that push the boundaries of design, think beyond the status quo, and innovate to discover new solutions. Rachele thrives on the wealth of knowledge and experience within DIALOG studios from thought-provoking designers to brilliant technologists and creative engineers. As an architect, she seeks to elevate and support these team members, believing that a given project will always be enhanced by a collective mindset. Ultimately, Rachele is striving to create a better, more sustainable world. 

Rachele’s experience spans master planning, schematic design, programming, site analysis, design development, construction documents, and construction administration for mixed use, office revitalization, tenant improvements, and multi-family projects. In Alberta and Ottawa, she has aided in the conservation of Canada’s National Historic Sites, preserving significant relics of past and present. Rachele was a leader in the design and development of HSBC Place, an office tower revitalization project in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Rachele enjoys working with nonprofits, including the Calgary Catholic Immigration Centre, which provides a safe space for immigrants and refugees seeking settlement and integration services, as well as the YMCA Camp Chief Hector. 

What’s your favourite DIALOG project? Why?

Calgary New Central Library–it is an incredible building that (I think) has a profound impact on the wellbeing of the community and people who use it. 

What is your favourite DIALOG initiative? Why?

Design Pin Ups, Sweating the Details, Lessons Learned! I love being a part of anything we do to share ideas. I always learn so much, and we have such great discussions. They are all wonderful initiatives and a great platform to share ideas and knowledge.  

Additionally, DIALOG’s participation in AIA 2030 Commitment—a commitment that aims to design our buildings to help offset some of the effects of climate change and achieve carbon neutrality within the built environment by 2030. I am proud of the efforts we have made so far and excited to keeping working to reach these essential goals! 

Where do you find inspiration?

Typically, I find inspiration in nature. But anything can be inspirational depending on how you look at it! 

Education

Master of Architecture
Carleton University

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Conservation & Sustainability
Carleton University