MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Florencio IV Gamboa Tameta—Toronto Society of Architects Award
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Florencio IV Gamboa Tameta—Toronto Society of Architects Award
About the Award
Toronto Society of Architects Award:
Established in 1887, the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) is a non-profit volunteer-led organization dedicated to bringing people together to discuss, learn and explore around our shared passion for the built environment.
The TSA is committed to the betterment of our city, civic literacy on architecture and design, and the personal and professional growth of its members. Born from a spirit of community and collegiality within the profession, the work of the TSA is made possible thanks to the effort and dedication of dozens of volunteers contributing countless hours to make a better city and profession.
The Toronto Society of Architects Award recognizes this giving spirit, highlighting the importance of volunteering and service to the community.
Over the course of my academic journey in architecture, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and leadership that benefits my peers, the Department of Architectural Science (DAS), and the wider TMU community. During my undergraduate years, I actively participated as a program ambassador in events such as TMU Science Rendezvous, TMU Alumni Days, TMU Architecture Summer Camp, the Department of Architectural Science Year-End Shows, and external outreach partnerships with Yulio VR, Doors Open Toronto, Ontario Science Centre, and CityLab. These initiatives allowed me to direct hands-on activities for visitors of all ages, such as building mini-robots, teaching design software like Adobe CS and CAD, designing laser cut lamp shades and CNC-milled chairs, and showcasing student innovations using 3D printing, augmented and virtual reality to alumni, prospective high school students, and elementary summer campers. Witnessing the excitement on the faces of participants made these experiences rewarding.
In my second year of undergrad, I assumed a leadership role as part of the design team for “Tripix”, an art installation for the Toronto Waterfront’s 2019 Icebreakers competition—an outdoor winter exhibition. Managing over 40 volunteers during the project, I gained valuable skills in delegation and team collaboration, which reinforced the importance of community in bringing a shared vision to life. The project was a success, gaining media attention from ArchDaily, Canadian Architect and Azure, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the DAS community.
In addition to hands-on design projects, I have embraced mentorship roles. As part of the Architecture Course Union (ACU) Mentorship Program, I guided first- and second-year students through their theory and studio courses, helping them navigate the challenges of our program. Sharing my three years of professional experience, I also served as a Co-op Peer Advisor for two years, mentoring over 40 prospective co-op students throughout the school year by providing career guidance on portfolios, resumes, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
I expanded my leadership experience in my fourth and fifth undergraduate years by joining the 325 Magazine Graphics Team, eventually becoming its Creative Director and Graphics Team Lead. In this role, I oversaw the creative vision of the publication and marketing material, coordinated workflows, and guided a 10-person Graphics team in producing content that celebrated the exceptional work of DAS students. This project was meaningful as it allowed us to showcase student achievements to Toronto’s architectural community.
As a graduate student, I remain committed to the DAS community, serving as a program ambassador for the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) and DAS events, participating as a guest speaker and panelist in student groups’ skill and professional development workshops, and continuing to be a mentor for younger architecture students. My active involvement in these initiatives reflects my dedication to using my skills and energy to contribute to the betterment of my peers, DAS, and the TMU community.
Toronto Society of Architects Award:
Established in 1887, the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) is a non-profit volunteer-led organization dedicated to bringing people together to discuss, learn and explore around our shared passion for the built environment.
The TSA is committed to the betterment of our city, civic literacy on architecture and design, and the personal and professional growth of its members. Born from a spirit of community and collegiality within the profession, the work of the TSA is made possible thanks to the effort and dedication of dozens of volunteers contributing countless hours to make a better city and profession.
The Toronto Society of Architects Award recognizes this giving spirit, highlighting the importance of volunteering and service to the community.
Over the course of my academic journey in architecture, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and leadership that benefits my peers, the Department of Architectural Science (DAS), and the wider TMU community. During my undergraduate years, I actively participated as a program ambassador in events such as TMU Science Rendezvous, TMU Alumni Days, TMU Architecture Summer Camp, the Department of Architectural Science Year-End Shows, and external outreach partnerships with Yulio VR, Doors Open Toronto, Ontario Science Centre, and CityLab. These initiatives allowed me to direct hands-on activities for visitors of all ages, such as building mini-robots, teaching design software like Adobe CS and CAD, designing laser cut lamp shades and CNC-milled chairs, and showcasing student innovations using 3D printing, augmented and virtual reality to alumni, prospective high school students, and elementary summer campers. Witnessing the excitement on the faces of participants made these experiences rewarding.
In my second year of undergrad, I assumed a leadership role as part of the design team for “Tripix”, an art installation for the Toronto Waterfront’s 2019 Icebreakers competition—an outdoor winter exhibition. Managing over 40 volunteers during the project, I gained valuable skills in delegation and team collaboration, which reinforced the importance of community in bringing a shared vision to life. The project was a success, gaining media attention from ArchDaily, Canadian Architect and Azure, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the DAS community.
In addition to hands-on design projects, I have embraced mentorship roles. As part of the Architecture Course Union (ACU) Mentorship Program, I guided first- and second-year students through their theory and studio courses, helping them navigate the challenges of our program. Sharing my three years of professional experience, I also served as a Co-op Peer Advisor for two years, mentoring over 40 prospective co-op students throughout the school year by providing career guidance on portfolios, resumes, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
I expanded my leadership experience in my fourth and fifth undergraduate years by joining the 325 Magazine Graphics Team, eventually becoming its Creative Director and Graphics Team Lead. In this role, I oversaw the creative vision of the publication and marketing material, coordinated workflows, and guided a 10-person Graphics team in producing content that celebrated the exceptional work of DAS students. This project was meaningful as it allowed us to showcase student achievements to Toronto’s architectural community.
As a graduate student, I remain committed to the DAS community, serving as a program ambassador for the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) and DAS events, participating as a guest speaker and panelist in student groups’ skill and professional development workshops, and continuing to be a mentor for younger architecture students. My active involvement in these initiatives reflects my dedication to using my skills and energy to contribute to the betterment of my peers, DAS, and the TMU community.
