MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Katya Stokoz—Toronto Society of Architects Award
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Katya Stokoz—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, I have consistently sought opportunities to contribute to the Department of Architectural Science (DAS) community through leadership, mentorship, and public-facing design work. As an undergraduate student, I served on the Architectural Course Union (ACU) in multiple roles—including Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Public Relations—where I coordinated events, managed budgets, and advocated for student needs. These positions strengthened my ability to balance administrative responsibilities with empathy and inclusivity, ensuring that student initiatives reflected the diverse interests of our community. My work on the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee further deepened my commitment to fostering accessible and supportive environments within DAS.
Hands-on design projects have also been a major part of my engagement. I contributed to several public installations, including Winterstations, the Downtown Yonge BIA Window Installation, and the Beyond the Wall exhibition, collaborating with peers to create work that connects architectural ideas with public participation. These experiences allowed me to explore how design can empower communities, spark dialogue, and support collective storytelling.
Mentorship has been central to my leadership practice. I have supported first- and second-year students in studio and theory courses, helping them build confidence as they navigate the challenges of architectural education. I also mentor peers preparing for co-op, offering guidance on resumes, portfolios, interview strategies, and professional development. Through these roles, I have learned that meaningful leadership involves uplifting others, fostering curiosity, and enabling students to recognize their own potential.
As a graduate student, I continue to remain engaged with the DAS community in new ways. Serving as a Graduate Assistant for undergraduate studio and lecture courses has introduced a fresh form of involvement and mentorship, allowing me to support students’ learning while contributing to the academic environment from a teaching perspective. This role has expanded my understanding of leadership within architectural education and strengthened my commitment to fostering supportive, collaborative spaces for emerging designers.
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, I have consistently sought opportunities to contribute to the Department of Architectural Science (DAS) community through leadership, mentorship, and public-facing design work. As an undergraduate student, I served on the Architectural Course Union (ACU) in multiple roles—including Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Public Relations—where I coordinated events, managed budgets, and advocated for student needs. These positions strengthened my ability to balance administrative responsibilities with empathy and inclusivity, ensuring that student initiatives reflected the diverse interests of our community. My work on the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee further deepened my commitment to fostering accessible and supportive environments within DAS.
Hands-on design projects have also been a major part of my engagement. I contributed to several public installations, including Winterstations, the Downtown Yonge BIA Window Installation, and the Beyond the Wall exhibition, collaborating with peers to create work that connects architectural ideas with public participation. These experiences allowed me to explore how design can empower communities, spark dialogue, and support collective storytelling.
Mentorship has been central to my leadership practice. I have supported first- and second-year students in studio and theory courses, helping them build confidence as they navigate the challenges of architectural education. I also mentor peers preparing for co-op, offering guidance on resumes, portfolios, interview strategies, and professional development. Through these roles, I have learned that meaningful leadership involves uplifting others, fostering curiosity, and enabling students to recognize their own potential.
As a graduate student, I continue to remain engaged with the DAS community in new ways. Serving as a Graduate Assistant for undergraduate studio and lecture courses has introduced a fresh form of involvement and mentorship, allowing me to support students’ learning while contributing to the academic environment from a teaching perspective. This role has expanded my understanding of leadership within architectural education and strengthened my commitment to fostering supportive, collaborative spaces for emerging designers.
