FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Violeta Rodriguez Zurita —STANTEC Award in Architectural Science

My educational journey at Toronto Metropolitan University has been shaped by both personal determination and professional experience. Growing up in a single-parent household and being the first in my family to pursue post- secondary education, I have been motivated to explore academic opportunities and support my family financially. Balancing full-time studies with part- time work, I have navigated financial challenges while striving for academic excellence in a demanding STEM-focused architecture program. From an early age, I was fascinated by how cities come alive through their architecture — how spaces can bring people together, foster identity, and shape the way communities interact. I have always envisioned architecture as a bridge between creativity and responsibility, one that has the power to make our cities more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant. This belief guided me toward an educational path that merges design excellence with social purpose. Throughout my time at TMU, I have sought to engage with my community both within and beyond the studio. I have been actively involved in the Architecture Course Union (ACU) by mentoring students, and also played roles in American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) TMU Chapter. These experiences reinforced my belief that architecture flourishes through collaboration and shared learning. Beyond academics, I have participated in several design-build projects, which allowed me to explore how design translates into Stantec Award Architectural Science Violeta Zurita physical space, as well as fill in the learning gap between design and construction. My personal modular seating project, Archhive, in collaboration with Sameen Yousef, deepened my understanding of how architecture can activate public space and create opportunities for connection. Professionally, I had the privilege of joining Diamond Schmitt Architects as a co-op student for a year, where I contributed to large- scale, fast paced institutional projects within healthcare and academic typologies. I worked on technical drawings, coordinated with consultants large team meetings to propose design solutions. During this experience, I also contributed to a Net Zero research initiative alongside TMU’s Green Building Group, exposing me to more data-driven methods of evaluating building performance and sustainable retrofit strategies. As I prepare for my upcoming exchange term at TU Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, I am eager to expand my knowledge in sustainable and community- oriented urban design. Studying in a country known for its innovative approach to mobility and planning will allow me to apply global design insights to Toronto’s evolving urban fabric. I am deeply grateful for the Stantec Award, which supports my academic and professional journey. This recognition encourages me to continue pursuing architecture not just as a career, but as a means of empowering communities and shaping a more sustainable future.