MArch 2010
Associate Professor, Chair of Environmental Design
Faculty of Design, Graduate Studies, OCAD University

Maya Mahgoub-Desai is an Associate Professor and the current Chair of Environmental Design at OCAD University. Maya is both a researcher and practitioner whose approach to Architecture, Urban Design and design education is informed by her research interests in cultural landscapes and ecological models of conservation and urban development; public health and environmental management of built and natural environments; and addressing inclusion and decolonization in environmental design studio pedagogy. Maya’s current research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC / CRSH) and investigates themes related to human-environment behaviour; public health and public space policy; inclusive approaches to community engagement in urban planning and health design.

Maya’s previous speculative research was focused on how cultural perspectives of nature can inform approaches to environmental conservation and was awarded the Architectural Research Consortium’s King Medal for Excellence in Architectural and Environmental Research and shortlisted for the Canada Council for the Arts Prix de Rome in Architecture for Emerging Practitioners. In professional practice, Maya has and continues to lead many local and international master plans for the award-winning firm of Moriyama Teshima Architects. Her master plans focus on urban and peri-urban areas and prioritize cultural narrative, resilient solutions and a collaborative community engagement approach. Maya’s professional experience includes serving as a subject matter expert for Waterfront Toronto; developing master plans for Qatar’s Education City, Surrey City Development Corporation and the Town of Whitby and campus plans for the University of Lethbridge, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College.

As an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, Maya continues to pursue creative projects related to the expression and interpretation of nature, form and space through human form and also remains actively engaged in professional and volunteer activities that address equity in the profession. Maya currently serves as an executive member of BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto); committee member of ClimateACT (a collaboration of academics at Toronto’s four universities, facilitated by Ontario’s former Environment Commissioner to assist Toronto City Councillors in the implementation of Toronto’s climate emergency declaration) and previously as a crisis counselor for the Toronto Women’s Rape and Crisis Centre.

About the What's Next Speaker Series

AVSSU, GALDSU and FGSA are excited to bring to you What’s Next, an alumni speaker series. Speakers will be presenting their work and career paths since graduating from the different programs at Daniels. 

You will hear about the various industries and areas of work, skills you can transfer from university to the workplace, networking and more!

The lecture will start with a short presentation by the guest, followed by a moderated discussion with student(s), and ending with an open Q&A with the audience.

For the fall of 2020, we have an exciting line-up of speakers from the PhD in Forestry, MVS, MLA, and M.Arch, so be sure to mark the dates in your calendars. If you are unable to attend, please send in any questions you may have, and we will be sure to ask them for you. The talks will be recorded and can be found on Youtube. If you are a student and are interested in moderating a discussion, please reach out to your respective student union representative (see below).

AVSSU - Randa Omar
GALDSU - Juliette Cook
FGSA - Nicole Tratnik

What's Next Graphic Credit: Randa Omar