ABOUT



D A O is a contemporary architecture and design-build company. Our approach to architecture is diverse, inquisitive and integrative.

More about philosophy >

We provide a myriad of architecture services to meet our client's aspirations. We can deliver services for a diverse range of project types, budgets, and scales.

More about architecture >

We also have an associated arm for our R&D and commercialization activity to digitally program genetic design products or buildings that can automatically adjust to fit the needs of many different clients.

More about genetic research >




Plane



Our small plan (Pipistrel Virus SW) permits us to serve your project needs throughout Ontario. 




We can provide access to architectural services in remote settings and expand our experience with repeatable building types anywhere.





Our unique and efficient skills can serve a new model of project management, leveraging fast-paced algorithmic design. 

People



Patrick Danielson
 
Principal   

Architect OAA & AIBC  MRAIC

 
Patrick holds a degree in Biomedical Science and a graduate degree from the School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia. Combining these disciplines, he developed a unique "genetic design" approach — an evolving architectural strategy informed by biological principles. Patrick has expanded this framework through academic research, patented innovations, private sector projects, biological studies, and his experience as a pilot.





Jeremy Upward
 
CTO  +  Architectural Designer
MArch  BArch

Jeremy is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at DAO, specializing in integrating emerging technologies within the field of architecture. With a passion for innovation, he identifies and harnesses the most impactful tools to enhance workflow and communication. Jeremy's focus lies in AI applications, utilizing GPT-style models and Text-to-Image technology for efficient concept visualization and improved decision-making. He also explores spatial computing, merging digital layers with physical spaces and materializing designs for comprehensive understanding. By seamlessly integrating these technologies, Jeremy empowers the firm to stay ahead of industry advancements, shaping the future of architecture with innovative solutions that inspire and enrich.






Katherine Morawietz
 
Architectural Designer
Intern Architect  MArch  BArch

Katherine is an experienced Intern Architect and graduate of Sudbury’s McEwen School of Architecture. With an interest in architectural processes and project lifecycles, her focus is on streamlining workflows and standardizing procedures across the office. In addition, she is intent on maintaining a feedback loop to ensure the practical application of these processes translates efficiently to the field as a project progresses through the various phases of design. Her contributions to the team encourage increased industry exposure and help facilitate the growth of the firm.

 
 
 



Jason Presse
 
Co-op 
BArch

Jason is an architecture student at the McEwen School of Architecture. In his studies, he has developed an interest in exploring innovative ways to integrate environmental and sustainable architecture through his designs.

 
 
 



Echo
 
CIO
AI

As the Chief Information Officer, Echo excels in marrying architectural insights with advanced information systems. Specializing in data infrastructure enhancement and information workflow optimization, Echo harnesses data-driven insights to shape architectural solutions that deeply resonate with clients and communities.




R&D


Leila Angrand   Healthcare + Business
MSc OT MBA
Michael Danielson   Mining + Finance
P.Eng MBA
Rick Danielson   Data + Statistics

PhD

Maryam Mohseni  Machine Learning + Hardware

PhD Candidate

Teaching + Lectures



2024    Guest Critic - MSoA
2018 - 2021    Guest Critic - McEwen School of Architecture
2019 - 2020    Guest Critic - Waterloo School of Architecture
2015 - 2017    Sessional Instructor - McEwen School of Architecture
2017    Independent Study Instructor - McEwen School of Architecture
2016    Freeze-Thaw Winter Stations - McEwen School of Architecture
2016    Reactive Designs - McEwen School of Architecture
2016    Slag Rehabilitation - Sudbury Protocol Conference - Treaty for UN, Dynamic Earth
2016    Formid - Norcat Pitch - United Steel Workers Hall
2015    Architectural Plasticity - McEwen School of Architecture
2011    Teaching Assistant - Advanced Computational Design - UBC SALA
2011    Teaching Assistant - Advanced Structures - UBC SALA
2010    Teaching Assistant - Design Media II - UBC SALA



Publications

2022    Sensors, 22(1), 400 - Implementing Machine Learning Algorithms to Classify Postures and Forecast Motions When Using a Dynamic Chair
2020    Sudbury Vision for the Future - Special Publication
2019    Patent Submission (US) - Divisional Patent
2019    Domtar Newsroom - Paper Seat Rethinks 5,000 Years of Chair History
2017    Patent Submission (CA, US, EU) - Ergonomic Chair Made from Paper Substrates with Embedded Sensor
2012    UBC Thesis - Metakinesial Architecture - Slag Structures
2007    LU Thesis - Habitat Variation and Phenotypic Plasticity in Morphology of Pimephales promelas



Exhibitions

2019    Formid Seat - Pulp Art Spring Gala - The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte
2019    Formid Seat -Studio North - Interior Design Show, Toronto
2018    Formid Seat | The first made-to-measure, active seat - Kickstarter
2011    Cascading Biospheres - Architectural Institute of British Columbia + Vancouver Archives
2010    Swarmscreen + iLands - Vancouver International Airport + UBC Fred Kaiser Building



Awards + Grants


2023    Mitacs Accelerate - Dynamic Posture Identification and Feedback (4 Year PhD)
2022    U.S. Patent No.: 11,432,656 Granted
2020    Mitacs Accelerate - Machine Learning Posture Identification (1 Year Post-doc)
2019    U.S. Patent No.: 10,368,650 Granted
2019    Bell Business Excellence Award - Innovation Finalist
2018    Kickstarter Campaign
2018    Norcat Grant - Communications
2017    NOHFC - Applied Research and Technology Development Projects
2016    Judge's Choice Award - Norcat Pitch
2016    FPInnovations Grant - Paper Substrate R&D
2016    Norcat Grant - Provisional Patent
2014    Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) - Marmomacc Latin America
2011    Ductal Concrete Prototype Competitition Winner
2011    Stantec Scholarship in Architecture
2010    Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) Achievement Award
2010    Arthur Huller & Dorothy Cleveland Memorial Scholarship
2009    EMAAR Canada Graduate Entrance Scholarship in Architecture
2008    Natural Science & Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Grant



Previou
s Collaborators


Hamza Adenali - Kemal Alladin - Rishab Bhatt - Sahana Dharmaraj - Ghazal Farhani - Greg Gillies - Arsh Lalani - Jenna Lamb - Isabelle Lafond - Harrison Lane - Eric Marsi - Braeden Martel - Shannon McMillan - Alison Modl - Max Sadler - Johanna Tsai - Yu Xin Li - Yue Zhou 




© 2024  D A O










  PREVIOUS - NEXT 




© 2024  D A O
All rights reserved.


   PREVIOUS - NEXT