Larkin Architect Limited

Michael Nicholas-Schmidt, Principal

BES, M.ARCH, OAA, MRAIC

416 504 6054 Ex 33

michael [at] larkinarchitect.com

Michael became principal of Larkin Architect in 2020 after years of collaboration with Roberto Chiotti.  An Architect since 2012, with over 12 years of experience, Michael brings extensive experience with planning, restorations, renovations, additions and the design of new buildings for the educational religious, healthcare and social service sectors, Michael’s passion for the design of community spaces has helped to grow LAL’s portfolio of award-winning projects.

Familiar with working with multiple user groups and committees on institutional and religious projects, Michael’s collaborative approach helps to build consensus and ownership. This synergistic approach combined with his careful attention to details, and knowledge of building science, contributes to LAL’s sensitive approach to building design.

Michael enjoys performing with the Toronto Community Orchestra, vegetable gardening, and spending his weekends chasing after his three beautiful children.

Roberto Chiotti, Founding Principal

BES, BARCH, MTS, OAA, FRAIC, LEED™ AP

416 504 6054 Ex 24

roberto [at] larkinarchitect.com

In addition to his professional architectural credentials, Roberto Chiotti completed graduate studies in theology at the University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, with a specialty in Theology and Ecology. He is a founding principal of Larkin Architect Limited, an award-winning, spiritually inspired, values-based firm specializing in the design of sustainable sacred space. He is also a LEED accredited professional and a member of both the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and the Association of Preservation Technologists.

Roberto has been invited to write, teach, and speak extensively on the topics of Sustainable Design, Sacred Space, and the Cosmological Response to the Ecological Crisis as it relates to architecture and education at universities, colleges, religious and architecture conferences, and professional organizations across Canada and abroad. 

Roberto currently serves on the Board of the Architecture, Culture, and Spirituality Forum (ACSF), an international organization professing that the design and experience of the built environment can assist the spiritual development of humanity in addressing the unprecedented challenges facing all planetary existence today.  His research includes co-authoring the ACSF Declaration of Transcendent Human Habitat and the development of an AI assisted tool for those interested in the study and practice of Transcendent Architecture. He also serves on the Toronto Anglican Diocese, Bishop’s Committee on Care for Creation as well as its liturgy and education sub-committees.

During their time away from the city, his partner Kim and their two cats Danté and Percy like to spend time relaxing and enjoying nature at their unique straw bale country house in beautiful Northumberland County that they built and share together with their friends Kevin and Jack.

Sarah Christie, Administrator

416 504 6054 Ex 28

sarah [at] larkinarchitect.com

Steve James

OCAD (Canada), Project Manager

416 504 6054 Ex 23

steve [at] larkinarchitect.com

Steve James has been employed in the architectural field for close to 30 years. In 1997, Steve joined Larkin Architect Limited and has been involved in a multitude of projects from the initial design stage to the final construction. As a project manager for numerous renovations and addition projects, Steve brings his knowledge of building science for both innovative and past building methods to ensure a coordination of these construction types. He has been responsible for projects ranging from religious, educational, childcare, hotels, and residential.

Having spent many years helping his father create flower gardens and other landscaping features at his family home, Steve has grown a love for both exterior landscaping and house plants. This is a continuing hobby at both his apartment and family trailer.

Teresa Tran

M.ARCH

teresa [at] larkinarchitect.com

With an affinity for all things water-related, Teresa holds a Master of Architecture from the Water Collaborative Program at the University of Waterloo, School of Architecture. She has worked at offices situated in Canada, the Netherlands, and Vietnam, bringing challenging perspectives into design and exploring how architectural projects relate and adapt to the surrounding context.

Teresa brings an open and experimental approach to the design for every project. Recently, at Larkin Architect Limited, she has been involved in feasibility studies for additions to heritage buildings, and the design of several childcare facilities.  Her work is inspired by the belief that communication through architecture holds opportunities for positive change to communities while addressing their multi-faceted needs and goals. During her evenings, Teresa enjoys swimming, creating digital art, and playing retro video games.

Berrie Duval

M.ARCH, MUP

416 504 6054 Ex 22

berrie [at] larkinarchitect.com

Berrie is an internationally trained architect with a Master of Architecture and Urban Planning from the School of Architecture of Brittany (France).

During her studies, she specialized her work on the revitalization of heritage buildings, adaptive-reuse projects, and renovation projects. In France, Berrie worked on a revitalization project for a downtown area prior to moving to Nashville in the United States, where she worked as an architectural designer.

Berrie moved to Toronto and joined Larkin Architect Limited at the end of 2021. With a sensitive approach to heritage buildings, she has been involved in feasibility studies for adapting timeless buildings to their present communities. She is currently driven in developing more qualifications in heritage and sustainability allowing the two to work seamlessly and holistically with one another.

During her free time, Berrie practices yoga several times per week, goes on runs around the city (except during winter!), enjoys walking around her neighbourhood, cooking, and baking delicious breads.

Helen Mak

M.ARCH

416 504 6054 Ex 29

helen [at] larkinarchitect.com

Helen is currently an intern architect who graduated from the Master of Architecture program at the University of British Columbia. She also holds an undergraduate degree from Carleton University in Architectural Studies. Helen is particularly interested in architecture’s ability to affect an individual’s well-being, and thus she aims to create spaces that foster health and positivity through effective design.  

At Larkin Architect Limited, Helen has worked mainly on a multi-building midrise long-term care project. Previously, Helen has worked on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

In her spare time, Helen enjoys exploring the city, drawing, reading, and journaling.

Maryam Haghshenaslari

M.ARCH

416 504 6054 Ex 26

maryam [at] larkinarchitect.com

Tim Wat

M.ARCH

416 504 6054 Ex 21

tim [at] larkinarchitect.com

Kevin Mockford

M.ARCH

416 504 6054 Ex 22

kevin [at] larkinarchitect.com