I’m Nida, student and pursuing architect. I believe architecture is about creating moments, this gives individual value to projects and allows each individual to perceive the architecture through their own lens. I hope to further explore sustainable construction, health care design, and public works to further broaden the scope of my architectural knowledge.
CONTENTS
ACADEMIC
Zero Carbon MURB
NIA Centre of Arts
Design Guide for Revitilization
Canadian Canoe Museum
MEGA Harbour View
Martin Road Estate Winery
COMPETITION/ PROFESSIONAL
Travel Scholarships
TimberFever Design Build/ FLW Research Group
Lebovic Campus Arena
CURRICULUM VITAE
Hajara (Nida) Hameed
3370hajara@gmail.com (647) 966 - 7983
www.linkedin.com/in/hajara-hameed
EDUCATION
McGill University, Montreal QC (September 2023 - Current)
Masters of Architecture (MArch)
Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto ON (September 2018 - August 2023)
Bachelor of Architectural Science (BArch Sci) Exchange at Delft University of Technology (February 2023 - July 2023)
EXPERIENCE
DMA Architects | Intern Architect (April 2024 - August 2024)
• Main designer of mid-scale institutional project
• Collaborated in design reviews and coordinated with consultants, ensuring alignment with project goals and client vision
• Ensured compliance with local building codes, managing feasibility studies, program planning
• Curated construction documentation from site visits
MontgomerySisam Architects | Intern Architect (May 2022 - January 2023)
• Collaborated on the design of various healthcare projects
• Conducted feasibility studies for new upcoming projects
• Prepared presentations for renovation and addition projects
• Managed a series of projects for awards and publications submissions
• Full time focus on sports and recreation project, part-time focus on transportation
• Led design team on large-scale sports and recreation project
• Managed and coordinated with multidisciplinary team to resolve design and technical challenges (organizing meetings, creating markups and tasks for the team)
• Conducted design reviews and coordinated with engineering teams
• Design development with lead designer (facade, interior spaces, reception desk and more)
• Creating and maintaining drawings; Construction documents, code research, site analysis, envelop detailing, design development and more
• Maintenance of BIM model based on company standards
McGill University | Teaching Assistant: ARCH 240 - Organization of Materials in Buildings (AutoCAD) (January 2025 - Current)
• Prepared and delivered AutoCAD lessons
• Supported students in understanding the software, offering expertise and project guidance, while fostering communication and professional development
Toronto Metropolitan University | Teaching Assistant: CKAR 785Building Info Modelling (REVIT) (September 2022-December 2022)
• Managed class content offering support students in understanding BIM effectively
• Offer BIM expertise and project guidance for design solutions, enhancing design quality and innovation
EXTRACURRICULARS
Graduate Architecture Student Association | Vice President, Equity
and Inclusion | Volunteer (September 2023 - Present)
Fostered a safe and inclusive environment for students to engage with peers, faculty, and the community, organizing events to facilitate collaboration with professionals and enhance community involvement.
American Institute of Architecture Students | Vice President | Public
Relations Representative (September 2019 - April 2021)
Organized and coordinated events and managed the team, collaborating with AIAS to produce and disseminate information about events, keeping the department of architectural science community informed.
Architecture Course Union | Mentor | Academic Representative |
Finance Representative (September 2018 - January 2023)
Provided mentorship to students, collaborating with faculty and peers to address academic concerns, while managing event finances, including budgeting, tracking, and reconciling funds
ACHIEVEMENTS
Bourse universitaire de l’Ordre des architectes du Québec (2024)
- Distinguished academic and scholarly achievements excellence
- Expected Publication with Esquisses: June 2025
Lebovic Campus Arena (2023)
- Work published on Toronto Star, CTV news, CP24, The Canadian Jewish News
Toronto Society of Architects Award (2022)
- Outstanding project situated in the Toronto/Greater Toronto area
RESEARCH / CONFERENCES
Canadian Architecture Certification Board Conference | Delegate (October 27-30, 2022)
Issue paper and opening speech presented and written on sustainability; “how to make the architecture education continuum better integrated for students, educators, interns, and practitioners?”
Banff Pavilion Research Group | Model Fabrication | Construction
Process | Exhibition Project Management (January 2020-Present)
Recreated sections of the Frank Lloyd Wright Banff Pavilion - Modeling in BIM/ Revit and Leader of the Exhibition design team
Consolidated Church Street Research Group | Project Coordinator
(May 2020-July 2021)
Conducted a concise in depth analysis of Church Street in collaboration with undergraduate students and a professor.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Modeling: -Revit -Rhino
Drafting/Layout:
-AutoCAD
-Illustrator -InDesign
LANGUAGES
Fluent: -English -Urdu/Hindi
Beginner: -French -Korean
Rendering: -Enscape -Photoshop - 3Ds Max -V-Ray
Other: -Office suite
-Laser cutting - 3D Printing
CONTEXT: Academic fall 2022 (Individual)
LOCATION: 1200 Dundas Street West
SOFTWARE: Revit ,Enscape, Photoshop
Students were challenged to design a Multi-Unit Residential Building (MURB). This design had to incorporate a zero-carbon footprint using a low Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) approach. In addition to the sustainable aspects this project explored quality of life that could be incorporated into the building shown through the amenity spaces and public areas such as the atrium. The project also explored the use of custom materials such as glazed terracotta and how these materials related to site and context and brought together the community.
Massing | circulation green sapces Elevation | west façade
Copper Patina Green
Black Metal Siding
Green Glazed Terracotta
Copper Patina Green
Black Metal Siding
Green Glazed Terracotta Copper Siding Dark Stone
Copper Patina Green
Green Glazed Terracotta
Copper Siding Dark Stone
Green Glazed Terracotta Copper Siding Dark Stone
Wall Section | glazed green terracotta tiles
Copper siding | patina
copper siding patina
copper siding patina
NIA CENTRE OF ARTS
CONTEXT: Academic winter 2021 (Individual)
LOCATION: Oakwood Ave and Vaughan Rd
FEATURES: DAS Year End Show, DAS News
Letters
AWARDS: Toronto Society of Architects and Sepp Hannikainen Memorial
SOFTWARE: Revit ,AutoCAD, Enscape,
The intention of this proposal was to create an arts center for NIA that spoke to their diversity, inclusivity, and creativity. Offsets in the facade are strategically places to allow the building to be an extension of the arts, using architecture to showcase how light and material can allow the environment to change throughout the day. Spaces such as the atrium were used to showcase the act of creating, installing and tearing down as a performance in itself. The facade showcases the offsets that create and represent the vibrant culture that is created by NIA and the communities African – Jamaican Background.
Section | longitudinal
Section | transverse
DESIGN GUIDE FOR REVITILIZATION
CONTEXT:
Academic fall Masters 2023 (group)
LOCATION: Laval, Quebec
SOFTWARE: Revit, Rhino, Adobe, Enscape
This project demonstrates the need to shift from a linear form of construction to a circular lifecycle. This project bases itself on the 9e Vie guidelines of circularity the city of Laval’s desire to gradually reduce car usage and transform Laval into a carfree urban environment. With the end goal of a car-free city, we propose a method of construction that phases out the parking lot in the building as its needs change. We demonstrate how the building is a prime example of a circular building typology shown through program, materials and design. Our design merges the flow of users and the flow of cars by integrating the parking infrastructure throughout our market, ultimately replacing parking spaces with functional building elements and programs as the building’s needs evolve.
Building lifecycle | stages of circular design
The building is created in phases, where in each phase the building finds its new purpose and life. In phase 1, the building is made following the typical infrastructure of a parking garage and which will transition to phase 2 where the building transforms to a full pedestrian building. Phase 3 is left undefined since the infrastru ture can be reused for another purpose as the building evolves.
The car parking is interlaced between the market spaces. The parking space is left open to the outdoors while the marketplace is enclosed within the building. The goal is to eventually reach phase 2 where the car will be phased out of the market space.
The building is purely for pedestrian traffic and access to the marketplace. Phase 2 allows for the marketplace to expand by providing additional space that was previously used for parking
Phase 01 | interior - market space
Phase 02 | interior - after hours
Sectional perspective of the structure demonstrates the correlation among circulation, market dynamics, and atrium spaces. The continuous ramps provide fresh viewpoints as we navigate through space, undergoing shifts in elevation.
Due to its dismantling characteristics, we can manipulate the model to comprehend the connections between the floor slabs and the spaces formed by variations in height.
Models display the window openings, and a skirt covering the top floor is evident.
This not only introduces variations in light within the buildings but also serves as a protective measure against solar heat gain.
Physical Model | structural
Physical Model | conceptual/representational
CANADIAN CANOE MUSEUM
CONTEXT: Personal fall 2021/ academic winter 2020 (Individual)
The given site is positioned along the intersection of Church Street and Lombard Street. The site is programmed to allow for the construction of a commercial building as a museum. The feature of this museum was to highlight canoes and kayaks. The intent of the museum was to enhance the visitor’s knowledge of the craft of canoes. This is shown through various aspects of the museum, including the façade, structure and the interior spaces. The building highlights many key experiences of canoeing such as the experience of making a canoe, the history of the origination of canoes, and what it’s like to be in nature surrounded by water gliding through the water. Each space allows visitors to experience the full effect of what canoes are, how they are made and what it’s like to canoe.
RICHMONDST.E
Site Plan | intersection of Church and Lombard St.
Site Axonometric | exterior façade
ADELAIDE ST. E ADELAIDEST.E
ADELAIDEST.E
the facade breaks apart going from solid wood to exposed steel and glazing, transitioning from traditional methodology
Skin
Striping
Frame curvature of building, takes the form of canoe base
many canoes are made through the stripping of the wood, paneled across the frame
final step to finish off the canoe
Canoe Making | model in collaboration with Tyler
of construction to a more modern one.
Inspired by Allison Brooks’ Cohen Quad Fitzhugh Auditorium the Curves in structure follow curves in base frame of a canoe. Emphasizing the feeling and understanding on construction of a traditional canoe the structure uses glulam as the main structural material.
Main structure | glulam Glulam| connection at base
This studio students worked together as disciplines, these included; Architecture, climate, computational, structural, and facade. For the exterior part of the architecture there was a lot of communication and collaboration with the computational, façade and climate discipline. Given the location of the building, the exterior had to be adapted to the environment of the location. Mainly the wind has a major influence on the environment, which resulted in the decision to give the building an aerodynamic shape. In the end, a skyscraper was created that on the inside works with all the different functions and provides a nice place to live, to stay or to visit. From the outside it references the concept of wind direction and how the building is adapted to this. With its size and twisting design, the building really has its own identity and becomes a nice addition to the skyline of the Maasvlakte.
Exterior View | looking up
Each tower contains its own function, however the building acts as a whole connected through the bridges, plinth and outdoor spaces.
Distribution Program is divided with the offices on the bottom of towers 1 and 2, and housing and hotels on top, and the third tower would function as an algae farms.
Alge Farms
the production of algae farms on each floor, The tower in question features double-height floors, which facilitate improved ventilation for the algae farm production.
Bike Parking
Beneath the plinth, bicycle parking facilities are provided a combnation of solid run and glazed risers, allowing natural light to permeate the space and create a welcoming
MARTIN RD ESTATE WINERY
CONTEXT: Academic fall 2019 / personal winter 2020 (Individual)
LOCATION: 12 Martin Rd, Niagara on the Lake
SOFTWARE: AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, Enscape, 3Ds Max
The Martin Road Estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake is the location for the proposed winery design. The region is known for creating great tasting wines as it is located in between Lake Ontario and the Escarpment. The Martin Road Winery Estate has been an existing vineyard for over 25 years and was recently opened for discovery. When designing this winery, the connection to the site was very influential
The Vineyard
The Experience inspired by the verticality of the rows, the building takes a linear form
the natural gap in the trees follows the through with the building void
The Grape built on an existing vineyard the winery features Pinot noir and Merlot
While Montreal stands as one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, streets currently prioritize cars over people, as most North-American cities. Thanks to the OAQ’s university scholarships I undertook a study trip to Switzerland and Denmark, known for their exemplary pedestrian-friendly urban designs. My research involved revisiting the urban and architectural design qualities encompassed within streets. This study focused on how to reimagine an adaptable system inspired by successful pedestrianfriendly cities. Analyzing major streets from Copenhagen and Zermatt to better foster communitycentric design and enhance Montreal’s sustainability and urban context in the future.
Copenhagen | cyclist infrastructure
Copenhagen | superklien park
Copenhagen | multi modal transportation
Copenhagen | walkability
Copenhagen | carfree city
MICHEAL C. MILLER TRAVEL
AWARD
CONTEXT: Travel
LOCATION: India (Hyderabad/ New Dehli)
DATE: January 2023
With the generous support and assistance provided by the Michael C. Miller Foundation, I embarked on a remarkable journey of exploration and discovery through the captivating architectural landscapes of two distinct regions within India. My chosen destinations within this vibrant country were none other than the bustling metropolis of New Delhi and the enchanting city of Hyderabad. During my time in India I was privileged to immerse myself in an extensive exploration of the historical and contemporary architectural marvels that these locales had to offer. Not only did I have the opportunity to visit places such as the Taj Mahal, a symbol of timeless beauty and grandeur, but I also delved into the intricacies of everyday dwelling structures, how people get around the city, and the basic systems that keep everything working. This enriching experience allowed me to gain a profound understanding of the multifaceted architectural heritage of India.
Taj Mahal | marble details
Taj Mahal Mosque | red sand stone
Charminar |stone detail
COMPETITION
CONTEXT: Design Build Competition fall 2019 (Individual drawings, group design/ build)
The Floating Garden aims to create a versatile space where people can seek refuge in the chaos of Toronto and reconnect with nature. Each of our 3 modules are unique and have the potential to be oriented in different ways.
The Arbor Table
The Form
The Plant The Bench accessible to all, allows one to lean on or use while passing by
created to fit the natural resting position of a person
used as a shading device and cover for people to pass through
each element inspired by the purple fountain grass
Design Components | thoughts behind the build
Parklet Axonometric | three modules
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BANFF
PAVILION RESEARCH GROUP
CONTEXT: Research group (Group design)
LOCATION: Banff, AL
GROUP RECOGNITION: The Globe and Mail
SOFTWARE: Revit, Photoshop, Enscape, Bluebeam
Frank Lloyd Wright Banff Pavilion Research Group works to re-create the original design of the Banff Pavilion created in the early 1900’s. There are three teams that are working together to recreate this building: Exhibition and Catalogue, BIM/Revit Model, Physical Scaled Model. Each team works in groups and a professor to overlook and guide to process of modeling, detailing, and design. With careful research done on a multitude range of topics; of history, structure, politics, influences and more the team uses this knowledge to build and detail the BIM model so it can be recreated to scale physical models.
Catalogue Design | layout
Catalogue Design | poster (render created by teammate)
LEBOVIC CAMPUS ARENA
COMPANY: ARCHITECTURE 49 INC.
2021-2022
ROLE: Junior BIM manager, working with designer, drafter, project coordinator
LOCATION: 9600 Bathurst Street
FEATURED: Toronto Star, CTV news, CP24
SOFTWARE: Revit, Enscape, Photoshop
The Lebovic Campus Arena is a hockey arena that is an extension of the existing Lebovic Campus Community Center. This 150m x 50m property encompasses a large east facade facing Bathurst Street. The fluidity of the spaces from the existing building to the extension was important while also giving the new building its own identity. Bright colours such as red are used as accents in the facade to add a playful pop of colour, this is carries out throughout the building and is also shown in the interior spaces such as the reception area.
Elevation | east facade
Site Axonometric | existing and new building Design | reception
