Convo By Design®

In an era dominated by technological acceleration and structural scale, senior designers Gina Martino and Casey Tosheff discuss why a human-centric approach, rooted in Canadian identity, is the ultimate fail-safe for modern architecture. In a world where mega-developments and large-scale facilities are often driven by tight budgets, strict timelines, and bottom-line efficiency, the human experience can easily get lost in the blueprints. On this episode of Convo By Design, senior designers from Parkin Architects explore a different approach—one rooted in deep-seated empathy, long-term collaboration, and what can only be described as a uniquely Canadian sense of compassion. From designing large acute-care facilities to pioneering forensic mental health spaces, the firm is setting a new benchmark for how architecture can actively heal, comfort, and respect the people who step through its doors. Throughout the conversation, senior interior designer and associate Gina Martino and senior designer and senior associate Casey Tosheff share their journeys within the firm and detail the philosophical framework that guides their work. Whether addressing the integration of robotics and flexible spaces, navigating the shift toward active waiting and evidence-based design, or future-proofing facilities for the next 30 to 60 years, Parkin Architects proves that human-centric design isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it is a moral imperative. Design for Humanity: The core philosophy at Parkin Architects revolves around creating transformative, compassionate environments. Whether designing acute care healthcare facilities or justice architecture, the team focuses heavily on the perspective of the people occupying the space—especially those who are there not by choice. The Power of Lived Experience: Many team members at the firm bring personal, lived experiences to their projects. This drives a deep level of empathy, prompting designers to constantly ask: “How would I want my own loved ones to be taken care of in this environment?” The Reality of Long-Term Projects: Mega-hospital and institutional builds frequently span seven to twelve years. Maintaining core values across such long timelines requires deep, cross-disciplinary collaboration with everyone from structural engineers to community users. Future-Proofing and Technological Adaptability: Buildings must be designed to last 30 to 60 years. While integrating modern innovations like Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and AI triage systems, the architecture must remain flexible enough to adapt to unknown technologies half a century away. Failsafes and the Human Touch: When complex digital infrastructure or power grids fail due to unforeseen crises, physical architecture must rely on operational failsafes. This highlights the ongoing necessity of intuitive, analog wayfinding and physical security protocols. Humanity at the Center of Design: Parkin Architects prioritizes a user-first, empathetic approach across all typologies, ensuring that acute-care, mental health, and justice facilities are designed to restore dignity rather than feel punitive or purely clinical. Long-Term Relationship Building: Because major healthcare projects can span 7 to 12 years from inception to completion, designers work directly with community members, hospital staff, and patients to align every architectural decision with core human values. Evidence-Based Healing Environments: Incorporating elements like natural light, intentional artwork, and active waiting areas drastically improves patient outcomes, shortens hospital stays, and reduces the need for pain medication. Future-Proofing and Flexible Infrastructure: To ensure buildings remain functional over a 30 to 60-year lifespan, facilities are engineered to accommodate rapidly evolving technology, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AI-driven logistics, and pandemic-response protocols. Operational Resilience and Fail-Safes: Designing for worst-case scenarios—such as power outages or cyber threats—requires balancing high-tech systems with physical, human-centered fail-safes that keep patient safety intact. Applicable Elements & Links Learn more about the firm’s philosophy and portfolio on the Parkin Architects Official Website. Explore the design details of the innovative mental health facility mentioned in the episode: Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction. Track the milestones and construction updates of Gina Martino’s ongoing mega-project: South Niagara Hospital Project. Discover how the building standard framework goes beyond environmental metrics to prioritize human health and well-being: The WELL Building Standard (IWBI).

Sharing insights on the value of human connection and uncompromising quality in a fast-paced, AI-driven world. From Fashion to Interiors: Michelle Gerson discusses her transition from a fast-paced fashion career to high-end interior design, driven by a desire for more permanent creations. The Artistic Tile Legacy: Josh and Nancy recount the 30-year history of Artistic Tile, highlighting their commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovative stone techniques. Quality in a Fast-Paced World: The speakers critique the impact of social media and AI on design, advocating for a return to craftsmanship over mass-produced “slop”. The Power of Collaboration: A deep dive into how trust and honest feedback between designers and manufacturers lead to superior products. The Importance of Human Connection: The group reflects on the irreplaceable value of personal relationships and troubleshooting together when project challenges arise. The Soul of Design: Quality, Trust, and the Human Touch In an era characterized by the rapid-fire influence of social media and the burgeoning presence of AI, the design world faces a critical juncture. This conversation with interior designer Michelle Gerson, and Artistic Tile’s Josh Levinson reveals a shared passion for a return to quality and the fundamental importance of human relationships in creating meaningful spaces. Gerson’s journey from fashion to interior design serves as a poignant reminder of the search for permanence. While fashion offered a whirlwind of creativity, its ephemeral nature led her toward interiors, where her work could evoke emotions and endure over time. This transition aligns with Artistic Tile’s mission. Celebrating over 30 years in the industry, Levinson pointed out that Artistic Tile has built a reputation on domestic manufacturing and a relentless pursuit of innovation in natural stone. Their success is not merely in the products themselves but in the specialized knowledge and craftsmanship required to produce them. The speakers collectively address a growing concern: the proliferation of “slop” or low-quality, mass-produced designs. They argue that while technology can offer inspiration, it often lacks the critical thinking and structural understanding necessary for true design excellence. A beautiful AI-generated image may capture the imagination, but it cannot replace the nuanced understanding of materials and installation that a seasoned professional provides. Ultimately, the heart of successful design lies in collaboration and trust. The partnership between Gerson and Artistic Tile exemplifies this. By fostering honest communication and a willingness to troubleshoot together, they ensure that the final result is not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and unique to the client’s vision. In a world moving increasingly toward automation, their discussion highlights that the human touch—through expertise, relationship-building, and a commitment to quality—remains the true soul of design.

This is a very special episode detailing why industry events can be so transformational. This episode features a conversation with the one and only Vicente Wolf, remembering Natasha Hogan and a conversation about community. That is what makes WestEdge Design Fair so special. Friends, connections and community. See you there.

The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Crafting a truly successful custom home goes far beyond aesthetic appeal or environmental responsiveness. Programmatically, residential architecture is often more intricate than large commercial structures because it must simultaneously accommodate diverse human emotions, intimate family dynamics, and deeply personal routines. Homeowners often embark on this expensive, once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with equal parts excitement and anxiety. Navigating these waters requires an architect to act not only as a visionary designer but as a trusted guide through a complex process. Ultimately, the lessons learned during times of disruption remind us that our living spaces must be adaptable, health-conscious, and deeply connected to nature if they are to successfully sustain us through an uncertain future.

Foundational Philosophy: Scott Ginder co-founded Forge Craft in 2013 alongside Rommel Sulit on the premise that building design and building performance must be equal partners. The firm intentionally bridges the gap between custom, high-end residential projects and high-density affordable housing. Capital 'A' vs. Lowercase 'a' Affordability: Jon Cartwright delineates the difference between subsidized, income-restricted housing (Capital A) which often requires extensive supportive infrastructure, and market-driven housing affordability (lowercase a), which relies on zoning reforms, density bonuses, and policy updates like Austin’s HOME ordinance. Deep Sustainability & Building Science: Trey Farmer outlines the integration of Passive House standards, certified through his role as a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). Forge Craft’s Healthy Home Studio applies advanced building science—such as energy modeling, embodied carbon accounting, and non-toxic material selections—across various construction types ranging from mass timber (CLT) to Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Policy Advocacy in Practice: As Chair of the Austin Housing Coalition, John Cartwright emphasizes that architectural responsibility extends beyond construction into long-term municipal policy, advocating for changes in code, land availability, and density to unlock long-term housing viability.