Mom and daughter partner on award-winning project
Aug. 3, 2020
Jo-Anne Coliviras, a second-year Architectural Technology student, was a bit nervous about entering a provincial design competition so she enlisted the help of a fellow Georgian student – her daughter Athena. Athena is an Honours Bachelor of Interior Design student heading into her second year this fall.
7th annual Student Design Competition
The mother-daughter duo won third place (and $500!) in the annual competition, presented by Construction Specifications Canada Grand Valley and Toronto Chapters.
The competition was open to all current postsecondary school students in Ontario with an interest in construction-related activities, including architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, interior design, construction management, innovative products, and manufacturing.
“I was really nervous about competing, but I knew it would be a great experience and an incentive to apply some of my classroom knowledge to a real project,” says Jo-Anne. “And it was wonderful to partner with my daughter Athena. I did the architectural drawings and she helped with the design layout for the presentation.”
Costan Boiangiu, program co-ordinator for the Architectural Technician and Technology programs, was not surprised by his student’s success.
“Jo-Anne received well-deserved recognition for her design abilities,” says Costan. “Her interest in architectural design, drive to be part of this professional community, and her excellent academic results – recognized each semester on the Dean’s List – are the foundation to her success. Jo-Anne’s achievement is a reward to our faculty and a credit to our Architectural program. And, talent obviously runs the family!”
The design submitted was titled EnVisual’s The Metz. EnVisual is the name of Jo-Anne’s new architectural business.
Q&A with Jo-Anne and Athena
Tell us about EnVisual’s The Metz. Jo-Anne: The design was about the restoration of one of the Schneider’s (Metz) buildings in Kitchener. The building was originally used as a storage garage and was very dilapidated. It was recommended we keep the same footprint and height. I reused a lot of the original materials (brick and glass) and turned it into a community gathering place where family and friends could come and enjoy quality time together.
The building showcases a large covered glass atrium that has tables, umbrellas, a fountain, pergolas, a children’s play place, three restaurants, a bar, and a dessert/coffee shop. I incorporated green walls and columns, a rainwater harvesting system, LED downlighting, and many more sustainable solutions.
We had to submit two virtual poster boards showcasing the floor plans, ceiling and roof plans, sections, elevations, and perspective drawings as well as graphics of our sustainable solutions, details, and design theme.
Do you think the competition was a good way to apply what you learn in class? Jo-Anne: Definitely. I took the initiative to learn Revit and Photoshop on my own as we’re just now learning about those software programs in our fourth semester. I was doing an eCo-op from January to May, so this gave me the time and freedom to do this project. I was also very busy in my eCo-op term as I successfully completed the Further Faster Program through the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre.
Athena: This competition definitely had everything to do with what I’m learning in class. Designing a space that’s aesthetically pleasing, has proper flow, is barrier-free and uses sustainable materials and systems, is what interior design is all about.
How was it working together on the project? Jo-Anne: It was very easy to work on the project together. I did the architectural part while Athena did the presentation part. She has a keen eye for design, and she surprised me many times with her amazing ideas and all the knowledge she already possesses. It was a joy to work with her. She’s my youngest miracle and has always been very helpful. I couldn’t ask for a better partner!
Athena: It was fun but also a little difficult. Since we’re in similar programs we both looked at the project differently. Mom’s view was a little more on the structural side, so she was the one thinking of where to put the structural beams and what kind of exterior walls to use. While I was thinking more about, “How is this going to flow and still look aesthetically pleasing?”
Are you both enjoying your programs? Jo-Anne: I’m really enjoying the program and my professors have been very supportive. Because of the pandemic, the semester has been a challenge for everyone, students and teachers alike, but there’s been pros to that as well like not having to put makeup on for class not to mention open-book tests. I’ve made many great friends in my program so far, but one in particular (Megan) is always there for me through the ups and downs.
Athena: The Interior Design Program is amazing! I took it because I’ve been interested in it since I was a kid: seeing all those shows on HGTV and then seeing it in real life. My parents love renovation projects, so it was really great to experience the before and after transformations in our own home. That’s what first piqued my interest in this field, and the more I was exposed to it the more I became intrigued.
We’re learning about the Ontario Building Code and how to apply it in different types of buildings. We’re also learning how to draft manually and on AutoCAD and about colour theories, art history and even how humans react to design. I love everything about it!
Renderings from the competition
What advice would you give someone thinking about your program? Jo-Anne: Don’t leave anything to the last minute – ever.
How did you end up at Georgian? Jo-Anne: I’ve loved architecture ever since I can remember but unfortunately, life got in the way and I never had the opportunity to pursue my dream until now. I have four kids and they’re all grown. In November 2018, I asked my husband for advice on what I should do with myself and he reminded me about my love of architecture. “So, why not go back to school?” he asked. The following week, I was enrolled at Georgian.
I love how we’re learning, not just about the CAD software programs and building design, but architectural history as well. We’re also learning about sustainable solutions and the environment, project management, landscape design, and so much more. It’s an intense program, but it’s extremely rewarding, and I’m so happy I made the decision to do it.
Athena: The interior design field has always intrigued me but at the end of high school I guess I got cold feet because I took a year off. I don’t regret it though because it gave me the time I needed to really think about my future. Then I attended the Georgian Open House and I really enjoyed it. Everything the professors were saying about the program and the assignments was exactly what I needed to hear. It was also very convenient because my mom was already going there. I’m so happy I made the decision to go to Georgian for this program.
What’s it like going to school together? Jo-Anne: It’s definitely wonderful going to school with my daughter. It isn’t something you hear about every day. And there are many things I love about it, from running into her in the halls or The First Class Café with all her friends or in the library. Plus, it helps that we can also drive to school together on the days when our schedules coincide.
I think the best part though is how we can have conversations about school and it’s like we have a secret language because we can relate in ways the rest of my family cannot.
Athena: It’s pretty cool actually. Not many people can say they go to school with their mom! It’s nice to have her there; since our fields are very similar, we can help each other out in certain areas. It’s pretty cool to have discussions about what we’re learning because it’s like we have different pieces to the same puzzle. And it’s definitely an advantage that we can carpool if we have classes on the same day.
What are your plans following graduation? Jo-Anne: I’m hoping my architectural business will be well on its way but I’m also planning on continuing to learn the field and the different software programs as much as I can. I want to learn about virtual reality too so I can offer it to my clients.
Athena: I hope to get a job as an interior designer so I can get a good feel for the industry. It would be great to get a job with a firm because of the knowledge I will gain because eventually I would love to branch off and start up my own business.