Colin’s undergraduate studies started with Fine Arts, majoring in Visual Arts, at the University of Windsor where he acknowledged and embraced the studio atmosphere as a foundation for collaboration and creativity. After two years in the BFA program, Colin focused his attention to one of the three primary disciplines of the Fine Arts – Architecture. He transferred to Ottawa, and received his Bachelor of Architecture Honours Degree with High Distinction from the School of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering at Carleton University. Here, his background and affinity towards the fine arts was strengthened through time spent in Rome, Italy, where he studied in Carleton’s Directed Studies Abroad Program - Roma Design Studio.
In addition to his projects and experiences in Europe, he has executed conceptual projects in Montreal, Toronto, New York and Detroit. Imbued with influences from these places and numerous other sources of inspiration, his work seeks to focus on conceptual thought - placing meaning and human experience before formalism. A modernist, his work is most commonly site and program specific, choosing relevant opportunities versus stylistic ones. Further to the pursuit of strong conceptual design, Colin has worked on many projects concerned with the nature of sustainable initiatives and with adaptive re-use as a strategy for urban transformation.
Colin is a past recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s Silver Medal, under the administration of Honourable Henry Jackman, for excellence in architecture. He is a practicing licensed architect in Ontario, a LEED Accredited Professional and a Member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Currently, he is a principal at jp thomson architects ltd in Windsor, Ontario where he continues to explore notions of meaning in design. His passion for concept as the basis for all design decisions is what drives the character of the firm’s work. He has been involved in a wide variety of projects ranging from custom furniture to urban design to commercial and institutional buildings. He has experience in all phases of project delivery including site and master planning, coordination of consulting teams, construction documentation, bidding and contract administration.