From Neighbourhood Roots to Sustainable Futures

Park & Willow Urban Studio was founded by two passionate Toronto-based urban planners.

The studio's primary focus is analyzing Toronto at the smallest scale: neighbourhoods. They believe the lack of detailed data and thorough analysis at this level makes it challenging to enhance community well-being and achieve truly sustainable neighbourhoods. One of the biggest issues in urban planning is that efforts often focus on macro-level planning, overlooking the nuanced concerns and unique needs of smaller communities.

Armin, from Kennedy Park (Scarborough Junction) in Toronto, is an Urban Planner skilled in planning policies, urban data analytics, GIS, and transportation tools like Synchro. He holds a BSc in Urban Engineering and is studying Sustainable Urban and Transportation Planning at Seneca Polytechnic. At TU Delft's Summer School, he addressed spatial justice, climate adaptation, and water management. Armin is also committed to Indigenous communities, using his studies to address their challenges. He leverages data visualization to turn complex datasets into actionable insights, advancing urban development and planning.

Khashayar, resides in East Willowdale, Toronto, and is passionate about urban planning, urban design, and transportation planning. He takes a grassroots approach to urban planning, emphasizing local engagement and community-driven solutions. He is dedicated to integrating sustainability and Community-Led Planning into urban development, with a strong focus on social sustainability, environmental responsibility, and climate resiliency. Khashayar strives to create vibrant, inclusive communities that balance growth with ecological preservation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning and is currently advancing his expertise in Sustainable Urban and Transportation Planning at Seneca Polytechnic.