20 Under 40: Dustin Parkes

Meet Dustin Parkes, 38, associate principal at Nicholson Sheffield Architects and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2024 recipients

A PARTNER AT Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc., Dustin Parkes balances business leadership with architectural innovation. Involved in a wide variety of project types and scales, he has extensive specialized experience working on affordable multi-unit residential projects and complex renovation and retrofit projects. He has spearheaded landmark projects like Vision SoHo, London’s largest affordable housing development, and managed the creation of hundreds of units for non-profit clients across the region. Beyond design, he is involved in local advocacy through the London Society of Architects, RAIC Syllabus and community events. With London’s rapid growth, he also advocates for the thoughtful shaping of its future, fostering collaboration and ensuring its built environment reflects community values.

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What would you say is your single biggest business achievement, and why?

Becoming a partner in a well-established, community-oriented architecture firm doing exciting work in the city. I’m proud of the advocacy work our firm does and our efforts to promote architecture and urban design, especially on modest city building projects like non-profit housing and schools.

What about your biggest business obstacle, and how did you face it?

Public speaking isn’t a natural skill for me. Despite this I’ve engaged in teaching at Fanshawe College, public presentation of projects and being a member as well as chair of the Urban Design Peer Review Panel, which all have helped me become more comfortable and experienced with public speaking.

When you’re not working, what kind of things are you passionate about?

Swimming! I grew up in Sarnia close to Lake Huron, so I’ve always been an avid freshwater swimmer. Otherwise, music, art, architecture, urban design, landscape.

An old friend is coming to visit London — where are you taking them out to eat?

Depends on the friend, but most likely Holy Diver. I like the atmosphere and food, plus it’s across the street from our office so I can give them a tour after.

What’s left for you to do — professionally or personally?

There’s so much left to do for both! For starters, promote the hiring of a staff architect by the City of London to update design review and procurement policies to bolster design excellence — like what’s successfully been done in cities like Edmonton. Also, maybe renovate a house.

If you weren’t working in your current field, what would you be doing?

Tough to say, but hopefully underwater photography or film score music.

What’s your guilty ­pleasure?

Wrestling, bad action movies and broccoli on pizza. Interview by Kieran Delamont