About Us - Solcario Arena Architecture

How We Got Here

Back in 2011, three of us were sitting in a dated hockey arena in Mississauga, freezing our butts off, watching a junior league game. The place had character, sure, but the sightlines were terrible, the concessions were a mess, and half the crowd couldn't see the scoreboard. That's when it hit us – Canada deserves better venues for the sports and shows we love.

Fast forward to today, and we've designed over 40 sports and entertainment facilities across Canada. We've learned that good architecture isn't about making something that looks cool in a magazine (though that's nice too). It's about understanding how a 50-year-old season ticket holder navigates to their seat, how staff move equipment during changeovers, and how a venue can actually make money without nickel-and-diming fans.

Our studio's grown to 28 people now, and honestly, we're still that same group who cares way too much about whether the beer line moves fast enough during intermission. We just happen to have the skills and experience to do something about it.

The People Making It Happen

Real architects, not corporate robots. We promise.

Marcus Chen

Principal Architect & Co-Founder

Credentials: M.Arch, OAA, LEED AP BD+C

"I grew up in arenas – my dad was a Zamboni driver. I've seen these buildings from every angle, literally. Now I get to reimagine them for the next generation. The best part? Working with teams who actually want to create something special, not just check boxes. I'm obsessed with acoustics and crowd flow, which makes me fun at parties."

Sarah Okonkwo

Design Director & Co-Founder

Credentials: M.Arch, MRAIC, WELL AP

"I came to architecture through theater design, which taught me that spaces need drama and purpose. Every venue tells a story, and I'm here to make sure it's a good one. My thing is sustainability that doesn't feel like a compromise – venues that'll still be relevant in 50 years. Also really into how natural light can change a concourse from depressing tunnel to actual gathering space."

David Tremblay

Technical Director & Co-Founder

Credentials: P.Eng, M.Eng (Structural), PMP

"Someone's gotta make sure these beautiful designs don't fall down, right? That's me. I love the puzzle of making ambitious architectural visions actually work – structurally, mechanically, and financially. Spent 8 years doing structural engineering for concert venues before this, so I know what happens when 20,000 people jump at once. It's... significant."

Jennifer Wu

Senior Architect

OAA, LEED Green Associate

"Specializing in accessible design because everyone deserves to experience live events, full stop. I've got strong opinions about ramp slopes and sight lines."

Amir Hosseini

Senior Project Architect

M.Arch, AAA

"I manage the messy middle part where design meets reality. Former contractor, so I actually know what builders are complaining about. Makes me invaluable... apparently."

Maria Santos

Sustainability Coordinator

M.Sc Environmental Design, LEED AP

"Making arenas green isn't easy, but it's necessary. I crunch the numbers so we can prove sustainability saves money long-term. Data nerd, proud of it."

James Mitchell

Interior Design Lead

BID, ARIDO

"From luxury suites to locker rooms, I make sure the interiors match the architectural vision. Also the guy who picks all the finishes, so blame me if you hate the tile."

Emma MacDonald

Architectural Designer

B.Arch

"Three years in and still amazed I get paid to do this. I focus on public spaces and wayfinding – basically making sure people don't get lost looking for their seats."

Raj Patel

BIM Manager

B.Arch, Revit Specialist

"I'm the tech guy who makes sure our 3D models actually work. When something looks wrong in the model, it's definitely wrong in real life. Trust me on this."

Kiera Thompson

Urban Planning Consultant

MUP, MCIP

"Venues don't exist in a vacuum. I make sure they work with the neighborhoods around them. Traffic, transit, community impact – that's my world."

Tyler Beaumont

Junior Architect

B.Arch, Intern Architect

"Newest member of the team, learning everything I can. I'm really into how tech integration can improve fan experience without being gimmicky. Also great at coffee runs."

What We Actually Believe

Function Over Flash

A venue that looks amazing but doesn't work for staff, athletes, or fans is just an expensive sculpture. We design for the people who'll use these spaces every day.

Sustainability That Makes Sense

We're not interested in greenwashing. Every sustainable feature we include has to pencil out financially and actually reduce environmental impact. No token gestures here.

Built for the Long Haul

Trends come and go. We design buildings that'll still be relevant and functional in 50 years. That means flexible spaces, quality materials, and timeless design principles.

Community First

These aren't just buildings – they're community anchors. We work hard to make sure our venues contribute positively to their neighborhoods, not just extract value from them.

Want to Work With Us?

We're always up for challenging projects with clients who actually care about quality. Let's grab a coffee and talk about what you're trying to build.

Get In Touch