Dermot Sweeny (BES '83, BArch '83)

Dermot Sweeny (BES '83, BArch '83) is known as a leader and promoter of innovative building design. His passion for green building has put him at the forefront of a movement to design office and residential buildings that enhance comfort for people and minimize the impact on the environment, while managing to keep costs generally on par with standard practice.

As a principal in the Toronto-based Sweeny Sterling Finlayson & Co. Architects Inc., Sweeny has had the opportunity to work on the new 30-storey tower for Telus, the new 43-storey RBC Centre, Loblaw Companies Limited headquarters in Brampton and the Microsoft Canada headquarters in Mississauga.

In addition to donating time and money to the School of Architecture, Sweeny has maintained his connection to the university, serving as president and vice-president of the University of Waterloo Advisory Council and as a cabinet member for Campaign Waterloo. He has mentored six intern architects, employed more than 40 co-op interns and been a guest lecturer in the School of Architecture.

Sweeny has been honoured with many professional awards for his designs, most notably the City of Toronto Urban Design Award, the Heritage Toronto Award and the Mississauga Urban Design Award. This year he received a Brampton Urban Design Award of Excellence for the Loblaw Companies Ltd. in that city.

As a frequent guest speaker, Sweeny participates in engagements throughout Canada, Europe and South America.

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