About

Ms. Sannella specializes in design management, workplace strategy, occupancy planning, scenario development, project management and holistic building/land solutions. Her combined background in architecture, urban design, interior design, construction, development, and project management helps provide clients with strategies that are well-grounded through all phases of the real estate cycle.   

Samantha’s focus is providing real estate solutions that maximize the experience per square foot of the occupant while aligning with the organization’s business objectives and culture. Her group focuses on real estate and built-environment strategies that foster productivity, increase effectiveness, mitigate cost, and reduce risk to help clients solve the complex challenges encountered at the intersection of real estate and business. Services include Design Advisory, Workplace Strategy, Occupancy Planning, Site Selection, Employee Engagement and Change Management, Facility Programming, Building Repositioning Strategy, Portfolio Optimization and Land Use Strategies.  
 
Ms. Sannella was formerly a Studio Director and Workplace Strategy Expert at Stantec Toronto, the former President and CEO of the Design Exchange, Canada’s Design Museum and Centre for the Promotion of Design and a former professor of Interior Design at Ryerson University. Ms. Sannella was a practice leader for HOK Consulting Canada. As part of her career, Ms. Sannella has been instrumental to organizations through fundraising, public relations, and community involvement.  
 
Ms. Sannella is passionate about Universal and Sustainable Design and teaches audiences about the critical connections between design and the economy, environment, and quality of life. In 2022, as well as 2006, Ms. Sannella was named one of the top 10 most inspiring women in Canada and in March 2011, she was named Woman of the Month by Women's Post Magazine. In 2007, she was honoured by Ryerson University for her work within the design community. She taught part-time at Ryerson for 15 years. 

Ms. Sannella is the editor of Ontario Design, a publication for professional architects, designers, and contractors.   

Education

• 2023, Johns Hopkins University, Urban Planning/ESG in Cites, Certificate
• 2023, Rice University, Certificate, DEI
• 2022-2023, Quantic School of Business and Technology, Executive MBA
• 1993-1991, University of Houston, Master of Architecture
• 1991-1990, Louisiana State University, Graduate School of Architecture
• 1990-1986, Louisiana Tech University, Bachelor Interior Design, Minor in Sociology
  Magna Cum Laude, Graduating Honor: Designer of the Year
• 1986-1984, Southern Arkansas University, School of Speech and Performing Art

Community Involvement

Samantha has participated in several boards and community organizations including the Nathan Phillips Square Revitalization, Ontario Place Revitalization, Humber College Industrial Design Program Advisory Board, Sheridan Collage Interior Design Advisory Board, George Brown College Curriculum Advisory, and Kinder Canada.