For some designers, accolades and awards are the ultimate goal. But for Theo, that’s never been the driving force. Despite serving as president of ARIDO’s Toronto chapter, then Ontario, and now sitting on the national board, she doesn’t chase recognition. “Submitting for awards takes time, and I’d rather spend that time working on projects and seeing the reward of a satisfied client,” she says. “At the end of the day, the projects come and go – but it’s the people you remember. It’s their stories, their gratitude, and the relationships we build that matter most.” Looking ahead, Theo has no intention of turning Westparks + Associates into a larger enterprise. While many firms use growth as a measure of success, she views success differently. “I’d rather focus on doing excellent work with the right clients than grow just for the sake of it,” she says. With market uncertainty, shifting workplace trends, and construction costs climbing, she feels her decision to stay small and focused is the right one. At the core of it all is an unwavering commitment to the human experience – whether it’s the client trusting her with their vision, the employee growing under her mentorship, or the supplier collaborating to solve a tricky problem. “The joy comes from working with people,” Theo says. “It’s the energy that comes from learning together, solving challenges together, and knowing you’ve created something that genuinely improves people’s lives.” JULY 2025
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