Our Team

 

Peter Sampson

OAA MAA AAA FRAIC
Principal Architect
peter@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

Peter Sampson, co-founder and Principal Architect of Public City, is an award-winning architect whose work merges public infrastructure with innovative design. His early career included work with distinguished Toronto firms, followed by teaching roles at the Universities of Toronto, Waterloo, and Manitoba. Since establishing Public City in 2008, Peter has fostered a transdisciplinary approach, resulting in widely published and celebrated projects across Canada.

Liz Wreford

MALA OALA AALA SALA APALA CSLA
Principal Landscape Architect
liz@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

Liz Wreford, co-founder and Principal Landscape Architect of Public City, is known for her vibrant and collaborative approach to landscape architecture, weaving urban folklore and community stories into her work across Canada. Liz founded the Prairie chapter of Building Equality in Architecture and is a committed advocate for design quality and equity. She is a mentor, educator, winter urbanist, and active voice in the landscape architecture community.

Andrew Lewthwaite

MAA OAA AAA MRAIC
Senior Associate Architect
andrew@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

Andrew Lewthwaite, Senior Associate Architect at Public City, leads project management and construction procurement. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has overseen key projects like the Sheila Sweatman Gymnasium, Richardson Aquatic Centre, and Cornish Heritage Library. Known for his expertise in contract documentation, building codes, and project budgets, Andrew ensures quality and compliance across all phases. He also teaches technical design at the University of Manitoba.

Taylor LaRocque

MALA SALA CSLA
Associate Landscape Architect & Indigenous Design Lead
taylor@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

Taylor is Associate Landscape Architect at Public City, recognized for her commitment to design deeply rooted in the history and culture of place. A member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, she brings both technical skill and cultural insight, informed representation, and historical sensitivity to her projects. Taylor is passionate about creating inclusive, meaningful landscapes and serves on several design boards in Winnipeg.

Maggie Bonnetta

MALA CSLA
Senior Landscape Architect
maggie@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

Maggie Bonnetta is Public City's Senior Landscape Architect, specializing in the design of diverse public and institutional spaces. Known for her collaborative approach, Maggie expertly coordinates project technicalities, design aesthetics, scheduling, and budget needs. Her recent work with the National Capital Commission and multiple Municipalities across Canada has enhanced her ability to deliver innovative, technically sound solutions for complex urban projects of various scales and types.

Samantha Scroggie

OAA MRAIC
Senior Architect
samantha@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

Samantha Scroggie is a Senior Architect at Public City, leading the Toronto studio with a comprehensive approach to design and project management. With expertise across custom residential, institutional, and complex public art projects, Samantha ensures seamless coordination of technical design, engineering, and specifications. Known for her focus on project targets, budgets, and client communication, she guides projects from inception through completion.

Shanna McKinnon

AALA CSLA
Landscape Architect
shanna@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

Shanna McKinnon is a Landscape Architect at Public City, specializing in streetscapes, active transportation, open spaces, and low-impact development. Known for her strong project management skills, Shanna leads projects from concept through construction, skillfully navigating municipal regulations, identifying design challenges, and implementing effective solutions that enhance project efficiency and impact.

José Castillo-Pilcol

OALA CSLA
Landscape Architect
jose@publiccityarchitecture.com
 

José Castillo-Pilcol is a Landscape Architect at Public City with experience working across Canada and internationally. Skilled in public space articulation, he has delivered projects in the Greater Toronto Area, handling everything from zoning applications to construction across diverse landscape types. His work includes environmental action research, Treaty Land Entitlement mapping in Northern Canada, and large-scale master planning in China, bringing a globally informed perspective to Public City’s projects.

Arslan Abbas

M.Arch, Design Production

Arslan is a designer at Public City with experience in multi-disciplinary firms and international studies. His diverse portfolio includes exhibitions, restorations, transportation projects, and landscape design, highlighted by contributions to the Venice Architecture Biennale and the development of public realm standards for the Metrolinx Subway Station Architecture Design Standard.

Evan McPherson

Landscape Architectural Intern

Evan is an Intern Landscape Architect at Public City with expertise in graphic communication and technical drawing. A graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Master of Landscape Architecture program, his award-winning thesis explored the poetics of the Red River and urban public gardens. Of Red River Métis and Settler heritage, Evan values designing spaces that foster connections between the land, waters, and community.

Angela Moreno

Landscape Architectural Intern

Angela holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Los Andes in Colombia. With seven years of experience, she bridges private and public-sector design, focusing on sustainable and inspiring environments. Angela’s work draws from her South American heritage, exploring restoration and place-making in the context of climate change.

Paul Susi

Studio and Production Assistant

Paul supports the studio's day-to-day operations, working closely with the Principals. A graduate of the Bachelor of Environmental Design program at the University of Manitoba, Paul leads procurement initiatives, manages administrative duties, and assists with technical production.

Sean Vandekerkhove

Architectural Intern

Sean is an Architectural Intern with the Manitoba Association of Architects. With expertise in construction documents and contract administration, Sean has also been pivotal in advancing Public City's 3D printing and modeling workflows for all project stages, from site models to massing models, section models and detailed construction prototypes.