Cecily Eckhardt. Photo credit: Perkins&WillArchitect Cecily Eckhardt has joined Perkins&Will as managing director of the firms Toronto and Ottawa studios.Eckhardt succeeds DArcy Arthurs, who led the Ontario practice for nearly two decades. Born and raised in Ontario, Eckhardt has practiced architecture in Canada and Europe for more than two decades. She has contributed to various high-profile projects including Centennial Colleges Centennial Place and Culinary Arts Centre in Toronto; McMaster Universitys 10 Bay Graduate Residence in Hamilton; Toronto Metropolitan Universitys School of Medicine in Brampton; and The New Vic at McGill University in Montreal.Its rare to find a firm where design feels both deeply personal and globally impactful, said Eckhardt. Perkins&Will has the reach to shape cities around the world, but the heart of a studio that understands the nuances of each community it works in. What excites me most is knowing that the work we do improves the quality of life for peopleand I want to be part of that.She comes to Perkins&Will following 17 years with another prominent Toronto-based architecture firm, where she focused on complex institutional projects.In her new role as managing director at Perkins&Will, Eckhardt will work to ensure the continued growth and success of the Toronto and Ottawa studios in partnership with design director Andrew Frontini and operations director Robert van Lin. Additionally, she will champion Living Design, Perkins&Wills holistic design approach, and create opportunities for mentorship and professional development.Im excited to help cultivate a supportive team environment where sharing ideas is safe, honest feedback drives innovation, and collaboration pushes us to deliver the best design possible, Eckhardt says.She will also work closely with Arthurs, who has held a leadership role at the firm for 40 years, throughout her first few weeks on the job to ensure a smooth transition.Its been a privilege to lead our Ontario practice for all these years, and now feels like the right moment for fresh energy and new ideas, says Arthurs, under whose leadership the Toronto and Ottawa studios earned national and international acclaim for projects like Rseau Express Mtropolitain, the School of Continuing Studies at York University, the Albion District Library, and the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex at Toronto Metropolitan University. Im delighted to pass the baton to Cecily to usher us into the future. Shes a consummate professional and highly respected architect with much to offer our teams and clients. Were looking forward to seeing where she takes us.Eckhardt is a LEED Green Associate, a Passive House Certified Designer, and a frequent speaker at academic and professional design workshops and seminars. Shes also an active member of the Ontario Association of Architects and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Eckhardt holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto, a Master of Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a bachelors degree from McGill University.The post Perkins&Wills Toronto and Ottawa Studios Welcome New Managing Director appeared first on Canadian Architect.