Lecture Series: Danny Roy & Dani Kastelein
- Date
- September 11, 2025
- Time
- 6:30 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
- Location
- Department of Architectural Science, 325 Church St, ARC 202 (the Pit)
- Open To
- Public
- Contact
- alexandra.berceanu@torontomu.ca
Co-Design with Community: An Exploration of Indigenous Design Thinking in the Built Environment
Dani K.
Dani Kastelein is a digital illustrator and intern architect at Brook McIlroy, where they bring a deep commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives into the firm’s contemporary design practice. A registered citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Dani’s kinship ties trace from the Red River to the Georgian Bay region, with ancestral roots from Drummond Island. Their Métis heritage is a central influence in their work, guiding their understanding of the importance of honoring cultural narratives and connections to the land. Dani holds a Master of Architecture degree from the Collaborative Water Program at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the McEwen School of Architecture’s design-build program. Their professional work is deeply rooted in advocating for spaces that foster cultural connection, blending Indigenous knowledge systems within spaces to preserve and revitalize cultural heritage for future generations. Dani’s work includes approaches to community-oriented designs which include the creation of community spaces, cultural centers, and other facilities that honor Indigenous perspectives and ensuring that each project reflects the unique needs and aspirations, and cultural values of the community.
Danny R.
Danny Roy is a registered professional planner and intern architect within the Indigenous Design Studio (IDS) of Brook McIlroy’s Toronto studio. He is Cree-Métis from the northern community of Sakitawak (Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan) and a member of English River Dene Nation in Treaty 10 territory. He was formally a Senior Regional and Community Planner practicing in Saskatchewan. His notable achievement in this role was being co-author and facilitator to the award-winning City of Prince Albert Municipal Cultural Action Plan. Utilizing his skill-set as a planner and intern architect, Danny applies Indigenous design-thinking to several placemaking and placekeeping projects of varying scales, from master plans to interior renovations. At IDS he is currently working on multiple projects with Indigenous communities including Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Saugeen FN, Serpent River FN, Lac Des Mille Lac FN, Sheshegwaning FN as well as several projects for municipalities, urban Indigenous organizations and post-secondary institutions involving multiple Indigenous rights-holders and community groups.
