Emily Guy
Exploring Architecture, Urbanism and Conservation
Having a background in cultural history, I’m very interested researching and understanding historic spaces. I aim to bring unique and collaborative insights into heritage planning, neighbourhood studies, tangible and intangible history, and built resources. My work takes me into the multifaceted history of Ottawa neighbourhoods, as well into other jurisdictions such as Kingston, Smiths Falls, and Gatineau. At TRACE architectures, I am involved, in some way, in almost all projects. I support the Architectural Staff with research, content and proposal development, and project management.
Interest Interdisciplinary architectures
My diverse academic and professional background has fostered a significant interest in exploring people and spaces. I work hard to understand, support and/or re-imagine planning policies in heritage conservation and urban development. I deeply believe that the understanding of a space only starts to happen once you immerse yourself in it. Interacting physically with a place, doing the research, being open to conversation, listening and exchanging, and most importantly, taking oneself out of their ’comfort zone’ are pillars in my approach.
Interest Interacting with a place
I spend a lot of time walking, or running, around – literally. Someone once told me the best way to really see a city is to run the city. I’ve taken that anecdote to heart, having run my way through most provincial capitals, the National Capital, and through cities such as Chicago and Berlin. There’s something special about being present in a place, and experiencing the moment, interacting with the space and the people around – something that can’t necessarily be done by car, by photograph or by map. Even on a smaller scale, just moving around one’s immediate location on foot opens so much insight into how spaces interact with their environment.
Interest beyond TRACE
Outside of work, I’m likely wandering around Ottawa, day tripping to antique stores, but most likely somewhere in the middle of the woods. An avid forager, I am very interested in fostering more sustainable ways of eating and exploring a variety of wild foods. Fortunately, my colleagues are very patient with my culinary choices!
