Yvonne Ip

(she/her)

Founding Director

Architect OAA
MArch, BFA, BA

Yvonne has enjoyed a career in architectural practice for over two decades. She has been involved in a wide range of project types and is well-versed in all phases of practice. Beyond her architectural work, Yvonne is an accomplished artist, with her artwork featured in exhibitions across Canada and the United States, residing in public and private collections.
Yvonne’s dedication to the societal and cultural dimensions of architecture is reflected in her active community engagement. She has contributed to initiatives such as the City of Kitchener Public Art Working Group, Queen’s Green Community Garden, and the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable. She has also held leadership roles in organizations, including the Trillium Waldorf School and the Grand Valley Society of Architects (GVSA), where she has served in various capacities over the past decade. Yvonne currently serves as the coordinator for continuing education at the GVSA.
Yvonne has extensive experience in leading government-funded and regulated projects and has a track record for successfully guiding novel developments through planning approvals, including the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT, formerly OMB and LPAT).
Yvonne proudly holds several memberships in co-operatives with single-digit membership numbers.

Paniz Moayeri

(she/her)

Director

Architect OAA, MRAIC
MArch, BArch Studies (Hons.)

Paniz is a licensed architect whose career spans practice, research, and advocacy, with a focus on the social, ethical, and cultural dimensions of built spaces and design. She has professional experience across offices in Toronto, Dubai, Victoria, New York, and Kitchener, working on a wide range of building types, delivery models, and design stages. Skilled in community consultation and multi-stakeholder engagement, Paniz is a strong advocate for participatory, community-led design.
Paniz’s award-winning thesis, Your Passport Doesn’t Work Here, explores the intersection of architecture, identity, and Iranian queer heritage. Her writing appears in Canadian Architect, JSSAC, and The Signs That Define Toronto. She has taught design studio at Laurentian University, assisted with courses at Waterloo Architecture, and served as a guest lecturer and critic at TMU and Carleton.
As a co-founder of Treaty Lands, Global Stories, Paniz has advocated for recognizing Canada’s Indigenous heritage and broadening architectural education beyond Western paradigms since 2016. She is a former Advisory Board Member to Waterloo Architecture’s Racial Equity and Environmental Justice Task Force, and an active member of the Architecture Lobby, where she advocates for equity and improved working conditions in the profession. Paniz is the current secretary for the Grand Valley Society of Architects’ Executive Committee and a member of the Board of Directors for the Willow River Community Land Trust in Downtown Kitchener.
Yvonne’s dedication to the societal and cultural dimensions of architecture is reflected in her active community engagement. She has contributed to initiatives such as the City of Kitchener Public Art Working Group, Queen’s Green Community Garden, and the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable. She has also held leadership roles in organizations, including the Trillium Waldorf School and the Grand Valley Society of Architects (GVSA), where she has served in various capacities over the past decade. Yvonne currently serves as the coordinator for continuing education at the GVSA.
Yvonne has extensive experience in leading government-funded and regulated projects and has a track record for successfully guiding novel developments through planning approvals, including the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT, formerly OMB and LPAT).
Yvonne proudly holds several memberships in co-operatives with single-digit membership numbers.

Joel Gilbert Anderson

(he/him)

Director

Design & Sustainability Lead
CPHD, BCIN, B. Des.

Joel brings over 15 years of experience to Arise, where he joins Yvonne and Paniz in leading the practice as the Design & Sustainability Lead. Previously, he co-founded People Design Co-op and spent over five years building a non-profit design and architectural practice, working closely with community land trusts and non-profit housing agencies.
Joel’s work is grounded in building science, stewardship, and a holistic view of not only how buildings are constructed, but also who builds them. His approach draws on his training as a certified Passive House designer combined with deep expertise of low-carbon construction and healthy material selection. Together, these principles shaped the 100-year Home Framework, which he co-developed and played a key role in implementing with Circle Community Land Trust. Recognized by the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association, the framework reflects a long-term vision for sustainable, community-centered housing. Joel brings this thoughtful, strategic approach to his work not just for, but alongside communities as a partner.
Beyond the studio, Joel is committed to building co-operative, democratic organizations and collaborating alongside groups working toward positive social change. He advocates for fair labour and practice through The Architecture Lobby and is a mentor and educator with FutureBuilds.
Joel is also an avid cyclist: a commuter, racer, and community builder. He co-founded a not-for-profit cycling team in Ontario and organizes with Danforth Kingston 4 All for safer, more complete streets in Scarborough.

Yvonne Ip

Paniz Moayeri

Joel Gilbert Anderson

Former Team Members