TORONTO—Architect Cecily Eckhardt has joined Perkins&Will as managing director of the firm’s Toronto and Ottawa studios. She succeeds D’Arcy Arthurs, who led the Ontario practice for nearly two decades.
“It’s rare to find a firm where design feels both deeply personal and globally impactful,” Eckhardt says. “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 people—and I want to be part of that.”
Born and raised in Ontario, Eckhardt has practiced architecture in Canada and Europe for over 20 years. She has contributed to many high-profile projects across the country, including Centennial College’s Centennial Place and Culinary Arts Centre in Toronto; McMaster University’s 10 Bay Graduate Residence in Hamilton; Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine in Brampton; and The New Vic at McGill University in Montreal. She comes to Perkins&Will after 17 years with another prominent Toronto-based architecture firm, where she focused largely 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. She will also champion Living Design—Perkins&Will’s holistic design approach—and create opportunities for mentorship and professional development for the next generation of talent.
“I’m excited to continue to cultivate a supportive team environment where sharing ideas is encouraged, honest feedback drives innovation, and collaboration pushes us to deliver the best design possible,” Eckhardt says.
For her first few weeks on the job, she will also work closely with Arthurs, who has held a leadership role at the firm for 40 years, to familiarize herself with the practice and ensure a smooth transition.
“It’s 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 Réseau Express Métropolitain, the School of Continuing Studies at York University, the Albion District Library, and the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex at Toronto Metropolitan University. “I’m delighted to pass the baton to Cecily to usher us into the future. She’s a consummate professional and highly respected architect with much to offer our teams and clients. We’re looking forward to seeing where she takes us.”
“D’Arcy and I have worked in close partnership for two decades, building a foundation where design excellence and a strong sense of community have thrived,” adds Frontini. “With Cecily’s insight and experience, I can see us taking our practice to the next level, and I’m thrilled to welcome her on board.”
Eckhardt is a LEED Green Associate, a Passive House Certified Designer, and a frequent speaker at academic and professional design workshops and seminars. She’s 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 bachelor’s degree from McGill University.
