MEET THE TEAM

At North Node Architecture we value our staff and the diverse range of experience they bring to the table. We believe in creating a culture where every individual can contribute valuable insight and knowledge to each project within the framework of a supportive team. This approach minimizes risk and facilitates the conditions for innovation and communication to create leaders who are equipped to guide our communities into the future.

Architects
Technologists
Engineers

Laurie Njaa,

Senior Architect

Chad Gaudet,

Architectural Technologist

Jay Samarasekera,

Principal Structural Engineer

Thilini Samarasekera,

Design Architect

Jeff Mannix,

Structural Engineer & Senior Project Manager

Architects

Laurie Njaa,

Senior Architect

Thilini Samarasekera,

Design Architect

Technologists

Chad Gaudet,

Architectural Technologist

Engineers

Jay Samarasekera,

Principal Structural Engineer

Jeff Mannix,

Structural Engineer & Senior Project Manager

TEAM EXPERTISE & EXPERIENCE

Our team of Architects, Technologists and Structural Engineers have a shared history prior to the conception of North Node Architecture. Our strength originates from working together on previous projects to effectively communicate and drive projects forward to completion.

This team has worked on various projects ranging from small renovations to new buildings fitted with complex systems. We excel in commercial, healthcare, educational, federal building design and construction. Our Engineers are experienced with industrial steel, infrastructure and mining sectors.

ARCHITECTS

Laurie Njaa

Senior Architect

Laurie is a registered Architect and LEED BD+C Accredited Professional with almost 30 years of experience in managing projects from initiation to completion.

Her professional experience includes Feasibility Studies, Facility Assessments, Healthcare, Education and Multi-family Residential projects, including for First Nations communities. She has served on the Council for the Saskatchewan Association of Architects, and on the Chapter Leadership Board of the Canada Green Building Council, as well as participating in the Saskatchewan Stakeholders Working Group for the National Energy Code implementation.

Working closely with owners and consultants, she has led integrated design teams to develop best solutions regardless of project size. She has gained respect for her project co-ordination skills and attention to detail, and strives to bring value to owners through efficiencies and technical leadership.

THILINI SAMARASEKERA

Design Architect

Thilini is a registered Architect who‘s dedicated leadership, and management offer value throughout the planning, construction, and decision-making processes. She has proven herself to be an effective communicator and resourceful problem solver. Her experience extends into Healthcare, RCMP, Commercial and Institutional projects. Thilini excels at spatial programming, rendering, material selection (which includes interior and exterior finishes) and Contract Administration.

Thilini has a strong desire to further public awareness and support towards equality in design and the responsible practice of architecture. She is interested in sustainable design solutions and Net Zero building design. Her passion towards a creative design philosophy in synergy with the site specific architecture is reflected in the expression of the client’s ideas, aesthetic, and goals, while carefully respecting schedules and budgets.

TECHNOLOGISTS

CHAD GAUDET

Architectural Technologist

Chad brings two decades of Architectural experience to the team. As the lead Architectural Technologist, Chad has streamlined the process of construction documentation and designed an effective workflow for the development of construction drawings. Chad strives to ensure the design intent is understood from the beginning of the project to effectively utilize best methods of construction. He investigates practical and environmentally responsible alternatives, embracing innovative materials and products to develop strong details that perform.

His experience and opportunities working within the architectural field have led to an appreciation of site specific engineering/architecture to effectively design for the client’s needs. Chad has led the development of construction documents for multi-million dollar projects. He excels in Healthcare, RCMP, Educational and Institutional design.

ENGINEERS

JAY SAMARASEKERA

Principal Structural Engineer

Jay specializes in heavy steel construction and industrial engineering. He’s worked in Asia, Africa, New Zealand, Bermuda and locally here in the 3 prairie provinces (Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta). He enjoys traveling, building up an extensive portfolio with his worldwide experience. Jay has worked for Hatch and AECOM in the capacity of a Supervisor/ Lead Structural & Structural Engineer. He has also served as the Principal Structural Engineer for the Government of Bermuda.

Jay is very practical with his solutions while providing the latest design methodologies. As a seasoned engineer, Jay believes that a job should be done right the first time.

AWARDS
2009 Consulting Engineer’s Award of Merit.

JEFF MANNIX

Structural Engineer & Senior Project Manager

Jeff Mannix is a Structural Engineer and a Certified Construction Contract Administrator approaching three decades of experience. Jeff’s expertise is in Building Science, and Building Envelope Construction. Jeff can easily manage and mitigate the impact of any unexpected problems that arise during retrofit projects and renovations to keep the project on schedule and on budget. Through value engineering, he provides practical, durable solutions. His leadership puts clients at ease and his on-site expertise is crucial to the success of our projects. Jeff’s experience ranges from Educational, Commercial, RCMP and building envelope remediation.

AWARDS
2011 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Award
2004 Saskatchewan Design Masonry Awards