Jim has successfully led a broad range of our firm’s most recognizable projects. He works throughout all phases of project development; coordinating project teams throughout design, document production, and contract administration. Jim is President of Nicholson Sheffield Architects.

Jim takes a collaborative approach to design, working closely with clients to ensure that their projects are tailored to their needs. This approach involves developing a comprehensive understanding of how a finished project will be used, and how its design may be refined and improved throughout the course of the work.

Jim graduated from the Architectural Technology Program at Fanshawe College in 1991. He worked with our firm before attending the University of Toronto for his Professional Bachelor of Architecture with Honours. After graduating and working for a number of award-winning firms in Toronto, Jim returned to the firm in 2000, becoming an associate in 2004, and partner in 2007.

Jim is active in the community, committing time to a variety of not-for-profit organizations and committees. He is a past chair of the City of London Urban Design Peer Review Panel, past President on the Board of Directors for the London District Construction Association, and current Municipal Regulatory Liaison for the London Society of Architects. Jim offers a background in sustainable design. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, and previously taught the LEED NC course at Fanshawe College.

Tim views every project as a unique opportunity to collaborate with clients and consultants in context specific place-making. Successfully leading many of the firm’s recent multi-unit housing and mixed-used development projects, Tim brings over 25 years of professional experience to the firm. A licensed architect since 2006, Tim has served as project architect on many local and national award and competition winning projects including Canadian Architect, Urban Design, OAA and Governor General’s awards. Tim has earned a broad architectural experience ranging from large-scale urban master plans to intimate single-family residences.

Invested in making unique and powerful spaces through the study of place, context, site and landscape, Tim has a deep interest in and understanding of construction details and the integration of the work of related disciplines. His work is invested in care and understanding of the human condition. Tim takes particular pride in fulfilling the vision of the client, through careful consideration and synthesis of program, the innate qualities of site, and the resolution of architectural details.

Tim holds a Professional Bachelor of Architecture with Honours and a Post Professional Master of Architecture, both from the University of Toronto. He is committed to serving his community and his profession through volunteering and continuing engagement in education and mentorship. Tim is a past design Professor at the University of Waterloo, Design Instructor in the RAIC Syllabus program, member of the City of London Urban Design Peer Review Panel, and the current Chair of the London Society of Architects.

Hillary is an Associate Principal at Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. and a licensed Architect in the province of Ontario with experience on a diverse range of projects from institutional, to commercial, to residential. Hillary has successfully led many of the firm’s recent educational and childcare projects from conception to construction.

Continually honing her skills as a designer, project manager, and contract administrator, Hillary is dedicated to creating meaningful spaces that are sensitive to the needs of the client and program, and resonate with the spirit of place. Enthusiasm and optimism are the hallmarks of all of Hillary’s projects.

Hillary holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architectural Studies, both from Carleton University, and has been recognized for her academic excellence, graduating with High Distinction and a Senate Medal. Dedicated to community service, Hillary is currently a Community Engagement Coordinator for the London Society of Architects and has served as a Design Instructor for the RAIC Syllabus Program.

Dustin is an Associate Principal at Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. and a licensed Architect in the province of Ontario. A skilled designer and project manager, Dustin has successfully led a variety of the firm's recent multi-unit residential, educational, and complex renovation/retrofit projects.

Experienced in all phases of project delivery, Dustin takes particular pride in the process of design development: listening attentively to client input and working creatively with parameters of site context, project budgets, and construction methodologies, to deliver well resolved architectural solutions that meet the needs and goals of clients while providing as much value as possible to each project to benefit building users and the community.

Dustin holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Distinction, both from the University of Waterloo. During his academic career, Dustin was awarded the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the Rome Prize for Outstanding Design, and the M.Arch Entry Award for Top Overall Standing in Design. Dustin is a past Professor of Environmental Design and Planning at Fanshawe College, Design Instructor in the RAIC Syllabus program, and has served as a member and chair of the City of London Urban Design Peer Review Panel.

John is a Founding Principal at Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. He has acted as the firm’s Principal-in-Charge of Design since 1987. His projects have won awards at the local, provincial, and national levels. He has acted as President and Vice President of the firm. John retired as a shareholder of the firm in 2017. He remains on the leadership team, acting as an advisor to the firm, particularly on matters of design.

John’s designs include a number of landmark projects in London and the surrounding area. He has worked on a broad range of project types, for many different clients and has been recognized for his ability to interpret client input into effective design.

John maintains an active role in the community. He chairs the London Community Foundation Housing Action Committee. He has been Chair of the LCF Board of Directors and of its Grants and Social Finance Committees. He has also been Chair of the London Arts Council and its Community Arts Investment Program. He founded the City of London’s Urban Design Awards program, and helped draft the City’s Public Arts Policy. He has sat on city advisory panels related to design, downtown, arts, heritage, housing, the millennium and creative cities, on the City's Urban Design Peer Review Panel, and on LSA delegations to the city. John was named a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2001. John was named to the City of London Mayor's List in 2014, and was awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteerism in 2017.

John Ly is an Associate at Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. He is experienced on a diverse range of institutional, community, and health care projects, working throughout all phases of project delivery from design through construction. John originally joined the firm in 2003 and worked with the firm for six years. After having left the industry to continue his late father’s legacy in the family business, John re-joined the firm as a Project Manager in 2017, becoming an Associate in 2020.

John is an effective collaborator with stakeholders and contractors,  experienced in a variety of renovation and new construction project types of varying size and complexity. John has extensive experience in detailed and technical aspects of projects including functional programming, consultant coordination, value engineering, and code review. His technical experience, attention to detail, and business-savvy mentality ensure that his projects are well managed and successfully delivered. John displays strength in critical analysis and problem solving on every project. In the field, excellent interpersonal skills serve him well in his work with clients, user groups, contractors and trades. In the office, John takes special pride in his leadership role as senior mentor.

John holds a Diploma in Architectural Technology from St. Clair College and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. During his academic career John was recognized for his excellence in design, receiving the bronze medal in the 2002 Skills Canada Regional Competition.

Petar is an Associate at Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. He is experienced in all phases of project delivery, from design through construction, and has successfully led many of the firm's multi-unit residential projects through the contract document and construction phases, including a variety of large scale and complex construction projects. Petar is involved in all stages of a project, from assisting lead architects in schematic design work, to leading and coordinating consultant teams, preparing construction documents, and undertaking contract administration.

Petar joined the firm in 2018 with over 10 years of previous experience as an Architectural Technologist at Global Affairs Canada on a variety of high-profile projects including the Canadian embassies in Beijing and Paris, and the Canadian High Commission in London. Petar brings an extensive background in the public sector and an advanced understanding of the processes, protocols and expectations involved in working on a broad range of public and privately funded projects.

Petar completed his Advanced Diploma in the co-op Architectural Technology program at Fanshawe College in 2010. He is currently continuing his education, writing his thesis towards completion of the RAIC Syllabus Diploma in Architecture program in collaboration with Athabasca University.

Emma is an Associate at Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. She has experience in all project phases from design through construction on many of the firms institutional and residential projects as a Technologist, Project Manager and Contract Administrator.

Emma is dedicated to raising the bar for document standards and procedures to deliver successful, well organized and efficient projects. Her attention to detail and drive to improve and evolve in every aspect of her work make  Emma a natural leader and mentor.

Emma graduated from Fanshawe College with an Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology and was the recipient of the Distinguished Student Award in her graduating class. During her academic career, she was named the 2018 Canada Gold medalist in the Skills Canada Architectural Technology and Design Competition, as well as the 2018 Ontario Gold medalist, 2018 Top Ranking Competitor, and 2017 Ontario Silver medalist.

Emma’s commitment to the profession is evident in her current pursuit of a Diploma in Architecture through the RAIC Syllabus program in collaboration with Athabasca University. With the goal of becoming a licensed Architect, Emma continues to study architectural design, even as she works every day raising the bar at Nicholson Sheffield.

Afnan joined NSA as an Intern Architect in 2024, after completing a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Science from Toronto Metropolitan University. During her education, Afnan explored architectural detailing and its impact on the architectural experience of Institutional buildings. She further explored her writing and storytelling abilities during her thesis, where she produced a graphic novel of childhood experiences within the childhood home.

Afnan brings a range of professional experience to NSA, having previously worked on institutional, commercial, and private residential projects. She previously developed her design and technical skills working with various Toronto-based offices, such as Carlo Parente Architecture, and further advanced her knowledge of the building code and accessibility design guidelines through her time at BDP Quadrangle. Possessing a unique combination of strong technical skills and passion for both writing and design, Afnan is a key member of the NSA team.  

Becky joined Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. as a Technologist in 2013 after completing three co-op term placements with the firm as part of her education in the Architectural Technology program at Fanshawe College.

During her academic career, Becky was named the 2013 Canada Gold medalist in the Skills Canada Architectural Technology and Design Competition, as well as the 2012 Canada Bronze medalist, and two-time Ontario Gold medalist.

Since joining the firm Becky has gained experience on a wide variety of project types, working throughout all phases of project delivery. Becky has extensive experience completing contract documents for projects with technically demanding programs requiring comprehensive problem solving and attention to detail throughout production.

Her professional, , and educational accomplishments, and her advanced technical capabilities in Revit and AutoCAD demonstrate a deep commitment to professional excellence and make Becky a key member of the NSA team.

Courteney joined Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. as a Technologist in 2018, after competing her final co-op term placement with the firm as part of her education in the Architectural Technology program at Fanshawe College.

Since joining NSA Courteney has gained experience on a wide variety of project types working throughout all phases of project delivery. Courteney is a quick learner and is highly adaptable in her work and project environment. She enjoys the entire architectural process from design conception to construction and contract administration.

Courteney holds an Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology from Fanshawe College. During her education, Courteney completed co-op placements with John’s Drafting Service, Serratore and Associates, and Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. In these placements, Courteney refined her skills as a Technologist.

Courteney is proficient in various drafting, 3D modelling, and visualization software including Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Adobe Photoshop. Courteney demonstrates clear dedication to the architectural process in the management of her projects and is a core member of the NSA team.

Haoyu joined Nicholson Sheffield Architects as an architectural designer in January 2025. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and attended the Master of Architecture program at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on environmental and sustainable design.

Haoyu’s work is driven by a passion for creating spaces that connect people to culture and address social needs. During an option studio, he traveled to Mexico, exploring how architecture reflects the beliefs and cultural identities of Chinese immigrants in San Francisco and Mexico City. His strong interest in affordable housing led him to participate in the 2024 Innovation in Affordable Housing Student Design and Planning Competition, where his team advanced as finalists.

In addition to his educational background, Haoyu brings years of technical expertise in construction and a nuanced sensibility of design, developed through international experience. Before joining NSA, Haoyu worked as an intern architect at Ateliers Jean Nouvel, overseeing the construction stage of a high-rise office tower in China. He later joined Condition Lab, a social enterprise in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he designed libraries for children in rural China and Africa, blending traditional and modern construction techniques.

Mitch joined Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. as a Technologist in February 2021 after graduating from Fanshawe College with an Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology. Since joining NSA Mitch has gained experience on a wide variety of project types working throughout all phases of project delivery.

During his education Mitch completed co-op placements with Zedd Architecture in London, as well as Prica Global Design Studio and Rowan Williams Davies Irwin. When he’s not drafting, Mitch can be found playing hockey or golf. He also enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his dog, Elliot.

Through his education and work experience, Mitch has developed a keen knowledge of Revit. His eagerness to learn and his problem-solving skills make him a valuable member of the NSA team.

Nathan joined Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. as an Intern Architect in January 2025. He graduated from Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture in 2024 and holds both a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architectural Studies. His thesis work focused on the ecological recovery of wetlands in Sudbury, ON, by proposing architectural strategies that enhance local biodiversity and advocate for positive social engagement. Drawing from diverse research methodologies, Nathan’s work fused architecture and ecology by offering Nature-based Solutions, such as circular urban farming, on-site stormwater filtration, and the use of bio-materials to achieve multispecies coexistence within the proposed research/community center.

As a co-op student, Nathan worked at RAW Design in Toronto, where he supported numerous project types across different phases of design and construction, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Nathan is proficient in a variety of architectural software, including Revit, Rhino, Sketchup, Enscape, Twin Motion, and Adobe Suite. He finds interest in place-based design and is always seeking new opportunities to develop his architectural strategies. Combined with his education and professional experience, Nathan’s passion for ecologically sustainable architecture and innovative building materials makes him an excellent asset to the NSA team.

Olha is an architectural designer who joined the Nicholson Sheffield Architects team in June 2024. Previous to joining NSA, Olha gained eight years of experience working on residential and commercial projects across Canada, Ukraine and Russia. She is experienced on various phases of project delivery, from preparation of presentation and working drawings, through to construction.

Olha holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture, both from the Donbass National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Ukraine. From her past employment experienced, Olha has become proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, 3dMAX, Sketchup and other 3D modelling and rendering software. With her professional, educational, and technical experience, Olha is an excellent asset to the NSA team.

Taylor joined Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. as an Intern Architect in September 2024. She holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architectural Studies, both from Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture. Her thesis work focused on exploring community healing within M'Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, where she collaborated with leadership and professionals in the community to propose the design of an in-patient land-based healing and treatment centre.

During her studies, Taylor gained valuable experience through co-op placements at 3rdLine.Studio, where she worked on new and renovation residential, institutional, commercial, and community projects through various project phases. Taylor is also experienced in hands-on construction, having worked with her father's landscaping company installing interlocking brick, retaining walls, and plantings, in addition to her work on landscape design drawings.

Taylor is proficient in a variety of drafting, 3D modelling, and visualization software, including Revit, Rhino, Twin Motion, and Adobe Suite. With her combined architectural and landscape experience, and her passion for design that promotes community and a sense of place, Taylor is an excellent asset to the NSA team.

Tracey Watters joined Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. as consultant in August of 2011, eventually becoming an employee in June 2018. Tracey is the firm's bookkeeper, overseeing tasks related to the financial management of the business and our projects.

Tracey’s education, experience, and professional knowledge inform all of her work at the office. She has more than 25 years of experience as a bookkeeper and has worked as a consultant for a broad range of clients across southwestern Ontario including: London, St. Thomas, Port Stanley, and Tillsonburg. She originally received her Certificate in Bookkeeping from Sterling Business Academy. Tracey's no-nonsense attitude, and willingness to help others whenever possible, keeps our work at the firm on track, making her a great asset to the NSA family.