News & Ideas
Driven by curiosity, armed with experience, I help clients boost their impact with an impactful narrative. Through my writing, I enjoy communicating the fascinating ideas and trends that impact the way we live through our landscapes, communities and buildings.

Architectural Advocacy and Strategic Success with Ian Chodikoff
In the complex world of the business of architecture, this article explains how I deliver design leadership solutions to architecture firsm. My interview emphasizes strategic decision-making, effective communication, and long-term perspective at all scales. By aligning project identity with the firm ethos and fostering clarity in client communications, architects can forge a path marked by resilience and impactful leadership.
Building a Future Vancouver
Sen̓áḵw's return to the Squamish people marks a monumental victory after years of legal battles. Across Canada, Indigenous nations are reclaiming their rights, holding Canada accountable for fulfilling its end of the reconciliation pact. Critics believe that tall buildings and urban densification are somehow discordant with Indigenous principles but I believe that current projects in Vancouver offer an assertion to placemaking Indigenous-driven empowerment that will ideally shape a more progressive city for everyone.
A New Civic Centre for Etobicoke
Here is a significant example of sustainable urban development: the Etobicoke Civic Centre (ECC) is a campus that needs to be more ambitious even though its programmatic and renewable energy mandate is laudable. I'm bullish on the next wave of renewable energy technologies to bring more robust onsite energy storage (thermal and battery), PV panel integration, thermovoltaics, and other experimental and increasingly feasible onsite energy production. So much investment is moving into this climate tech. I'm encouraging the building industry to integrate and scale u on emerging renewable energy technologies.
Divine Distribution: Integrating an enhanced electrical grid into our built environment
We need to plan on how new energy infrastructure is built and impacting rural development. Thermal and battery storage can boost the potential for regenerative architecture and landscapes.
Too Many Eggs in the Wrong Basket
Our governments are investing $40B for EV battery plants. A fraction of these generous subsidies could be directed toward building a thriving regenerative agricultural future for Ontario communities.
Notes from Toronto's Interior Design Show: appreciating relationships above all
In an era of networked collaborations, hybrid work and design egos, the value of authentic networks and dialogue remains all-important for so many reasons.
Living Between Toronto and Prince Edward County: Considerations for regenerative communities
A reflection on the potential of building regenerative communities. Ambitious developments like Picton's Base 31 could become a global benchmark for future community building.
How to Stop Worrying and Love AI
The architecture profession has much to gain from the evolution of artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the future of AI will drive improved collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in both construction and design.
Ian Chodikoff Moderates ACO Toronto Heritage & Housing Symposium
Sen̓áḵw's return to the Squamish people marks a monumental victory after years of legal battles. Across Canada, Indigenous nations are reclaiming their rights, holding Canada accountable for fulfilling its end of the reconciliation pact. Critics believe that tall buildings and urban densification are somehow discordant with Indigenous principles but I believe that current projects in Vancouver offer an assertion to placemaking Indigenous-driven empowerment that will ideally shape a more progressive city for everyone.
A Future for Architecture Criticism
There was a time in the mid- to late-20th century when arts critics held serious power in swaying the consumption habits of the general public. Film and music were two realms in the popular press where this was particularly notable, with critics such as Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert for film or Lester Bangs and Robert Christgau for music writing reviews and essays in publications that many believed could “make or break a career.”
Chodikoff on the Image
How can architects and other professionals project a positive, effective image that gets them hired by the right client? This is the question that Ian Chodikoff discusses in this lively interview with Arnaud Marthouret. Produced by Révélateur Studio & edited by Chris Rodd.
The Question of Food and the New Resiliency
The ability to feed our communities as a result of COVID-19 has the potential to increase awareness of the economic, social and environmental challenges that continue to challenge our cities’ resiliency.