Design Review Panel

During the Formal Consultation stage, it will be determined if you application is subject to the Design Review Panel.

If the DRP is identified as a requirement, the applicant will need to:

• submit a request for a DRP meeting
• submit a detailed submission package (at least 5 weeks prior to the DRP meeting)

DRP Submission Package

The purpose of the submission package is to provide the information needed for review and evaluation of the development proposal by DRP. It should highlight the key urban design features of a development proposal and explain why the proposed development represents the most appropriate design solution.

The submission package is prepared by the applicant and must include these materials:

• Completed applicant project summary sheet.
• Photographs of the surrounding streetscape and adjacent lands to illustrate existing site conditions and surrounding context, along with a map identifying where each photo is taken.
• A design brief (approximately 4 pages in length) that includes a:
  • concise summary and response to the applicable City urban design policies and guidelines;
  • contextual analysis that discusses/illustrates abutting properties, key destinations and linkages within a 100m radius (a larger radius may be requested for larger/more complex projects). The contextual analysis should include:
    • transportation networks for cars, cyclists and pedestrians
    • focal points/nodes
    • gateways
    • parks/open spaces
    • topography
    • views towards the site
    • the urban pattern (streets, blocks)
    • future and current proposals
    • public art
    • heritage resources
  • height analysis of the surrounding context for all tall building proposals
• Models and/or illustrations that show the project massing and relationships in its urban context.
• Detailed perspective drawings or computer models, placing particular emphasis on the first few storeys and how the project responds and relates to its urban context. Perspective drawings should be set within the existing streetscape, indicating compatibility with development on both sides of the street. The intent is to show the Panel how the proposed development’s design and scale relate to the existing context.
• Massing illustrations to provide the Panel with an understanding of the overarching approach to the design of the site
• Site Plan with all dimensions in metric as well as adjacent properties and buildings.
• Landscape Plan.
• A plan showing existing and proposed servicing, if requested by City staff during formal consultation.
• Section and floor plans.
• Building elevations detailing proposed materials and colours.
• Sun/shadow and wind studies (if requested by City staff during formal consultation).
• Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (if requested by City staff during formal consultation).

All material is to be submitted digitally to the DRP Coordinator in two pdf files via email/file share or USB stick:

• presentation file
• supporting drawings and documents in combined pdf file

Presenting at Meeting

You will need to present your development proposal at the DRP meeting. The purpose of the presentation is to provide an opportunity for the applicant to explain the project to the panel members including: context of the project, its design, rationale and intent.

The presentation may be prepared as a PowerPoint Presentation or it can be mounted on panels of no larger than 0.9m x 1.2m (3’ x 4’) in size.

Deadline: The presentation must be submitted at least one week before the DRP meeting. It cannot contain material that was not included in the submission package.

The City’s DRP began as a pilot program in 2014 and the first full four-year term will be completed in December 2020. As Hamilton continues to experience significant revitalization across the City as our built environment evolves, we look to our DRP as an essential aspect of the development process to ensure high quality design.

While the Panel does not have the authority to approve or refuse projects, or make policy decisions, DRP members provide feedback to Planning staff on matters such as:

• The potential physical and aesthetic impacts of proposed developments
• Landscapes, streetscapes, parks, and infrastructure projects
• Supporting creative and unique design solutions
• Fostering an effective relationship with the development industry
• Improving the quality of urban design in Hamilton
• Increasing public awareness about urban design in Hamilton

Composition of the Panel

There are nine members on this panel that consist of:

• architects
• planners
• urban designers
• landscape architects
• heritage professionals
• green technology specialists

The recommendations of the panel are forwarded to Planning and Economic Development staff who accept them as input through the planning process and utilize these recommendations to shape the staff recommendation (or in the case of site plans the staff decision) going forward.

Panel members for 2025 to 2028

Jennifer Mallard – Chair of Design Review Panel
Principal Architect with Henriquez Partners Architects
Licensed Architect OAA

Jennifer Mallard is a Principal with Henriquez Partners Architects, and she leads their Toronto studio. She currently leads a team responsible for a 612-unit Coop Housing project near Kennedy Station in Toronto.  Jennifer has a varied portfolio of experience including projects for the arts, education and multi-unit residential sectors.

Formerly a Principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects, Jennifer led notable civic building projects including the addition and renovation to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and the Faculty of Law at the University of British Columbia.  Jennifer previously served on the City of Hamilton's Design Review Panel from 2020 - 2024. Having grown up in Dundas, she feels this is a way to stay connected and contribute to the design community in Hamilton.

Sharon Mittmann – Vice-Chair of Design Review Panel
Registered Professional Planner 

Sharon Mittmann is an accomplished senior leader with 25 years of experience in government across a broad range of disciplines and operating models. She has an undergraduate degree in Architectural Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master’s in City Planning from the University of Manitoba.  She held several positions of increasing responsibility in areas that include architectural control, policy development, heritage planning and special needs housing policy.  In her most recent role she oversees the review of development of planners, urban designers, architects, landscape architects and landscape architectural technologists.  She also is a previous Board Member of the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) and an active member of the CanU Urbanizing Suburbia Caucus.  She is a transportation geek and passionate about walkability.  

Shadi Adab                                                                                                                                                        
Associate in Urban Design at MHBC Planning
Registered Professional Planner 

Shadi excels at building collaborative relationships with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions with experience in both public and private sectors. Shadi holds master’s degrees in architecture and urban planning.  She is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.”

Dennis Lago
Principal at Urban Strategies

Dennis Lago, principal at Urban Strategies Inc., is an Urban Designer with over 25 years of experience spanning Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Singapore. His award-winning work is recognized for creating visionary yet practical solutions to the complex challenges facing cities. He strives to create meaningful and impactful places through multi-disciplinary collaboration and commitment to community. 

Eric Lucic
Commissioner of Planning and Development & Chief Planner for the Town of Caledon
Registered Professional Planner

Before his role with Caledon, Eric held roles as the Director of Strategic Projects and Director of Regional Planning with Halifax Regional Municipality.  Eric has also held leadership or planning roles previously with the City of Mississauga and City of Brampton. In addition to leading planning in one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Eric sits as a Board of Director with the Council for Canadian Urbanism. Eric’s planning career is focused on strategic thinking, city building and relationship development.

Olga Pushkar
Principal at KPMB
Licensed Architect OAA, Building Science Specialist BSS

Olga is a licensed professional architect (OAA, FRAIC) and a Building Science Specialist (BSS). Her skills in project management, combined with her extensive knowledge of materials and systems for constructability and durability, have been integral to the realization of holistic, sustainable architecture with a strong social impact, such as the Branksome Hall Athletics and Wellness Center. She was the Project Architect for Grand Jeté for Canada’s National Ballet School and is currently working on various community projects and a cultural monument.

 Olga is passionate about creating innovative, accessible, inclusive and sustainable public spaces and believes in the power of architecture to bring people and communities together.

Jenn Sisson
Landscape Architect and Planner at WSP
Licensed Landscape Architect OALA and Registered Professional Planner

Jenn Sisson is a Landscape Architect and Planner with over 15 years’ experience in site design. She is passionate about improving public wellbeing through context-sensitive urban design, celebrating cultural heritage and restoring and protecting the natural environment. Jenn is the Manager for the Toronto team of Landscape Architects and Urban Designers at WSP.

Graham Taylor
Adesso Design 
Licensed Landscape Architect OALA

Graham has over seventeen years of experience working in offices in Vancouver, the Greater Toronto Area, and Hamilton on projects throughout Canada. He has extensive expertise collaborating with multi-disciplinary consultant teams in both the public and private sectors. His diverse portfolio includes public squares, parks, trails, splash pads, institutional and retirement facilities, green roofs, commercial developments, and a strong focus on medium- and high-density residential projects. As a senior Landscape Architect at Adesso Design Inc., a landscape architecture firm in downtown Hamilton, Graham guides a team of designers through all phases of the design and planning process—from concept development to construction documentation. Beyond landscape architecture, Graham has a background in graphic design and television and film production. A longtime resident of Hamilton, he returned to the city a decade ago and remains deeply connected to its design and development. 

Tyler Isaac Neil Walker
Principal at MJMA Architecture & Design
Licensed Architect OAA

During his 17 years of experience, Tyler’s focus has been on elevated design that also meets the highest standards for sustainability. Tyler has a wide-ranging portfolio that encompasses community, recreation, and campus architecture, with recent examples including the Net-Zero Neil Campbell Rowing Centre in Port Dalhousie, Ontario and Churchill Meadows Community Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.