Let’s GO!

By Gelare Danaie

Image courtesy of Metrolinx

Bowmanville GO Station Signage & Wayfinding

The day I parted ways with the company that launched my career in Canada as a new immigrant was emotional. I genuinely liked everyone I worked with—my direct boss and mentor, the aviation team, inspiring designers, knowledgeable managers, and even my future partner in the design practice we now run together. I learned so much there: how to design complex transportation projects, lead teams, manage financials, build strong client relationships—but most importantly, how to work with all kinds of people. The foundation of our company today is deeply rooted in that culture—one that invests in people and fosters lasting relationships in the built environment industry.

Now, six years into running our own business, we’ve signed our first sub-consultant agreement with that very same company—Stantec! It’s a small wayfinding project for a GO Station in Bowmanville, but it means a lot. Even the kickoff meeting with the design team felt different from any of our other projects—it felt like coming home.

As a small woman-owned firm, having the opportunity to work with the company where we built our careers is deeply rewarding. Trust takes time, and we’re fortunate that the relationships we’ve built are grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

The project is currently in the design phase, and we’re looking forward to more opportunities to collaborate with the Stantec team as we continue to grow our customer experience design services across Canada and the U.S.—in transportation and aviation, healthcare, higher education, and beyond.