Pat Hanson is the founding partner of gh3*, a practice based on a paradigm that explores the overlap of architecture, landscape and sustainability. A versatile designer and a strong visual communicator with proven executive skills, she has contributed design leadership to the firms at which she was a partner.

Over a 30-year career, Pat has strategically overseen and monitored numerous architecture, urbanism, and planning projects which have involved complex programs and extensive public consultation processes, and which bridge beyond architecture into urban design and landscape.

Born and educated in the prairie provinces of Canada, Pat moved to Toronto upon graduation, gaining early experience in the firm A.J. Diamond and Associates. The ability to mentor and direct the work of a young, enthusiastic staff has been key to Pat’s accomplishments and success in international competitions.

Pat has lectured on the work of gh3* throughout North America and Europe. She maintains a strong commitment to architectural education and has served as an adjunct studio professor at the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo since 1991.

Pat is presently a senior adviser for BEAT (Building Equality in Architecture Toronto) and was a founding member of the Women’s Architectural League. She was inducted into the RAIC College of Fellows, named a WLI champion by the Urban Land Institute, and recognized by the International arcVision Prize for Women and Architecture.

Q&A

Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?
I’d rather be able to fly

What class did you enjoy most in high school?
Art

Do you get a flu shot?
No

What talent would you most like to have?
To sing