ARCHITECTURE - Key Persons
Growing up in the small fishing village of Murray Harbour, PEI, Cassie developed a strong sense of community and connection to the land and sea. Her carpenter father exposed her from a young age to construction sites where she became fascinated with watching buildings come to life. In 2013, Cassie completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Prince Edward Island before making the short migration to Halifax to carry out her dream of an architectural education. At Dalhousie University, she earned a master's degree in architecture in 2019 and returned to PEI to begin her career.
Cassie joined 9Y in 2022 as an Intern Architect and brings the logical rigor of her math background to her architectural work. She enjoys the act of problem solving and is constantly searching out patterns and seeking to improve processes. In the future, she hopes to explore how architecture intersects with island communities to empower their sustainable futures. In her free time, she enjoys nature hikes with her partner and dog, exploring new areas of the Island by kayak, reading, and working in her garden.
Growing up in Prince Edward Island's organic outskirts, Fraser developed a strong relationship with the natural sensations of his surroundings at a young age. His family shares close connections to nature and craftsmanship, providing Fraser with early exposure to the worlds of exploration and imagination. Fraser's love of design originates from these opportunities to create and cultivate our natural surroundings.
In 2016, Fraser attended Holland College's Architectural Technology Program. He then earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies degree in 2020 and a Master of Architecture degree in 2022, both from The School of Architecture at Dalhousie University. Fraser joined Nine Yards in 2022 as an Intern Architect, bringing valuable views about the interplay of architecture with nature, knowledge, tradition, culture, and community.
Fraser loves cuisine, photography, art, and music, and uses these passions to keep his creativity sharp and relative. In his free time, he enjoys photographing nature, historic barns, and wildlife; seeking out new Cafes; backcountry hiking; testing new soup recipes; and party planning for his social circle.
After attending the University of Alberta, Jacqueline graduated from Sheridan College's Multimedia Program in 2003. In addition to her duties as the office manager, Jacqueline works together with the firm's partners to design proposals and draft project specifications. She works closely with the production managers to administer all stages of the projects and oversees all office procedures. Jacqueline is also an avid amateur genealogist (one who studies family lineages), a testament to her finely tuned organizational skills, and is in the process of achieving her certification in genealogy.
Having grown up on Prince Edward Island and studied in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Larry returned to PEI to practice architecture in 1972. He opened his own practice in 1976, eventually joining with 3 other firms in 2000 to form BGHJ Architects. With experience in design and project management spanning 45 years, including various international projects, Larry retired from the active profession in 2017 and now consults with Nine Yards Studio on projects of interest as an emeritus member of the firm.
When not at work, Larry and Sarah can be found travelling around the world, enjoying both the experience and the architecture of other cultures.
Having grown up on PEI and studied in Halifax, Larry returned to practice Architecture on the Island in 1972. He opened his own practice in 1976, eventually joining with…
Mark was born and raised in Charlottetown. After living in Banff for a couple years chasing snow, Mark returned to PEI to attend the Construction Technology Program at Holland College. After graduation, he worked as a surveyor on the Confederation Bridge followed by a position at MF Schurman Company filling various roles from cost estimation to General Management.
After a decade at MF Schurman Company, Mark started his own company doing Industrial and Commercial project management and custom residential construction with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Mark gained unique construction management experience with large multi-year institutional health care projects including the Prince County Hospital and Ambulatory Care Addition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Most recently, he took a break from the construction industry and managed the Engineering, Project Management and Quality Assurance departments for a large craft beer equipment manufacturer supplying product around the world.
Mark specializes in bringing structure to organizations through process and documentation. He is inspired by collaborative problem solving to facilitate successful project delivery and exceed client expectations. Mark enjoys outdoor adventures with his family including skiing, mountain biking and camping.
Job Titles:
- Intern Architect
- Nine Yards Studio As an Intern Architect
Raised in Saint-Petersburg Russia, Natasha received her degree in Architecture and Urban Design in 2010 from the Saint-Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. Natasha moved to Prince Edward Island in 2016 and instantly fell in love with its tranquil nature.
In 2019 Natasha joined Nine Yards Studio as an intern architect. She enjoys the design process and is inspired by contemporary and Scandinavian design and the use of natural materials. She seeks to find ergonomic solutions within her space layouts; thinking of space as a multi-functional complex that should have the ability to adapt to individual needs.
Natasha adores hiking and exploring with her husband and two dogs; Darwin an 11-month-old Australian Labradoodle and Varvara a 3-year-old Dachshund. Natasha enjoys felting and making jewelry with local wool; she also has the tendency to repaint something in her house every 3 months.
Job Titles:
- Architect / Partner 9y Studio
Shallyn was born and raised on PEI and graduated with a Masters in Architecture from Dalhousie University in 2012. Her background includes a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Dalhousie University and a diploma in Engineering from the University of Prince Edward Island/Deakin University in Australia. Shallyn worked as a student architect at Iredale Architecture in Victoria, BC and after graduation worked at BGHJ Architects where she was involved with the programming and design of many contemporary office spaces and commercial projects. Shallyn became a registered Architect in 2014 and created Nine Yards Studio with partner Silva Stojak in 2017.
Shallyn has a love for the programming and design of sophisticated, contemporary spaces, performing interior fit-ups for many niche retail shops and high end offices around the City. She has a particular interest in social architecture and local vernacular/craft, which has led her to many community projects and travel research expeditions including a two month design-build project with Dalhousie University in Ladakh, India and five weeks of research in the floating villages of Cambodia studying traditional amphibious design techniques.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Lead Architectural Technologist
Sheri is a true islander, born and raised in Winsloe, PEI. She joined the firm in September of 2000, after graduating from the Architectural Technologist program at Holland College. Sheri also holds a certificate as an Engineering Technologist. Over the past decade, Sheri has played an important role in developing the studio's production standards, procedures, and training, as well as mentoring staff. She is a key member of the implementation team for 3D building information systems and architectural technology. Sheri's attention to detail is an integral part of Nine Yards' ability to deliver complex projects with the detail and accuracy that clients require and expect.
Sheri is a wife and a proud mother of two boys and considers Nine Yards to be an extension of her family.
Sheri is a true Islander, born in raised in North Winsloe, PEI. She joined the firm in September of 2000….
Job Titles:
- Architect / Partner 9Y Studio
- Architects
Hailing from the social/cultural center and capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Silva received her architecture degree from the University of Sarajevo in 1987. Silva moved to Waterloo, Ontario in 1990 and worked with Rieder, Hymmen & Lobban Architects until 1997. Silva relocated to Prince Edward Island for a position with Guimond & Associates leading up to their incorporation into BGHJ Architects and in 2017 co-created Nine Yards Studio with partner Shallyn Murray.
Rarely without a pencil in hand, Silva's experience and expertise stretch the cultural gamut of politics, art, geography, architectural theory, and aesthetics. Silva values the architectural qualities of light and transparency above all others and has gained a reputation in the Maritimes for innovative and forward-thinking design ideas, a commitment to urban development/community work and a love for all things design.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Technologist
Tatiana was born in Leningrad and raised in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. She attended the Saint-Petersburg Mining University in 1990 where she studied Hydrogeology and Civil Engineering. After living in Russia for 25 years, Tatiana spent 16 years in Israel where she studied Architectural Technology. In 2010, Tatiana moved to Canada and worked as an architectural technologist. She joined Nine Yards Studio in 2019 and is inspired by architectural designs that incorporate natural elements.
Tatiana enjoys experimenting and collecting interesting recipes from around the world, priding herself most in her rye bread skills. She also enjoys hiking in nature, picking berries and foraging for mushrooms with her miniature dachshund, Yoshi.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Lead Architectural Technologist
Having grown up in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Terry moved to PEI to attend Holland College's Architectural Technology Program and has been working as an architectural technologist on the Island for over 16 years. Terry is a certified Engineering Technologist highly accomplished at 3D modeling and won a bronze medal in a national architectural skills competition held in Vancouver, BC.
Terry enjoys taking on unique design challenges with a profound interest in exploring the architectural detail and is extremely innovative in the design of new contemporary details for custom projects. Terry is well versed in the construction industry and has been the construction administrator/project manager on many of the firms larger projects.