Pull Up A Chair: The Design of The Third Place

​Coined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989, a ‘third place’ is a social environment that goes beyond the traditional enclosures of home and work and is designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection. These spaces act as a greeting between the individual and community.

​This panel talk will explore the design and impact of 'third places'. Surrounded by our exhibition, Nice to meet you!, join us for an evening to reflect on the intentional decisions made in the building of these third places.

​We're so excited to by joined by:

• ​Ali McQuaid Mitchell – Creative Director at Futurestudio
  
  Ali McQuaid Mitchell is the founder of Futurestudio, a leading design firm based in Toronto. Her and her team provide a forward-thinking approach, deeply committed to creating spaces that anticipate and respond to changing lifestyles and environmental needs.
  
  Driven by a vision that blends contemporary aesthetics with enduring relevance, Ali aims to redefine how interiors can adapt to the future while remaining timeless. Ali’s dedication to creating spaces that reflect her clients' personalities and lifestyles has earned her a reputation as one of Toronto’s most sought-after designers.
  
  Through Futurestudio, she explores innovative materials and technologies, continuously pushing the boundaries of design to create environments that resonate beyond the Present.
  

• ​Shanik Tanna – Creative Producer & Co-Founder at Recess Community
  
  Shanik is a creative producer based in Toronto, best known for co-founding Recess Community, a space dedicated to play, learning, and connection. His work sits between visual storytelling, and community-led spaces, with a focus on creating environments that feel calm, inclusive, and alive. Shanik has produced dozens of workshops and community experiences that prioritize curiosity, and care. He's especially interested in how community spaces can support both creative confidence and collective experimentation.
  

• ​Blair Francey RGD – Senior Designer at Trajectory Brands Inc.
  
  Blair has been the Senior Designer at Trajectory Brands Inc. since 2017. Prior to that, he ran his own business, BFdesign, for a decade. His impressive breadth of experience spans identity systems, digital and web applications, publications, marketing programs, interactive presentations and environmental applications for not-for-profits, arts & culture, education and places-based clients.
  
  After graduating from the playwriting program at the National Theatre School of Canada, Blair turned his powerful storytelling skills to design. In 2012, he graduated with Distinction from Goldsmiths, University of London with a Masters of Arts (Design: Critical Practice). The program allowed him to explore his love of civic engagement and city-building through the intersection of design. His thesis project examined what building a city transit system from a user perspective first, rather than infrastructure, would look like. The experience, along with volunteering his time at the Ministry of Stories in London, led him to co-found Department of Imaginary Affairs in Toronto, a not-for-profit focused on civic engagement programs for youth and newcomers.
  
  Along with his full-time work, Blair is a Part-time Professor at George Brown Polytechnic's School of Design teaching in both the Brand Design (Honours Bachelor) and Graphic Design (Advanced Diploma) programs. He is also a Director of Innovators for Langley Foods Inc. He became a member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Canada (RGD) in November 2024.

​Light refreshments will be served! 🥂