ABOUT US
Good Standing Architects is a full-service architecture and design firm based in Toronto. Co-founded by Joanne Myers and Jessie Shifman in 2024, Good Standing brings a combined four decades of experience to each project. Good Standing’s experience goes beyond the architecture. We have formed strong relationships with top-tier contractors, skilled trades, consultants, and suppliers that help bring design to life.
WHO WE ARE
Good design can transform any space. With a respect for context and scale, we are dedicated to creating spaces that are as welcoming and expressive as they are practical. Every design is a thoughtful and personal solution to the project in front of us.
Why we do what we do
Our approach is collaborative and transparent. The process begins at the early planning stages when we understand the goals and intents of the project and extends through design, permitting and construction. We’re with you every step of the way, offering a higher level of service and organization. But the real secret to our process isn’t a secret at all: We sincerely love what we do, and our passion about design and building is something we bring to every project.
How we do it
JESSIE SHIFMAN
PARTNER, ARCHITECT OAA MRAIC
Jessie grew up in Toronto and studied architecture at the University of Toronto. In 2002 she began a 20-year career at Diamond Schmitt Architects, working on large to small projects like the Four Seasons Centre for the Arts, Michael Garron Hospital, Holy Blossom Temple, Museum Station, and the Li Ka Shing Shuter St. bridge. But the project Jessie is most proud of is starting Good Standing Architects. Jessie is always happy to catch up with clients, contractors and consultants, except at 7:30 when she’s watching Jeopardy.
JOANNE MYERS
PARTNER, ARCHITECT OAA MRAIC
Joanne is a licensed architect and a member of the Ontario Association of Architects and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. A graduate of McGill University’s Bachelor and Masters programs in Architecture, Joanne has lived and worked in New York, Chicago, Toronto, and Colorado. After 15 years at prestigious architecture firms across North America, Joanne founded her own practice in 2016 while balancing the needs of her family. The only thing that can stop her are highways that begin with the number 4.
gillian tyrrell
ARCHITECT OAA
Gillian is a licensed architect and a member of the Ontario Association of Architects and the Toronto Society of Architects. She joined Good Standing, formerly Joanne Myers Architect in 2018, working from Joanne’s dining room table. A graduate of the University of Waterloo Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Masters of Architecture programs, she’s had the opportunity to live and work internationally at practices in New York, Europe and across Canada. With 15 years of experience, Gillian is detail oriented and creative, putting thought and care into each phase of a project, from initial design to final completion. Hobbies include going to bed early, swapping small talk for life’s burning questions, and the pursuit of the perfect cup of tea: the correct answer is strong and milky, no sugar.
NINA DJURKOVIC
ASSOCIATE
Nina holds a Masters in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York City, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and Art History from the University of Toronto. After working at several renowned firms, she joined Joanne Myers Architects in 2022, bringing with her a passion for modern interiors and retrofits. When she’s not architect-ing, Nina is likely thinking about what/where she’s going to eat next.
BERNADETTE ROSANO
INTERN ARCHITECT
Bernadette completed her Bachelor of Architectural Science and Master of Architecture at Toronto Metropolitan University where she focussed her thesis on reuse of existing buildings. She joined Good Standing Architects, formerly Joanne Myers Architect, in 2021 after finishing her Bachelor’s degree. Bernadette is also the GSA resident consultant for all things pop culture and skin care.