Ever since she was a child, Nicole Maurer had a keen interest in architecture.

Maurer, a 2015 graduate of Humber Polytechnic’s Architectural Technology program, remembers going for walks with her parents as a child and, when she saw a home that interested her, wanting to go up and knock on the front door and ask the homeowners if she could go for a tour of it.

By the time she got to middle school, she knew she wanted to go into the architecture industry. It combines two of her passions – art and math – and seemed like a natural fit for a career.

When it came to post-secondary, she looked at her options and decided that Humber’s program appealed to her. It had a hands-on approach, plus it offered work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities.

“The professors were excellent, and they were very knowledgeable about the industry,” said Maurer. “They built, to use architecture terms, a really strong foundation and then continued to build on it every semester, which was great.”

Her WIL placement was a tremendous opportunity. Maurer was at residential design firm RN Design in Vaughan and gained a great deal of practical experience in the industry that proved invaluable for her future career. After her placement was over, she began working part-time at the firm during her final year. The day after graduation, she transitioned into a full-time role there and gained five years of hands-on experience in residential design.

Maurer then found a position as a building official with the Municipality of Port Hope and, afterwards, a plans examiner with the City of Pickering.

“Being able to review the design drawings and then go on site and watch the building being built from the foundation up is really quite cool,” said Maurer. “Every day is different and brings new challenges but it’s a wonderful career.”

In her role, Maurer saw firsthand how many homeowners and contractors struggled to navigate Ontario’s Building Code and permit process. Many people wanted to build a deck but didn’t know they needed a permit or what was required under the code. If they contacted an architect or designer, they would often be quoted thousands of dollars to get a drawing done.

Maurer saw there was a need that existed and started by offering simple deck drawings, and demand quickly grew. She pursued the requirements to become a registered design firm and launched 729 Design in February 2023. She offers residential design services and recently expanded to include home inspections.

“My goal is to make the design and permit process clear, approachable, and stress-free.”

More information on Humber’s program can be found at the Architectural Technology website.

Humber Polytechnic is more than just a place for higher education. It's a place where students come to reach their full potential; where they can find the person they knew was in them all along. In this Spotlight Series, part of Humber's The You You Knew Was In You campaign, we're highlighting current students and alumni who found the you that was in them, and gained their edge at Humber. Learn more by visiting humber.ca/you.