About
Foreshew Design Associates
Foreshew Design Associates (FDA) is a growing team of experienced architectural, interior and structural design professionals located in Port Carling, Ontario. The projects that are designed within our boutique firm reflect our dedication and passion for developing luxury primary residences & vacation residences locally, as well as abroad.
By founding the firm in a location of such unsurpassed natural beauty as Muskoka, FDA is constantly being inspired and reminded to integrate the structures they design within their natural surroundings.
FDA is aware that each project retained brings with it a unique challenge. This opportunity allows us to create compelling architectural, interior and structural design solutions that result in aesthetically pleasing spaces for our clients to enjoy.
Our Team
Our talented group of diverse architectural, interior and structural designers
are committed to excellence in design and are highly responsive to the needs of our clients. By mixing our construction expertise with the care that our projects demand, FDA is confident in creating something amazing for our clients.
Alex Foreshew
CEO & Principal Designer
As founding principal of Foreshew Design Associates Inc, Alex takes great pride in both the work of his firm and his team collective. He is dedicated to creating extraordinary projects that are influenced by a relaxed lake lifestyle blended with an active mountain culture.
With several years of experience, Alex strongly believes a foundation of on-site construction experience mixed with a healthy knowledge of architectural style, aesthetics and creativity breeds excellence in design. Alex’s work ethic, motivation to push the boundaries and positive attitude towards change ensure FDA’s clients receive the best service imagined when it comes to planning and designing their project.
Kailey Orr
Office Administrator & EA to Alex Foreshew
After graduating from Brock University with a degree in Sports Management, Kailey continued to develop her management skills over the following years in the retail and customer service industry. After travelling, and living in both beautiful British Columbia and Newfoundland, she decided to move back to Ontario to be close to family. With a passion for outdoor activities and an appreciation of nature, Muskoka was a perfect transition back home.
Kailey’s attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to go above and beyond to ensure a positive customer service experience made for a great fit within the FDA team. Being surrounded by creatives and part of the concept-to-creation journey is an ever-motivating driver to succeed.
Andres Ponce
Senior Project Designer
Originally from South America, Andres is an Architect that comes with a dynamic perspective of the business. He brings new and exciting ideas to the firm that incorporate sustainable options and a modern design vision that complements Muskoka living.
Andres has worked in three different countries and developed a reputation for excellence in the management and delivery of projects that fully respond to client needs. His 15+ years in the millwork industry combined with his building design skills make the perfect combination to understand all aspects of the project.
Andres is passionate about design and continuous learning, with a curiosity for the unknown and daring to try new things.
James Suttak
Project Designer
Following his passion and desire for an outdoor lifestyle, James moved to Muskoka in 2017 after graduating from the Architectural Technology program at Sheridan College. James was intrigued not only by all his fishing spot possibilities, but also by the variety of architectural styles and the sense of community in the area. His passion for architecture comes from his combined interests of science and art. Always striving for excellence, his strong foundation and understanding of building science, building technical design and construction plays an important role here at FDA.
Kelly Hann
Project Designer & Visualizer
Growing up in Pickering, Ontario, and spending his summers in the Kawartha Lakes, Kelly always had an affinity for the ‘Lake Life’. His experiences in these settings would ultimately influence his design ethos of the synergetic co-existence between the built and natural worlds.
He began his pursuance of design at Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture, graduating with both a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Architecture. Following his graduation, Kelly continued to expand on his design skillset by exploring different 3D software. With his proficiency in both 2D and 3D media, Kelly is able to take a design concept from drawing to photorealistic rendering as FDA’s Lead Visualizer.
Gillian Chalmers
Project Designer
Following her degree in Architectural Technology at Georgian College, Gillian moved to the Muskoka area from a small town in Southern Ontario. Gillian has had a passion for architecture since a young age and in addition to her degree expanded her knowledge through a Construction Skills Major Program, work experience in construction retail, and multiple architecture internships.
As she sees it, architecture is more than just forms of materials; it is a form of art capable of making an impact on the present and future. Her goal is to continue to learn, create, and take on new challenges for projects at the base of FDA in the northern cottage country, as well as many other landscapes.
Massimo DeFrancesco
Project Designer
Since graduating with an advanced diploma in Architectural Technology at George Brown College in 2019, Massimo has gained valuable experience working on various low-rise residential projects around the GTA. This allowed him to hone his skills in drafting and building code compliance.
Massimo is now looking to take his career to new heights in the picturesque Muskoka area. He is eager to showcase his technical skills, as well as his creativity. Most importantly, Massimo is thrilled about all the extra snowmobiling that now comes with Muskoka living.
Amanda Sipos
Project Designer
With a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Architecture – Project and Facility Management from Conestoga College, Amanda leverages several years of hands-on experience guiding projects through the entire design and construction process.
With a background in mid to high-rise residential projects, Amanda has a strong understanding of design efficiency and sustainability. She is eager to transfer these skills into the crafting of bespoke luxury cottages and to contribute to the unique visions that Foreshew Design Associates brings to life. A primary goal of hers is to promote a positive integration of the built and natural environment that improves the occupants’ overall sense of well-being.
Beyond the design studio, Amanda is passionate about learning, exploring new places, and capturing moments through photography.
Zachary Vieira
Construction Coordinator
Bringing over two decades of experience in the construction industry, Zach possesses a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in building luxury projects, delving deep into the finer nuances of the construction process. Since becoming a part of the FDA team, Zach has taken the helm in assisting with the design details, ensuring their preservation throughout the construction phase, and translating designs into practical and executable building solutions.
Away from the hustle of on-site project oversight and office-based detailing, Zach embraces his passion for the winter season atop snowy hills with his snowboard. During the warmer seasons, you can find him hitting the open roads with his motorcycle. And in moments of leisure, Zach is often accompanied by his loyal companion, Ipo.
Brandon Little
Marketing Manager
Originally born in California but raised in the rustic Muskoka area, Brandon has always valued the small-town charm that the area has to offer. Prior to joining FDA, Brandon gained hands-on marketing experience at two of the top law firms in Canada, which taught him how to conduct himself in a professional setting. Now, he helps oversee all marketing efforts that the firm pursues.
After graduating with a BA from Wilfrid Laurier University, he obtained a Certificate in Digital Marketing from BrainStation to hone his digital skills. His passion for marketing stems from his interest in building the brand of a business through a sleek and appealing fashion in a way that simply cannot be ignored. With a strong foundation and understanding in digital marketing, Brandon believes the strongest way to build a brand is through captivating content.
