October 11, 2024
John Freitas’ notable 35-year career with Architecture49 is a testament to his dedication, expertise and passion for architecture. Starting early on, John quickly demonstrated his expertise and earned recognition not only for his technical skills but also for his leadership and mentorship capabilities.
A proud professional moment for him came when he was nominated for the Above and Beyond Recognition award in 2019. These company awards honor individuals who show outstanding performance and consistently go the extra mile. This nomination by John’s colleagues highlights his contributions to projects from the Vancouver office. One notable project was the design and construction of the new Hamilton Transit Centre, which marked a significant milestone in his career. Reflecting on this project, John said, “This project was essentially in our backyard, so I was able to see the development from early concept design through to completed building. I was quite involved with the project,” emphasizing his hands-on involvement and personal connection to the work.
Another project dear to John’s heart is the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. He expressed a deep sense of pride in being very involved in its development, sharing how he received positive feedback from friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who now enjoy the remarkable facility.
Colleagues describe John as a key figure in the team, always fostering strong relationships with both clients and coworkers. Sakshi Misra, a colleague, noted, “He’s always struck a great balance of providing support and guidance while encouraging growth and independence. He has played a significant role in my professional development over the years. Although I no longer work as closely with John on projects, I can see the same comfort and growth in our junior colleagues who have been afforded the opportunity to work closely with him.” Furthermore, both Sakshi and Lito Urbano pointed out that John’s sense of humor is another one of his strengths, helping create a positive and comfortable environment for all those around him.
As a mentor, John’s advice to anyone embarking on their journey at A49, or in the field of architecture more broadly, is simple yet profound: “Be curious. Evolve. Take some of that knowledge and apply it to your next project.”
Throughout his tenure with A49, John attributes much of his fulfillment over the last 35 years to the organization’s work culture, which he believes aligns perfectly with his people-oriented nature. Building meaningful connections with others is central to both his personal and professional life. Beyond the office, John is deeply committed to giving back to his community. Every month, he donates plasma to the Canadian Blood Services, a cause that is personal, especially as people in his life have been affected by illness. It’s his way of offering support and making a difference.
John’s career exemplifies the balance of technical expertise, leadership, and compassion. His contributions to A49 and the broader community, along with his dedication to mentorship and personal growth, continue to leave a lasting impact. For John, success is not only about delivering exceptional projects but also about fostering connections, both in the workplace and beyond.