Shea brings a blend of curiosity, rigour, and humour to every project he touches. As an Associate and Project Architect at GEC, he’s known for his thoughtful design sensibility and his ability to transform complex needs into meaningful spaces. Based in Edmonton, Shea has been part of GEC since 2023 and has quickly become a trusted collaborator across the firm’s residential, post-secondary, and civic work.
A graduate of the University of Calgary, where he completed both his Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and his Master of Architecture, Shea also holds LEED AP BD+C and WELL AP credentials. He believes deeply in the power of design to serve communities — not just as structures, but as spaces that foster a sense of belonging and pride. His recent work in supportive and affordable housing has been especially fulfilling, as it allows him to help create homes that meet essential needs while enhancing the fabric of their neighbourhoods.
Intentionality is the cornerstone of Shea’s design philosophy. Every decision—from material selection to massing—must have purpose, rooted in thoughtfulness and care. He thrives in the early stages of design, where ideas flow freely, and the story of a building begins to take shape. That narrative element is central to his process: each project, he believes, should tell a clear story about who it serves and why it exists.
Collaborative and quick-witted, Shea brings energy and levity to his teams. He’s the kind of colleague who balances deep technical insight with a knack for keeping meetings light—often the one to crack a joke while proposing the most elegant solution in the room.
Outside of work, Shea’s creative curiosity continues. He’s an avid photographer, with a keen eye for composition and storytelling through imagery, and a lifelong lover of science and technology. If he weren’t an architect, he says he’d be an astronaut—a fitting dream for someone who never stops exploring. Whether he’s behind a camera, immersed in a book, or deep in design, Shea is always searching for meaning, connection, and the next great idea.