The President’s Award of Recognition was presented to
LESLIE M. KLEIN
in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the advancement of Land Economics
The 2022 President’s Award of Recognition was presented to Les Klein at the Simcoe Chapter’s Annual Meeting held at the University Club of Toronto on January 10, 2023.
A founder and principal of BDP Quadrangle, Les is committed to the notion that urban design, city building and architectural excellence all play important roles in maintaining and enhancing quality of life for the entire community. Les also holds the position of BDP Quadrangle Studio Head and in this role he oversees progress of the firm’s strategic plan.
Les has Bachelor of Science degrees in Arts & Design and in Mathematics and a Master of Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
His work in innovative residential development for diverse populations, the adaptive reuse of existing structures and the creation of dynamic environments for ideas-based private sector entrepreneurs has greatly influenced the growth and success of the firm. Much of this work is focused on master planning, urban housing, broadcast and media facilities, work environments and hotels.
A firm believer in sharing knowledge, Les lectures extensively at professional conferences and seminars. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design.
In 1994, Les was honoured by his peers with election to the College of Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC). He joined the Simcoe Chapter of Lambda Alpha International in 2012.
Among his numerous professional volunteer activities, he has served as Chair of the Ontario Fire Code Commission and the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Complaints Committee, and on the OAA Discipline Committee. He served on the National Board of Directors of the RAIC from 2011 to 2016 representing Southwest Ontario. In 2014, he was honoured by the Ontario Association of Architects with the Order of Da Vinci for service to the profession and the community. In 2018, he was named Chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto District Council.
