Theodore Oyama, also known as Theo or Ted, is a Montreal based architect and founder of oyama, an architecture and design practice established in early 2021. Born in 1989 and raised in Montreal's West Island suburbs, Theodore studied architecture at McGill University, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees. He spent a semester on exchange in Brussels and traveled through Romania on a school scholarship, visiting the towns where his mother's family had lived before the Second World War.
While in school, Theodore spent several years working for a Montreal residential contractor, gaining carpentry experience that continues to inform his design approach. After graduating in 2015, he worked at a large Montreal architecture office, then taught studio courses at McGill.
In May 2019, Theodore joined Renzo Piano Building Workshop, splitting time between the firm's New York and Paris offices on a Columbia University project. When RPBW closed its New York office in October 2020, he returned to Montreal and soon launched his own practice.
Theodore is a licensed architect in Quebec and a Certified Passive House Designer. He builds passive house principles into his standard approach, favoring materials such as mineral wool and wood fiber over spray foam, and works closely with contractors and clients to balance performance with design. His published work, including the residence Waterhouse, was developed with fellow architect Julia Manaças. He focuses on residential work in Quebec while expanding into commercial projects.
Outside of practice, Theodore takes canoe camping trips in Algonquin Park and hikes in the Adirondacks. He lives in Montreal with his partner and family.
OYAMA
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