“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.

Robert A. Heinlein

SUMO project is a multi-disciplinary studio which practice focuses on the integration of Art, Architecture and Urban Design. Believing that that “specialization is for insects”, we find opportunities in unusual places, to explore how  our creative practice can contribute to improve the spaces we inhabit, public or private, with the use of art.

We use human-centric design and art to build bridges between spaces and people. Creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments that promote humane interactions and conversations, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness that makes us stronger.

WHAT DO WE DO?

ART CONSULTANT

We work closely with clients, municipalities, stakeholders, and consultants to incorporate or integrate art in public and private spaces, in a meaningful way –helping artist play a part in influencing, transforming, and improving the spaces that we experience daily.

We believe in the power of Art to transform ordinary spaces into active places that are exciting to use, learn and visit, contributing with a sense of togetherness and wellbeing.

DESIGN CONSULTANT

Good design is about creating a positive experience, influencing the way we think, operate, and feel.  We have human-centric approach to design—all around us, from a city to a lamp, we first understand the human, their needs, process, background and context  to propose solutions that are specific to the place or space (public or private),  improving their daily experience.

SERVICES

PUBLIC ART CONSULTING

  • Creative Vision and Engagement
  • Detailed Public Art Plan
  • Artist Selection
  • Artworks Development
  • Final Documentation

ART STRATEGY

  • Creative Vision/Approach
  • Spatial Art Strategy
  • Art Integration
  • Implementation Roadmap

ART CURATION

  • Acquisitions
  • Commissioned site-specific works
  • Large-scale murals
  • Sculptural works
  • Custom installations

URBAN DESIGN

  • Urban Strategies & Design
  • Master Planning
  • Pilot Projects
  • Implementation Roadmap
  • Art Integration

DESIGN

  • Design Thinking
  • Concepts
  • Prototyping
  • Testing
studio

Our Studio is supported by exceptional team of professionals in the fields of art consulting and curation, community engagement, Indigenous relations, design, architecture, landscape architecture and structural engineering, among other disciplines. We like to tailor the teams to the projects needs, to provide unique solutions

Gaston Soucy and Ruth A. Mora are Architects registered with the Ontario Association of Architects with Master degrees from the University of Toronto in Urban Design and Architecture + Fine Arts respectively. Their combined experience includes architectural, urban, landscape and industrial design projects as well as curatorship, art and installations.

Ruth A Mora
BArch. MArch.OAA MFA LEEDap
Lead Designer-Art Integration

Gastón A Soucy
B.Arch., MUD, OAA
Architecture-Urban Design Lead

Pedro A Mora
B.Arch. Construction Technologist
Image and Media Associate

We love to collaborate, cross pollinate, interweave… and use the multiple and varied perspective to maintain the benefits of breadth, diverse experience, interdisciplinary thinking to  figure out what type of approach is best  before arriving to a solution