Esther Varkay

I am a graduate of McGill University’s School of Architecture and Harvard GSD’s AMDP program, with professional experience spanning Europe, Canada, the United States, and Senegal.

At the start of my career in Denmark I worked with Wilhelm Wohlert architects and had the opportunity to experience the driving philosophy of leading architects who seamlessly integrate functionalism, craftsmanship, sustainability, and human-centered design. Their approach—emphasizes the quality of space, the thoughtful use of natural light, a consistent connection to nature, and the refinement of detail through natural materials. This has deeply influenced my design philosophy. It has guided my pursuit of a balanced dialogue between modern innovation within historical and cultural contexts.

Upon returning to Canada, I worked at Dan Hanganu Architects on the development of housing, cultural, institutional, and commercial projects across a range of scales with a strong emphasis on their urban context. Many of these projects were secured through competitions, and completed works received recognition and awards for their sustainable design. This sustainability extended beyond functional performance and material selection, encompassing a lasting architectural quality.

In the United States, while consulting for Esocoff Architects and later for Shalom Baranes Architects, I focused on the design and implementation of large-scale mixed-use and urban revitalization projects. These initiatives emphasized contemporary and culturally significant architecture within historic Washington D.C. neighborhoods undergoing transformation. Subsequently my career focused on client representation and project management for key institutions, including the French International School and the International Finance Corporation in Washington, DC. The French International School—a U.S. nonprofit educational foundation—serves over 1,100 international students annually. In response to the needs of two complex stakeholder groups—institutional and the French government —I held fiduciary responsibilities for all school operations. This included leading efforts to secure a multi-million-dollar public tax-exempt bond financing, and obtaining approvals from local civic organizations and county governments for the development of a master plan campus. My leadership resulted in the successful delivery of both nursery, and high school campus expansions.

In 2010, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, initiated a project to develop the first Net Zero office complex in Dakar, Senegal. As the project manager, I undertook the following: land identification and acquisition, bid selection and contract management of a leading international architectural firm, and the oversight of the multi-million-dollar project budget from concept through construction. The complex, designed by David Adjaye in collaboration with international consultants AKTII and Interface Engineering, exemplifies a state-of-the-art, climate-responsive approach to architecture. Overall, the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and human-centered design.