Andrew Sun

What Program did you graduate from and when? 

Environmental Design, 2008 

What is your current title or role? (e.g. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.) 

Principal, Atelier SUN 

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U? 

It was a happy accident. I applied to Sheridan for Animation and Illustration and didn’t know what I would want to do besides that. I checked the career possibilities for Animation and was happy about the possible outcomes. I also applied to York University for Graphic Design and OCAD University for Illustration. I was accepted to York U and OCAD U and put a portfolio together. I started at OCAD U in Illustration in 2004. There was a foundational program and I took Howard Gerry’s – 3D class. I decided to switch programs after that and switched to Environmental Design. In my 3rd year, I found my passion for Architecture and Interior Design. I grew up with Architects but didn’t previously have any interest before taking this 3D class. 

Please briefly describe your current job/practice. 

Atelier SUN was founded in 2020, but I have been maintaining my practice since 2013. Situated in Toronto, Atelier SUN works with residential architecture, commercial interiors, industrial design, photography and graphics. Atelier SUN focuses on the essential meaning of the space that has a strong connection to culture and aesthetics. My main focus is on building client relationships, team management and design. 

How did you get started in your career?  

I was an international student and had to find a job within 3 months of graduating. I sent out a lot of resumes. I was lucky that John David Edison (an OCAD U alumni) interviewed me for a position in his company. I started my role as Junior Interior Designer a week after the interview. As a student I didn’t do any internships and instead opted to go home to visit my family, however, I would encourage students to do internships.  

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work? 

I would encourage students to do internships to gain experience. At Atelier SUN, we believe in paid work for internships. We don’t want to take advantage of students. The level of work they are providing should be compensated. I believe there should be value when volunteering. In 2015 I was asked to design a booth at the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). We asked OCAD U student volunteers to help with putting everything together. We weren’t getting paid and neither were the students, but they (the students) were able to get letters of recommendation from IDC. 

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work? 

I enjoy unexpected creation. I believe in collaboration, listening to client needs and delivering projects that meet client expectations.  

Budget is often challenging. Sometimes the budget requires us to be extraordinarily creative to execute within the given budget. 

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently? 

I maintain contact with past classmates. OCAD U helped me find my passion. Some of my professors were so passionate, it rubbed off on me. Because of them, I was willing to study and be better. One of those that had a big impact on me was Stuart Reid. I believe that to have your own practice or to be a top Designer, you need passion to drive you.  

What is important for the field when getting a job are your technical skills. OCAD U provides a lot of design thinking, which makes OCAD U students stand out from students at other universities. 

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?  

For the first 6-7 years of my career, my key responsibilities were receiving tasks and getting them done. Now that I’m further on in my career, I’m doing more communication and team management. When you have your own practice, you wear many hats. 

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years? 

To develop the business and hit our target revenue number. We want to grow as a Creative Design Firm. My personal goal is to develop the skills required to achieve my professional goals. I would like to give back to the community through mentoring and sharing my experiences with OCAD U students. My goal is to help more students find their passion.