Stasia Stempski

Born in Ontario, Stasia has an interesting past, having spent her childhood living throughout the Caribbean and East Africa. Following in the footsteps of her father, a town planner, Stasia was exposed early in her childhood to the opportunities of engagement for community improvement, community service, rural environment, and appreciation of cultural values. Upon her return to Canada, she pursued her degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph.

After spending her first decade with leading firms in destination and attractions work, she partnered with Sean Kelly creating the firm Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. – embarking on an ambitious journey to provide design planning services to small town and rurally-situated communities. Twenty years later, she continues to contribute to the firm’s (now pl.ural) community projects in areas of studio leadership, detailed design, graphic presentation and general project management. Her interests include special need markets and special consideration environments and has developed a respected expertise in wayfinding and sign design, and AODA compliance. She has been a tremendous advocate for the many young professionals developing their careers during their time at the firm. Her experience includes a variety of award-winning project work, nationally and internationally.

Stasia also has an affinity for plants: tree identity and assessment, vegetation analysis, and planting design. She has worked with many horticultural trades’ leaders throughout North America, and has taught at the University of Guelph for over a decade, offering courses to landscape architecture students, including plant identification and planting design.

Having been involved with ponies since her early teens, Stasia’s side-passion has been the championing for youth development through equestrian activities with her involvement in an international voluntary youth organization for young people interested in ponies and riding.