Cameron Toler
Lecturer in Architecture
- Biography
Cameron Toler, RA, NOMA, is a New York based architect with roots in California. His work includes affordable housing, large-scale photovoltaic arrays, high-end residential, forensic architecture, and community engagement.
He believes everyone deserves access to good design and strives to bring community members and young people into the design process. In 2014 he started an annual week-long Youth Architecture Camp for underrepresented youth of color. The camp is held at UC Berkeley and partners with CED, AIA East Bay, and the Fam 1st Family Foundation to teach design-thinking, fundamentals, and leadership to 11-14 year olds. He also partnered with the Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, NY to create a community centered “Nature Lab” in which they host classes and environmental justice events. By empowering local teens to lead group discussion and listen to a diverse coalition of neighbors, city officials, and local residents, they laid the groundwork for transformative change at a hyperlocal level. In collaboration with Professor Jeremiah Tolbert and Professor Trapenberg Frick, he designed an undergraduate course titled, Community Design and Empowerment Process (ED131). He also serves as Director of Impact on the board of the Open Architecture Collaborative, New York. They provide pro bono design-build services to community based organizations, and provide opportunities for emerging, younger designers to lead on small impactful projects.