Umber Talks
Umber Talks brings together the voices shaping the future of real estate, design, and business. From celebrated architects and city-builders to leading academics, and bold entrepreneurs, each episode uncovers the stories, strategies, and philosophies behind their success.
Umber Talks
Barry J. Hobin on Greystone Village, Placemaking, and City Building
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In this episode, Shaun Denis sits down for a second time with Barry Hobin, founding partner of Hobin Architecture and one of the most influential architects and urban planners in Ottawa’s modern development history.
Recorded inside Greystone Village overlooking ongoing construction, Barry shares the story behind one of Ottawa’s most thoughtfully designed communities. What was once the former Oblate Fathers lands has evolved into a walkable, mixed-use neighbourhood centred around gentle density, public space, landscape integration, and connection to the Rideau River.
This conversation explores how Greystone Village was master planned, and how architecture extends far beyond the buildings themselves. Barry explains the importance of creating communities that encourage walkability, family life, and human-scale urbanism.
Shaun and Barry also discuss the future of Ottawa development, including:
- LeBreton Flats
- Confederation Heights
- Tunney’s Pasture
- Gladstone Village
- New Edinburgh
- Transit-oriented intensification
- The future of Lansdowne and the Ottawa Senators arena discussions
Barry also reflects on decades of shaping Ottawa through projects like Greystone Village, Hudson Park, Somerset Court, Westboro Station, and Zibi, while sharing his philosophy on architecture, placemaking, and what makes a city truly livable.
Welcome back to the Umber Talks Podcast, Barry Hobin.