Paul Andrew Stevens (August 23, 1963 – August 4, 2025) suddenly, on a warm summer night on his beloved farm in Prince Edward County, the place and time he loved best. Loving father of Noah Cai, Jonathan Lukas, Rhys Hartmann and Edan Jude Lister-Stevens (with his wife Nina-Marie Lister of 18 years), and later, in new found love with his wife, Tanya Phillipps-Stevens. Oldest dear brother to Jeff (Marlo) Christopher (Magali) and Natalie (JayR), adored uncle to Jack, Chloe, Noémie, Salomé, Liam, Adrian, Mayte, Massimo, Luciano and Stella; and beloved eldest son of Gerald “Gerry” (Astrid) Stevens and Louise Stevens (Flewelling).

Born and raised in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Paul was kind, everyone’s friend, and always the prankster: life of the party, and a shoulder to lean on. A talented Junior B hockey player, a football player, and the guy who’d drive you home (probably in his mom’s car after he took the keys when she wasn’t looking). Seeking adventure in the big city, Paul studied architecture and graduated from the University of Toronto (class of 1987). He quickly established himself as a designer of public space and civic architecture. Paul launched his career at the firm that would become ZAS Architects and bear his last name. As Executive Principal of ZAS, he lead the design of some of the most important civic structures, and public spaces in Toronto, from schools to community centres, sports facilities and libraries to university campus buildings and city halls across Ontario, and around the world from Dubai to Shanghai. Paul was a gentle, proud, generous and respected leader in the Canadian architectural community. The spaces and places he designed continue to inspire and delight, for education, live, work and play.
Paul was a lover of all sports, a talented artist, and an exceptional designer. He never met someone whose golf swing he could not improve, someone he could not beat in a game of pool on his antique snooker table, or a shirt that was too bold to wear (and ideally, one which could be torn off while manicuring the farm he designed and loved dearly). An artist and a creative at heart, Paul expressed passion in all aspects of his life, from his command of every barbeque he touched, to countless friendships built over good food and a bottle of wine.

Paul was our Papa, husband, brother, uncle, teammate, mentor, friend, comic, dancer (the “Hustler”), sartorialist, artist, architect, leader, lover of food, wine, travel and golf (and a good party anytime). He lived large, loved generously, laughed well — and left us too soon. We miss him dearly. Cheers to you Papa, Paul, and to your wild blue yonder, beyond.

A celebration of Paul’s life and work will be held in the fall in Toronto, date to be announced. Friends, family and colleagues, all welcome. Trees planted in Paul’s memory are encouraged.