University of Toronto Grad Fiorella Granda on Design, Illustration, and the Greater Good
Fiorella’s portrait by Buckets & Borders.
By Julia Gamolina
Fiorella Granda is a multidisciplinary designer from Lima, Peru, with a background in architecture, graphic design, and creative illustration. Her portfolio spans from settlement improvement proposals in South America, creating impactful illustrations advocating for women’s sports, to designing Canada’s first WNBA court. Currently, she works as an architectural designer at architects-Alliance, while freelancing in graphic design and illustration, focused on creating illustrations that benefit the greater good. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Toronto.
JG: You recently graduated and are now running your own illustration studio. This is so fun! Tell me about this, and what you're looking forward to as you come out of academia and into professional practice.
FG: My studio, Fiorella Doodles, is a multidisciplinary design hub where I blend my passion for architecture, graphic design, and creative illustration. I focus on projects that use design to make a difference. When I graduated and started working in the architecture and design field, I felt like a piece of my identity was missing as I have been an athlete all my life. To cope with this, I tried to fill those voids by combining my love for sport with design. I got to work on the coolest brands and media outlets such as ESPN and the WNBA. These characteristics made my work unique and this same technique can be applied to anything if you believe in it.
One of the most exciting aspects of running my studio is the creative freedom. I am constantly experimenting with new styles and techniques, and I can choose projects that resonate deeply with my values. For example, designing Canada’s first WNBA court was a dream project that allowed me to merge my love for basketball and design in a meaningful way. As I move forward, I am looking forward to expanding my portfolio and collaborating with more brands and organizations that align with my mission of inclusivity and positive change. I am also eager to mentor young designers and athletes, helping them navigate their paths and find intersections between their passions, much like I have.
“I illustrated everyone’s favorite shoe - the Adidas Samba. It was very interesting researching the history of the shoe as it was designed in the 1950s and still remains a classic. It is always my goal to storytell through my work.” Fiorella Granda. Illustration courtesy of Fiorella Doodles.
Now let's go back a little bit — tell me about why you studied architecture, and how you chose where you studied architecture?
Growing up in Lima, Peru, I was surrounded by vibrant, historical architecture that told the stories of our culture and heritage. My grandfather was also an architect and ran his own practice in Lima. I wanted to be part of that narrative, using design to create spaces that inspire and bring people together.
Choosing the University of Toronto for my studies was an easy decision. The university’s architecture program focuses on design thinking, innovation, and sustainability. The professors were also very personable and the student community was tight-knit. Studying architecture in a dynamic city like Toronto also offered many opportunities for my studies and professional growth. Lastly, the opportunity to be a student-athlete at such a prestigious institution also played a significant role in my decision.
“Being a student-athlete teaches you discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, all qualities that are invaluable in both your professional and personal life. However, you are also a human being. Make sure you’re still having fun.”
Being a student athlete while in a rigorous architecture program is no small feat. What advice would you give to others who are looking to integrate both architecture and athletics into their time in college?
My advice to others would be to embrace both pursuits fully and recognize the unique benefits they bring to your overall development. I’m sure any aspiring student-athlete will hear that time-management is key and it is, however, creating a schedule that works specifically for you and your needs is important. Keep in mind that your schedule will look different from the rest of your peers.
Specifically, I suggest four key elements. First, communicate with your professors and coaches. They understand the demands of both commitments and can offer support and flexibility when needed. Second, prioritize enough rest, nutrition, and recovery. Third, reach out to older athletes or alumni in your same program or sport for mentorship, and finally, don’t spread yourself too thin and schedule time for social activities, and relaxation. You will break down if you don’t. Being a student-athlete teaches you discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, all qualities that are invaluable in both your professional and personal life. However, you are also a human being. Make sure you’re still having fun.
“Ricardo Bofill and Luis Barragan are some of my favorite architects because of their intentionality through color and natural light. I also sell these illustrations as art prints through my Etsy shop!” Photo courtesy of Fiorella Granda, illustrations courtesy of Fiorella Doodles.
“Ricardo Bofill and Luis Barragan are some of my favorite architects because of their intentionality through color and natural light. I also sell these illustrations as art prints through my Etsy shop!” Photo courtesy of Fiorella Granda, illustrations courtesy of Fiorella Doodles.
What have been some of your favorite projects to work on so far?
One of the most notable experiences was designing Canada’s first WNBA court alongside Buckets & Borders, WNBA, NBA Canada, and MilkUP Ontario. My design, called The W Club, is a collection of iconic women's basketball moments that seamlessly integrate player performance and artistic expression, ultimately celebrating women's basketball culture and bringing people together through the game. I was fortunate to be involved in the entire construction process, from the initial concept stages to the finished product. The court, located in the Don Mount Community—a community that adores basketball—garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets such as CP24, TSN, CTV News, and Amazon Prime's The Power Hour. I've always envisioned blending sport and design to make a difference, and I was proud of myself for trusting my gut and believing in my ideas.
“I want to use my design talent to make people feel seen, heard, and supported.”
Looking back at it all, what have been the biggest challenges? How did you both manage through perceived disappointments or setbacks?
The biggest challenge has been managing my own business alongside my full-time role at an amazing Toronto-based architecture firm, architects-Alliance. It’s tough work doing both and being everything for my business—the designer, social media manager, founder, etc. There are many sleepless nights, stressful moments, and time and money lost. However, I’ve never felt so fulfilled and I feel hopeful for the future. I always knew that my creativity was never meant to be constrained, and it needs to be unleashed.
To manage setbacks, I rely heavily on my mentors and peers for their insight and advice. I encourage everyone to ask for help—people want to help you. I also make sure to return the favor and give back to the next generation. Additionally, I zoom out and look at the bigger picture and purpose. My purpose is to use my design talent to make a difference, and I get to create every day and get paid for it! That is a privilege.
Who are you admiring now and why?
I deeply admire Tatiana Bilbao. She is a successful Latina architect whose work resonates with me on many levels. Bilbao's multidisciplinary approach is truly inspiring—her portfolio spans master plans, affordable housing strategies, city planning, furniture design, and more. What stands out most to me is her focus on sustainable design and social housing.
I see a lot of myself in Bilbao. We share commonalities as Latinas with a passion for multidisciplinary approaches. Both of us love to incorporate illustration into architecture and strive to make a difference through design. One of my favorite projects of hers is the "Housing +" project, where she developed affordable housing prototypes in Mexico. This particular project inspired a significant part of my senior year thesis due to its similar context and goals.
“I had the honor of designing Canada’s first WNBA Court, in collaboration with the WNBA, Buckets & Borders, NBA Canada, and MilkUP Ontario. It was a very special project as I got to blend my two passions of design and basketball.” Courtesy of Buckets & Borders.
What is the impact you’d like to have on the world? What is your core mission? And, what does success in that look like to you?
The impact I want my work to have is to emotionally resonate with its audience and contribute to designing a better world. My core mission has always been "illustrations for the greater good," with the goal of creating positive change through design.
I am particularly passionate about working in sports and would love to do design work with the WNBA team when it comes to Toronto in 2026. I also want to diversify into other sports brands and leagues, and mentor new designers helping them navigate their paths and grow their careers.
Success to me looks like being fulfilled creatively, growing Fiorella Doodles, working with like-minded clients and people, and always continuing to create and make a difference through my work. I want to use my design talent to make people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Finally, what advice do you have for those starting their career? Would your advice be any different for women?
For those starting their career, my advice is to stay curious and do not limit yourself. The design field is ever-evolving, and there is always something new to discover. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore different areas within design to find what truly resonates with you. Networking, asking for help, and building relationships with mentors and peers, especially women I admire, has been crucial for me. Surrounding myself with like-minded people who share the same goals, has helped tremendously.
For women, I would emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and always bringing your unique design perspective. It’s essential to believe in your abilities and advocate for yourself. If you don't, no one else will. A friend of mine advised me to adopt a why-not-me mindset, trying to free myself from imposter syndrome and self-doubt, especially in contract negotiations and money conversations. If you state a number you’re not scared of asking for, you'll never reach your full potential. Remember, “Why not me?”
Lastly, create with intention. Your art will be in the world forever. Make sure to put your personal touch on things and storytell through design. You quite literally can design a better world.