The Team
Naryn Davar, MArch, BEDS, Partner, CEO, Director of Business Development
Naryn is a 2013 M.Arch graduate of Dalhousie University. His background spans architectural and industrial design, affordable housing, and design-build partnerships in addition work as an adjunct professor. He joined the Passive Design Solutions team in 2016 bringing together his core interests in industry-led environmentalism and equity and affordability in housing. In 2019 Naryn transition from providing design services to clients, to leading business development, sales, and marketing efforts for the firm. In 2023 Naryn became CEO after the company's transition to employee ownership in 2021 providing management and strategic direction in addition to acting as director of business development.
Molly Merriman, NSAA, OAA, MArch, Partner, Architectural Director
Molly is a licensed Architect and joins the PDS team from Ontario, where she worked for six years with dpai architecture inc. A graduate of Dalhousie University’s M.Arch program in 2013, she also holds a B.Sc in Environmental Science from McGill University. Molly works collaboratively with clients from the early stages of design to translate their vision into elegant, efficient space. Molly is the sole Architectural Director of Passive Design Solutions.
Natalie Leonard, P. Eng., Founding Partner, Consultant and Engineer
Natalie is the first Certified Passive House Consultant and Certified Passive House Builder in Canada. Her mission is to make sustainable, high-performance homes affordable for everyone. She leads the Passive Design Solutions team with a depth of experience in creating cost-effective, beautiful, and ultra-efficient homes. Natalie brings her engineering background, hands-on design and construction experience, and a practical approach to building.
Mike Anderson, MArch, BSc, BCIN, Partner, Production Manager, Intern Architect
Mike graduated with a Masters in Architecture in 2011 and started working with Natalie on Passive Houses shortly afterwards. Using his architectural training along with an earlier degree in Physics, Mike is able to work on all aspects of high-performance housing, from detailed energy modelling to window layouts that frame a perfect view. With his experience and knowledge, Mike leads the design team production after having served as CEO during the company's transition to employee ownership. Most recently, Mike has specialized in working with off-site fabrication in design.
Eric Stotts NSAA, AANB, RAIC, AIA, NCARB, Project Architect
Eric has 30 years of experience on a number of educational, institutional, residential and commercial projects. He is an expert in the design and construction of sustainable, high-performing buildings, is skilled in the use and implementation of design and project management technologies and has broad experience working within an Integrated Design environment. Eric’s collaborative team-building skills are brought to bear on each and every project. Eric closed his solo practice, Stotts Architecture, and joined PDS full time in the spring of 2026.
Eric has also served as a guest professor at the Boston Architectural Center and continues to teach as an Adjunct Professor and thesis advisor at the Dalhousie University School of Architecture, with a focus on Architectural Drawing, Building Technology, Natural Building, and Systems Thinking. Eric also recognizes the importance of mentorship within the practice and has hosted several Work-Term students from both the Dalhousie University School of Architecture and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Zane Murdoch, MArch, BSc, Partner, Project Designer
After completing his MArch at the Technical University of Nova Scotia, Zane began his practice working in BC. He returned to NS nearly two decades ago and since then worked closely with clients and builders. His focus has been residential and includes a long-standing commitment to Passive House design. Zane transitioned from his private practice to join the PDS team as a full time project designer in 2021. His earliest design, created in elementary school, was for a space station on the Moon; this has not yet been built. He brings to the team at PDS a background in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria and an abiding interest in all aspects of Green building. Zane manages the majority of our single-family projects focusing on delivery of pre-designed homes as well as custom homes and renovations.
Jann Peters, C.Tech, BCIN, Partner, Architectural Engineering Technician
Jann completed a technical diploma as an Architectural Engineering Technician from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). With 12+ years’ experience as a carpenter in both Canada and Germany, Jann brings a strong background in building high performance homes to his role in design, drafting, energy modelling and construction support.
Zak Miller-Ada, Partner, Construction Support Manager, Draftsperson
Zak brings a background in the trades as a builder, project manager, and lead carpenter on high performance homes. Zak has been an educator in the field of energy efficiency and green building since 2009. Zak’s role within the firm includes preparing construction drawing, customizing stock plans and providing on-site construction training and support.
Liz Chamberlain, Partner, Draftsperson
Liz completed her Architectural Technology program from NBCC and brings 6 years of technical drafting experience to PDS. Her knowledge of pre-fab homes and experience working closely with trades guides her in her role of completing construction drawings.
Marie-Claire, PTech, Architectural Technologist
Marie-Claire completed her Architectural Technology program from NBCC, and holds her Professional Technologist designation with NBSCETT. With over 9 years of experience in the field, she has contributed to the design and execution of a wide range of projects, from small-scale builds to large-scale developments. Marie-Claire joined the team in 2025, bringing strong technical drafting and design expertise to PDS in her role in construction drawing production and support, as well as assisting with the office's transition to Revit.
Alia Yassin-Saied, Business Support Manager
Alia is an unflappable, open-hearted, open-minded professional whose friendly demeanour will put you at ease and make you smile. She brings her wealth of experience working at the NS Provincial NDP Caucus Office in multiple senior administrative roles. She brings humanity, innovation and humour to her work with PDS. Alia joined the team in 2025 and supports the entire team's operations.