Safdar Abidi (OAA, ALBNL, NSAA, FRAIC, LEED® AP BD+C, LFA) is Principal, Higher Education, at Perkins&Will (Toronto). With more than 30 years of architectural experience, he was recently inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. A LEED® Accredited Professional and Living Future Accredited practitioner, Safdar has dedicated over 15 years to advancing architectural design and strategic consulting for higher education.

He has led the design and delivery of more than 15 major academic projects—totaling over 2 million square feet—on campuses across Canada and the U.S. His portfolio spans new buildings and transformative renovations, many achieving high sustainability standards, including LEED Platinum certification and multiple design awards. Beyond buildings, Safdar has guided numerous strategic advisory initiatives, from master plans and programming studies to feasibility analyses and sustainability strategies.

Known for his ability to “connect the dots” within institutions, Safdar works closely with colleges and universities to understand their priorities and culture. He is passionate about helping clients develop creative strategies that enrich the student experience, strengthen institutional identity, and maximize the value of campus investments.

In his leadership across client engagement, business development, design, and project management, Safdar champions solutions that are forward-looking, responsive, and rooted in institutional mission. Most recently, he has been at the forefront of integrating climate action, social equity, and Indigenous engagement into the vision and priorities of post-secondary projects.