After more than two decades of dedication, mentorship, and engineering excellence, John Pascoa is retiring from Smith + Andersen. His career has been defined by a commitment to collaboration, a passion for problem-solving, and an unwavering belief in the power of teamwork.

A Career Built on Relationships

John joined S+A 21 years ago, when the Toronto office was a tight-knit team of about 80 people. Having previously worked with Dave Mewdell, one of the founding members of S+A’s electrical division, John saw an opportunity to contribute to a growing firm with a strong culture. Over the years, he witnessed S+A’s expansion to more than 700 employees, but what remained constant was the sense of community.

“The culture is what keeps you here,” John reflects. “It’s open, it’s collaborative, and it’s a place where people want to help each other grow.”

Throughout his career, John believed in fostering talent and creating opportunities for those around him. He took great pride in working alongside emerging professionals, providing them with the tools and confidence to succeed.

A Family Connection

John’s time at S+A wasn’t just about the projects—it was also about the people, including his own family. His son, Shawn Pascoa, was inspired by his father’s passion for electrical engineering and the relationships he built at the firm. While Shawn initially considered a career in aviation, he ultimately followed in his father’s footsteps, joining S+A 15 years ago.

“There was never any pressure to choose the same path,” Shawn says. “But seeing how much my dad enjoyed his work and the people he worked with made the decision easy.”

Over the years, John and Shawn have worked on countless projects, each bringing their own expertise to the table. One of Shawn’s proudest accomplishments is his work on Toronto’s Union Station—an engineering challenge that he tackled with the same problem-solving mindset he saw in his father.

Leaving a Lasting Impact

As John steps into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, mentorship, and engineering excellence. His influence can be seen not only in the projects he’s worked on but also in the people he has supported throughout his career.

“The learning never stops,” Shawn shares. “There’s always something new to take on, and you’re never doing it alone.”
John couldn’t agree more. “It’s not about how long you’ve been here,” he says. “It’s about the relationships you build along the way.”

Congratulations, John, on an incredible career. Your contributions to S+A will be felt for years to come, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter!