Tomo stands for Together More. We help people live happier together in densifying communities. We build at the intersection of "hardwhere" and "softwhere," where physical space and intangible activities meet. As developers, operators, and researchers, we believe in the power of place to enable people to do amazing things. Our integrated research-and-develop approach challenges us to engage with complex urban issues. Since 2005, we've cultivated award-winning places like Schoolhouse in Vancouver and River Market in New Westminster.
We are a small and mighty team.
Mark Shieh, Principal
Curious about people and place, Mark started out as a Disney Imagineer and indulged a childhood dream to design theme parks. Later, he worked as Director of User Research with Ecco Design in New York. Mark has a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Engineering Management, both from Stanford University. He was a Mayfield Entrepreneurship Fellow. He currently serves on the board of Sara Little Center for Design in Seattle. He previously served on the board of Building Opportunities with Business in Downtown Eastside, Vancouver Heritage Foundation, and Vancouver City Planning Commission. @markshieh
Leslie Shieh, Principal
Leslie has worked as a consultant in community economic development, working alongside communities and local organizations in Canada, United States, China, and Taiwan. She holds a BS in Urban Studies from Cornell University and an MCP (Planning) from the University of California, Berkeley. She completed a PhD in Urban Planning from University of British Columbia where her research examined community building and governance under the context of China’s rapid urbanization. Her work in Vancouver combines her extensive experience working in different urban contexts and her interest in furthering social and environmental goals through real estate. @leslieshieh
Wilmer Lau, Principal
Wilmer is an engineer. He led product teams to develop award-winning consumer electronics devices at Denso San Diego and at Plantronics in California and China. His passion for lowering our eco footprint brought him back to Vancouver and to work on creating beautiful and accessible green buildings. Wilmer holds a B.ApSc in Electrical Engineering from UBC, MEng in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and an Executive MBA from CEIBS Shanghai.
Chris Vollan, Senior Project Manager
Trained as a structural engineer, Chris is a diligent, meticulous builder of urban, master-planned, and resort developments, with a career spanning approvals, design development, marketing and sales, engineering, construction and customer service across numerous complex developments – from mid- and high-rise homes to purpose built rental, social and employee housing, retail, large-scale office and heritage buildings in British Columbia, Alberta, California, Nevada and Arizona.
As an intellectual idealist and hopeful humanitarian with the eye of a skilled photographer, Chris brings creativity, insight and compassion to each undertaking; working collaboratively with stakeholders and teams to create deeply considered projects with meaningful purpose for the people and communities they serve.