Our Team of Professionals

Owner | Director

In 2020, I had the privilege of assuming ownership of the academy, a moment that marked the commencement of a compelling journey as I took the helm of this esteemed institution. Having been a student at the academy myself, the opportunity to contribute to its legacy is particularly meaningful. Witnessing these emerging talents gain global recognition fills me with immense excitement and pride. I am genuinely thrilled to be an integral part of their transformative journey and optimistic about the promising future that lies ahead for our academy. With a solid background in business, human resources, finance, and a Bachelor's degree in Law, I am committed to championing and empowering these promising artists on their trajectory towards international acclaim.

Administrative Coordinator

I embarked on my fashion journey as a model, eventually transitioning into pivotal roles in social media marketing and administrative coordination at the esteemed Richard Robinson Academy. My enduring passion for fashion and connecting with people propels my career forward. Under the guidance of my talented peers at the academy, my proficiency in fashion design has flourished and continues to evolve.

Expertise: Pattern Making

Frank Sukhoo has been a fixture on Ottawa’s fashion scene for almost 15 years — as a teacher and as the owner of Sukhoo Sukhoo Khooture in the ByWard Market. A favourite with the gala crowd and diplomatic community, Sukhoo has counted cellist Amanda Forsyth and former Governor Generals Michaëlle Jean, David Johnston and his wife Sharon among his clients.

Expertise: Haute Couture

I graduated from the fashion designer program at this very school in ‘88 and the Haute Couture year in ‘89. Since then, I’ve been sewing for a variety of Ottawa and beyond clientele- creating bridal, evening wear, dance, cosplay and eco friendly sewing projects. Teaching sewing ( and dance) is a way to give back for me, and I love to see the spark of understanding in a student’s eye!

Expertise: Sketching/Textiles/History of Fashion

Hello, my name is Niq van der Aa. I instruct Textiles, History of Fashion, and Sketching here at the academy. My love for fashion extends across its various forms. With a background not only in fashion design but also costume design, cosplay, and drag, I specialize in crafting boundary-pushing and expressive looks. It all begins with a solid design and selecting the right fabric. My aim is to inspire you and provide the expertise to bring your dream garments to life.

Expertise: Pattern Making

With over 25 years entrenched in the fashion industry, I bring a wealth of experience. My journey includes owning and operating a thriving Canadian retail business. In my role as a lead designer, I took charge of overseeing the design, production, and manufacturing of an exclusive Made in Canada clothing line. I've always held a deep affection for pattern-making, allowing me to craft unique and trendsetting garments.

For me, fashion is about creating something extraordinary from nothing, expressing my innovative ideas for both myself and my clients—a true labor of love. I take great pleasure in mentoring those with a passion for fashion, guiding them to creatively express themselves and develop their own unique style.

Expertise: Marketing

I’m Megan – a published author, entrepreneur and the marketing teacher at Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy. With over a decade of experience and a background in business, marketing and communications; I’m privileged to be able to teach our second-year fashion design students the A to Z’s of marketing and guide them in building their own brands.

Beyond education, I own and operate a successful clothing company ‘BBxCollection’. I am proud to say that my brick-and-mortar shop was voted Ottawa’s Best Clothing Store four years in a row. My passions include art, philanthropy and fashion.

Expertise: Stretch Fabrics

I was born in Costa Rica and my passion for designing clothes began when I was just 8 years old, watching my mother create backpacks. At 18, I immigrated to Canada and pursued Fashion Design in Toronto, where I discovered my knack for working with stretch fabrics, which became my forte. After completing my studies, I delved into crafting custom clothing on demand. Today, I proudly run Florsfashion, my own brand dedicated to producing unique custom pieces. Alongside this, I am committed to teaching and sharing my passion. My vision revolves around personalized clothing and imparting the skills to enable others to create their own distinctive garments.

Expertise: Haute Couture/Pattern Making

I am a proud graduate of the Richard Robinson fashion design academy, having earned the distinguished Summa cum laude distinction in 2023. My achievements include being honoured with the 'Most Promising Designer' award and securing the second place for 'Designer of the Year.' However, my greatest source of pride is my current role as a teacher at the Academy. My specialization lies in haute couture sewing and the intricate art of pattern making. I firmly stand by the philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity and firmly believe in the transformative power held within the finest details.

Expertise: Sketching

Learning to sew at a young age ignited my deep passion for the realm of fashion design, particularly in the art of fashion sketching. Over the years, I dedicated myself to refining my artistic skills and nurturing my passion. Now, I'm thrilled to share this love for art by teaching the Fashion Sketching course at the Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design.