John stands out among my professors at NSCAD. His teaching style was so engaging that four-hour classes felt short. I was captivated and attentive throughout every session. John expertly balanced the business and design aspects of his curriculum, giving special emphasis to accessibility in design. His numerous thought-provoking case studies offered deep insights into the journey from ideation to implementation. By the end of the semester, John had become an invaluable mentor and guide.

Giselle Hogg | Designer Gieselle Hogg studied with John while attending NSCAD University.

I had the privilege of participating in John's courses on Design Management and Design Studio 3 at NSCAD University. Through his instruction, I acquired some of the most beneficial and practical skills of my academic career. John didn't just teach the fundamentals of design business and exhibition design; he also emphasized strategies for enhancing accessibility and conducting informative industry research. Furthermore, he shared invaluable insights from his professional journey. His classes were meticulously structured, and I am deeply appreciative of his continual support and mentorship.

Leen Bakri | Interdisciplinary Leen Bakri studied with John while attending NSCAD University.

I had the amazing opportunity to receive mentorship from John through the Association of Registered Graphic Designers' Mentorship program.… I highly recommend his insight into career advancement along with his ability to share his skillset with other professionals in the field. John’s mentorship style is characterized by a perfect balance of encouragement and honest critique. It has empowered me to push my boundaries, think creatively, and strive for excellence in every project. John’s ability to seamlessly blend theoretical knowledge with practical insights has been a constant source of inspiration, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from someone with his level of expertise.

David Tauro | EGD Designer David Tauro was a mentee to John as part of the RGD’s mentorship program.

I had the pleasure of attending John's Design Management class at NSCAD University, where he imparted some of the most valuable and applicable skills I gained during my four years of study. John went beyond teaching the business of design; he also provided insightful lessons from his professional career experience. His classes were meticulously organized, and I am truly grateful for his ongoing support and guidance since graduating.

Lia Smith | Multi-disciplinary Graphic Designer Lia Smith studied with John when she attended NSCAD University.

John is a pillar in the Eastern Canada design community. Whether professionally designing experiences for the built and natural environment through his practice, Narrative Environments; teaching the next generation of designers at NSCAD University; or, writing thought-provoking articles on pressing design issues for international design periodicals—John brings a passion and curiosity for the field of design that you cannot help but be inspired by. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with John under a pro bono capacity and marvelled at his talent to bring people together and coordinate their efforts to create powerful change. He is a thoughtful collaborator, empathetic leader, and a masterful champion of the creative process. He will make the outcome of any project better by simply being part of the conversation.

Greg Dubeau | Greg and John teach at NSCAD University, and worked together on programs for the RGD.

John and my working relationship has spanned several decades and it has always been a pleasure to partner with John on interpretive and wayfinding projects. Unique vision, creative honesty and attention to detail are qualities rarely found in one person, but they are found in John and you can see that reflected in his amazing work.

Philip Prozenko | The President of AtlantexCreativeWorks has worked with John on countless projects while John was employed by numerous forms, including Narrative Environments Studio.

John has a dedication to his work that is unmatched. He is creative, educated, loyal and fiercely focused. It is a joy to watch John in his element and the outcome is always remarkable. Literally, people talk about John deWolf's designs.

Alison Moz | The Wayfinding Partner at eyecandy Signs, Alison and John collaborated on numerous award-winning projects, including their work for Lunenburg’s South Shore Regional Library.

I had a wonderful opportunity to work under John’s guidance at Form: Media. He was an amazing supervisor and was always there to support and listen. He was very encouraging and open to ideas. John is a great designer full of creative ideas and inspiration, and I have learnt a lot from him. I have been impressed by his attention to detail and his dedication to any project. His interpersonal and communication skills have always been commendable.

Sahisna Chitrakar | A graduate in Architecture and Urban Planning, Sahisna is currently a planning analyst for the City of Vancouver, a position she took on after Form:Media (now Fathom Studio) where she reported to with John.

John is a fantastic manager. While I worked under his guidance, I felt that he was encouraging, collaborative and open to ideas. He is a very positive individual with excellent communication skills and a genuine willingness to extend a helping hand. He is a compassionate listener who makes every effort to make the work place open and inviting for colleagues and clients alike. John is as much a friend and a mentor as he is a director to the team. I admire his achievements and his dedication to the advancement of Form:Media and hope to cross paths with him again…

Livia Botyánszki Boss | Currently the Technical Team Lead—Mobile Application Development with IBM Canada, Livia reported directly to John while employed by Form:Media (now Fathom Studio).

John is a generous learner who brings other students along with him. It has been a delight to have his talents in the design studio. He is deeply knowledgeable about graphic design and brings that particular insight to his spatial design practice.

Lynn Chalmers | Associate Professor (retired) at the University of Manitoba, Lynn was John’s teacher and thesis (practicum) advisor.