October 2026 - PMI-DHC Member Spotlight on Tony Lawani
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Meet Tony Lawani, PMP®, PMI-ACP®: A Project Manager Committed to Connection, Learning, and Community
Tony Lawani is a project management practitioner and educator based in Whitby, Ontario. His work connects construction delivery with the development of people who manage projects. As Managing Partner of Ambergate Projects & Logistics Inc., he leads construction, renovation and restoration projects, permit coordination and procurement. His background spans architecture, construction and business innovation, and he holds the PMP® and PMI-ACP® certifications among other qualifications.
Alongside his project work, Tony is a Project Management faculty member at CDI College, where he helps students connect classroom concepts with real-world practice. Within the PMI Durham Highlands Chapter, he serves as a mentor and co-leads the GigaProject & Construction Community of Practice with Hope Ogbebor, and he is a Global PMI GigaProject & Construction CoP Ambassador.
His life and work rest on three pillars — stewardship, relationship and leadership — guided by a simple principle: people hear what you say, but they learn from who you are. Whether on a construction site, in a classroom or in his community, he aims to let his work speak. Those values have shaped a career built on turning ideas into reality while helping others grow along the way.
For many people, architecture begins with a sketch. For Tony, it began with a fascination for what it takes to turn an idea into something real, something people can use and experience every day.
With a background in architecture, Tony was naturally drawn to the intricate process of bringing concepts to life. Beyond the technical aspects of design, what captured his attention was the interplay between decisions, resources, and people required to make a project successful. Project management became the ideal bridge, allowing Tony to combine technical knowledge with the coordination and leadership needed to deliver meaningful outcomes.
That foundation made construction project management a natural career path. The tangible nature of construction continues to be one of its greatest appeals. Every project represents the collaboration of diverse disciplines, where communication, sound judgment, and careful planning directly influence not only what happens on a construction site, but also how people ultimately experience the finished space. It is a profession where ideas become reality and where every decision leaves a visible impact.
This passion for collaboration extends well beyond project sites. When approached by Heather Ricciuto to help launch the PMI Durham Highlands Chapter's GigaProject & Construction Community of Practice (CoP), Tony immediately recognized an opportunity to give back. Working alongside Hope Ogbebor, Tony helped create a forum where construction professionals could exchange experiences, share lessons learned, and support one another's growth. Just as importantly, the initiative created opportunities to connect seasoned practitioners with those entering the profession, strengthening the construction project management community.
Tony’s commitment to service and knowledge-sharing also led to his role as a Global PMI GigaProject & Construction CoP Ambassador. For Tony the position is less about recognition and more about connection. It provides an opportunity to bring local experiences into broader industry conversations while bringing valuable insights back to the local community. Tony views the role as a responsibility, one that helps encourage participation, foster learning, and create opportunities for professionals to benefit from one another's experiences.
Throughout his career, PMI membership has played an important role in his professional development. While certifications and frameworks have strengthened his practice, Tony believes some of the most meaningful growth has come through community involvement. Mentoring, volunteering, and engaging with fellow practitioners have reinforced an important lesson: professional development does not end with an exam or designation. It is a lifelong journey of learning from others and continually refining one's approach.
Like many experienced project managers, some of the most valuable lessons have come from navigating complex challenges. One project involving an additional dwelling unit permit stands out as particularly memorable. As requirements evolved throughout the review process, new considerations emerged, including parking requirements, entrance locations, and the need to legalize an existing structure. The experience reinforced principles Tony now frequently shares with others: confirm constraints early, document assumptions carefully, and ensure decisions align with the expectations of the approving authority. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrated that managing stakeholder expectations can be just as critical as managing the technical aspects of a project.
While project management remains his primary profession, teaching has always been woven throughout Tony’s work. If Tony wasn't managing projects, he would likely be pursuing another role centred on helping people learn and grow, whether as an experiential learning coach, counsellor, youth worker, or pastor. The common thread is clear: a desire to help people navigate difficult concepts, build confidence, and apply what they've learned in meaningful ways.
That focus on clarity is also reflected in the best project management advice Tony has ever received: clarify expectations before work begins. When people understand the desired outcome, know who is responsible, and share a common definition of success, projects become far easier to manage. While the advice may sound simple, Tony believes it prevents countless misunderstandings and challenges down the road.
Outside of work, Tony continues to put his organizational and coordination skills to good use through his church community. As a volunteer in the traffic department and a member of the protocol team, he helps coordinate transportation and guest logistics for special events. It is another environment where careful planning matters, but where adaptability is equally essential when circumstances change.
Above all, Tony cares deeply about helping others find their place within the profession. Whether supporting individuals who are just beginning their project management journey or those bringing valuable experience from other countries, he welcomes opportunities to mentor, share knowledge, and learn from others' perspectives. Tony’s belief in community, continuous learning, and service is evident in every aspect of his work, making him not only a dedicated construction project manager but also a valued mentor, educator, and advocate for the profession.
Want to connect with Tony?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lawani-m-a42891188/
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