Mosaic Associates Architects was proud to participate in Capital Region CANstruction 2026, where this year’s theme, The Great AmeriCAN Roadtrip, inspired teams to recreate iconic destinations entirely from canned goods.

Team Mosaic invited visitors to “take a tour” of Niagara Falls aboard the Maid of the Mist. Built from thousands of cans and countless hours of teamwork, the result was a scaled down tribute to one of America’s most recognizable landmarks—and a testament to the creativity and dedication of our team.

While we’re proud of our structure, what makes CANstruction meaningful is the cause behind it. The event benefits The Food Pantries for the Capital District, helping provide critical support to individuals and families throughout our region. Giving back to our community through this event has become one of our favorite traditions each year.

We extend our sincere thanks to The Food Pantries for the Capital District and Capital Region CANstruction for organizing such an impactful event. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, whose continued support makes our participation possible year after year.

And for those who visited our display—did you spot the hidden barrel tumbling down the falls?

It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of our partner, colleague, and dear friend John Onderdonk. His passion for design, deep respect for nature, and commitment to the profession of architecture shaped our practice and our culture in profound ways over his 30-year career.

John viewed design as a conversation and was intentional in creating space for that dialogue. He hosted design lunches, led charrettes, and was always available to talk through a challenge. He truly enjoyed the work of nurturing our design culture.

Nature was a key element in John’s design philosophy. He worked to bring sustainability into our projects and inspired our team to pursue LEED, WELL, and Passive House credentials.

John was committed to mentoring future architects—teaching at RPI, guiding our internship program, and supporting local architecture students with reviews and tours.

But above all, John loved creating great learning environments. In his own words, “I’ve been privileged to design educational buildings that bring the forces of nature and technology together to create elegant, efficient, comfortable buildings that support great thinking and conserve valuable resources.” He took special pride in his work with the Saratoga Springs City School District, his home district; Skidmore College, his alma mater; and Hudson Valley Community College, where he enjoyed a long and fruitful design partnership.

We are heartbroken for John’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness, generosity, and talent. His legacy will continue to inspire our work and our lives.