Dr. David H. Pereyra

PhD (Theology) • Architect • Educator & Researcher

Toronto, Canada

Profile

Dr. Pereyra’s work sits at the intersection of theology, philosophy, the arts, and architecture, bringing phenomenological and hermeneutical approaches to the relationship between ritual and space. Since 1985, his research has examined how places, objects, and liturgical actions shape experiences of meaning and participation. In parallel, his inclusive design and community-engagement practice focuses on how systems and services—digital and physical—can reduce barriers and widen access for persons with disabilities and other communities experiencing exclusion.

Teaching & research areas

· Liturgical theology, ritual studies, and the hermeneutics of space

· History of Christianity and Christian visual cultures

· Early Christian art and architecture; sacred spaces

· Inclusive design, accessibility, and community engagement

· Communication access and co-design with experts with disabilities

Education

· Postdoctoral Fellowship, Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC), OCAD University, Toronto (2012-2014).

· PhD (Philosophy in Theology), University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto (2007-2011).

· MA in Theology, University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto (2003-2006).

· Studies in Philosophy & Theology, Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires (1988-1991).

· Architecture degree, Universidad de Buenos Aires (1981-1987).

Appointments

· Project & Community Engagement Coordinator, Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC), OCAD University, Toronto (2015-present).

· Adjunct Professor (Research & Graduate Studies), Faculty of Design, OCAD University (2012-2015).

· Postdoctoral Fellow, Inclusive Design Research Centre, OCAD University (2012-2014).

Teaching (selected)

· History of Christianity I (to 843), Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto (2018-2024).

· Paleo-Christian Art and Architecture in Cultural Context, Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto (2012-2024).

· Liturgy I & II, International Dominican University, Brussels (2013-2024).

· Christian Imagination I: Visual Arts, University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto (2016-2018).

· Christianity in Latin America, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto (2014).

· Comparative Religions, OCAD University, Toronto (2023-2024).

· Inclusive Design & Emotional Design, UCASAL, School of Architecture, Salta (2025).

· Sacred Art Days (Organizer & Speaker), UCASAL, Salta (2024).

Research & projects (selected)

· Regulating the Digital Domain (2023-2026) — coordinating co-research activities to identify and reduce systemic barriers in the digital domain for persons with disabilities.

· Accessible Canada, Accessible World (2023-2025) — coordinating a community of practice and resources informing next-generation accessibility standards models.

· Communication Access within the Accessible Canada Act (2021-2023) — co-coordinated (with Caren Watkins) to strengthen communication access within accessibility frameworks.

· The Future of Work: Equitable Digital Systems (2020-2023) — applied research on the accessibility of digital tools and systems used at work.

· Our Doors Are Open — resources and workshops supporting disability inclusion in faith communities.

· Optimizing Diversity with Disability — work addressing bias in employment systems and inclusive practices.

Selected publications

· Pereyra, David H. Proclaiming Holy Scriptures: A Study of Place and Ritual. Routledge (2021).

· Hernandez, S.; Wang, H.; Omrane, B.; Roberts, V.; Pereyra, D. “Tech Reluctance: Fostering Empathy for Canadians Facing Challenges with Digital Systems.” Bank of Canada Staff Discussion Paper 2025-2 (2025).

· Roberts, V. & Pereyra, D. “Inclusive Design Approaches for Implementing or Planning AI Systems in the Workplace.” In Navigating AI in the Workplace. Springer Cham (2025).

· Pereyra, David. "The Voice in the Sacred Space." Jusur, no. March 2025, 2025, pp. 38–43. Voice in the Age of the Image.

· Roberts, V. & Pereyra, D. “Inclusive Co-research with Experts with Disabilities.” In Handbook of Disability. Springer Nature (2023).

· Pereyra, D. “Accessibility for Different Abilities: A Report.” Canadian Journal of Disability Studies 5(1) (2016).

· Pereyra, D. “Privileged Places of Marian Piety in South America.” In The Changing World Religion Map. Springer (2014/2015).

· Pereyra, D. “Strengths and Inadequacies of the Ritual of Forgiveness…” In Webbing Vicissitudes of Forgiveness. Inter-Disciplinary Press (2014).

· Pereyra, D. “The Sacrament of Reconciliation… Where an Experience of Mercy and Forgiveness Can Fail.” In Forgiveness in Perspective. Inter-Disciplinary Press (2016).

· Pereyra, D. Reviews in Religion and the Arts (Brill) and the Journal of Architectural Education (2008-2018).

Languages

English • Spanish • Italian