Archives: Seminar Listing for 2010 Show

Carol Jones whose professional experience has included practice in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver, is currently a partner in one of Western Canada’s largest integrated practice firms, Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Inc. She is a LEED accredited professional, a Certified Facility Manager and a former president of both Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). She has been inducted into the College of Fellows of the Interior Designers Institute of BC, the IDC and the IIDA.

Beth Harmon-Vaughan is a Principal and director of Gensler’s Phoenix office. Noteworthy projects include the Arizona Public Service, Banner Health Office Building and Primary Data Center, law offices for Jennings Strouss, Ballard Spahr, Fennemore Craig and Polsinelli Shughart, and the Phoenix Convention Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Missouri at Columbia, and Master’s degrees in marketing and business management from Webster University. Harmon-Vaughan is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University, a Fellow in the International Interior Design Association and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Phil Hofstra participates actively in both design education and professional design practice. His 30 plus years of practice has taken place in both corporate and small firm settings. He was a founder and partner in his own design firm, Shaw Hofstra Associates and now directs the "design studio" for Populous. That studio provides early project conceptualization by integrating collaborative design disciplines, technology, model building, animation and advanced computer imaging to communicate with clients and prospective client contingencies. These competitive design efforts for Populous have been executed for projects in the market segments of NFL football, Major League Baseball, minor league baseball, NHL/NBA arenas, collegiate stadia and convention centers.

During his career, Phil has designed buildings and interiors ranging in size and use from an artist's studio to healthcare, sports facility, general office and commercial spaces. On behalf of the design community, he has been active in helping design professionals and legislators understand the ramifications of practice licensing regulations, and academic accreditation. As an educator now with Emeritus status, of the University of Kansas, he has taught studio courses at the graduate and undergraduate level in architecture and interior design, as well as seminars in special topics and directed readings in culture and design. In addition, he has a PhD in American Studies, with his core area of research being cultural studies. His dissertation on professionalization in design was based on Florence Knoll's contributions to the professionalization of interior design practice.

Heidi Painchaud joined B+H in September 2008 following B+H's acquisition of the operations of Habitar International where she was one of the founding Partners. She has both led and designed award winning interior design projects. She provides both project leadership and design leadership in a number of market sectors. Previously based out of Los Angeles, past experience includes great depth in large scale entertainment projects, and past clients include the Walt Disney Corporation, 20th Century Fox, ABC networks and NASA. She also has experience with furniture design. Her current line which includes 26 products has been in manufacture since 2000 and recognized by Interior Design Magazine as one of the best design collections of the year. Heidi was recognized in 2004 by Interior design magazine, Architecture, Metropolis and Interiors as one of the future leaders of this industry.

Randy Hnatko is President of Trainwest Management and Consulting Inc., a Licensed Sandler Training Center. He is a multiple award winner in the Sandler organization and is the recipient of their 2008 Award of Excellence and their 2007 and 2006 Canadian Franchisee of the Year award.

Mr. Hnatko has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Commerce, and a Masters of Business Administration with specialties in International Business and International Management.

Mr. Hnatko is extremely knowledgeable in a number of fields: Management Development, Training & Development programs, Employee Evaluation, Sales Management Design & Implementation, Performance Planning & Review Systems, Succession Planning, Business Plan Development, Human Resource Recruiting and Placement, Strategic Management Planning, Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Initiatives, Change Management Implementation and Marketing Strategies & Plans including Marketing Research & Analysis.

Mr. Hnatko’s sales tips can be heard daily on local Radio stations in the Vancouver, BC market.

Tony Gioventu possesses extensive knowledge and experience in management, real estate development, construction, building operations, and strata property legislation. His expertise has been recognized by his appointment as a consumer representative & acting Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council to the Homeowner Protection Office, appointment to the Board of Directors of the Homeowner Protection Office and the BC Building Envelope Council. In addition, Tony is a regular industry speaker at various conferences throughout BC, a weekly feature columnist in the Province newspaper, Times Colonist Victoria, community papers in Penticton, Kelowna, Kamloops and Prince George, and he is the author of many publications on strata bylaws and governance.

Al Kemp joined the Rental Owners and Managers Society of BC as CEO in 1997. During his time with ROMSBC Al has led the building of the society from a small, local organization with limited services to a provincial organization with over 2200 members, providing a wide range of services and education to residential landlords. He was a major contributor to BC’s 2004 Residential Tenancy Act that provides more balanced regulation of the residential rental industry. In addition to his work with the ROMSBC, Al is an adult educator, having taught at Victoria’s Camosun College and as a private consultant. The courses Al teaches include a variety of seminars and workshops for landlords in BC, ranging from tenant selection techniques through management of tenancies to dispute resolution, ending tenancies and enforcing Residential Tenancy Branch orders.

Doug is also the Western Canadian Program Director of the Masters Certificate in Project Management, through the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto and a member of the faculty.

As a “people builder” first and a business builder second, Doug’s wealth of experience is enthusiastically and effectively shared with a variety of audiences throughout Canada and the USA. Doug is a strong proponent of the role of a disciplined project management methodology in the success of any project or organization, and uses every opportunity to share his passion with audiences in both the public and private sectors.

Doug has held senior management positions in both public and corporate environments, as well as being owner / operator of his own businesses.

He has effectively managed many construction projects as well as large community development projects in a cross-cultural environment. He has also led a number of business development projects, all of which enables him to relate the theory of Project Management skills, and the importance of good communications, to everyday work situations in a variety of settings.

Combining his business experience with his training skills, he has helped many individuals reach new levels of excellence. A natural facilitator, Doug likes to “coach” and mentor his students and does so in a very entertaining and stimulating way.

Suzanne Charest has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Ottawa and her Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture from the University of British Columbia. She is a LEED® Accredited Professional whose passion for the West Coast and it’s unique ecosystems began ten years ago while working (and playing) in Haida Gwaii. She brings a unique mix of ecology and architecture to the position and is also the resident ornithologist. When she’s not gardening, she can often be found exploring rocky shorelines by kayak and watching seabirds. She loves that her job is helping to make the connection between the built environment and local ecologies more and more commonplace.

Andrea Martinello earned her BSc. in Biology from Simon Fraser University. She has been with NATS for over 7 years, starting in Canadian sales. Her current focus is as the Marketing Manager and Green Roof Specialist. She is an accredited Green Roof Professional - one of the first to write the exam. She loves the unique team atmosphere at NATS and the unpredictability of her days.

Geoffrey Glotman, a managing principal at Glotman•Simpson’s, is a senior engineer with over 20 years of experience in structural engineering and business administration. Geoff has worked on many of British Columbia’s largest projects including the One Wall Centre, the Bayshore Gardens, the Portside Marriott, the Pinnacle, Collingwood Village, and Vancouver House.  He has extensive experience in Earthquake Preparedness and Design and has published several articles on earthquakes in local publications. In January 1995, he traveled to Japan to study the effect of the devastating earthquake on Kobe and to learn how an earthquake would affect Vancouver. He has lectured to various community groups including The Brock House Society, The West Coast Disaster Society, and Rogers AT&T Canada.

Didier Pettinga, PhD, seismic specialist, is an Engineer with design and construction administration experience in reinforced concrete, masonry and structural steel construction. His particular focus has been in seismic design and assessment of buildings. Didier graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (1st Class Hons.) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, in 2002 with specialization in structural and geotechnical engineering. He spent four years at the University of Pavia, Italy, completing his Masters and Doctorate in Earthquake Engineering.

Graeme Scott has been providing consulting services to building owners, asset managers and designers for over 21 years.  He has developed and lead projects in Facility Assessment, Capital Planning, Cladding Engineering, Roof Consulting, Concrete Restoration, Code Compliance, Building Systems Engineering (commissioning), and Sustainable Building Solutions (waste management and LEED NC services).  Graeme currently leads Halsall’s Western Canada Green Business team and acts as a Technical Advisor and Director for cladding design and renewal for Halsall’s project teams across Canada.  Graeme, as a Project Principal in Halsall’s Green Team, is an avid promoter of “doing the right thing” and is helping to raise the bar for sustainability in Engineering as a member of APEGBC’s Sustainability Committee.

Christa Wilcock joined Halsall in 2005 after graduating from Queen’s University. As a Project Manager in the Calgary and Vancouver office, she specializes in Cladding Engineering projects, helping architects and Owners design effective building envelope systems and restoring building facades and glazing systems. Christa’s favorite aspect of her job is interacting with project teams, whether it be fellow engineers or clients, such as residential Stratas, Property Managers and commercial property Owners.

Through more than 1,800 presentations in 16 countries on four continents, Kevin has reached out to audiences with a message so real it is captivating. As a speaker and trainer, Kevin has toured the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim, delivering programs on a wide range of personal and organizational improvement topics. He has thrilled groups at organizations as Abbott Labs, Walt Disney Imagineering, Singapore Airlines, and the New Zealand Army. The National Speakers Association named him a Certified Speaking Professional, an award granted to less than 600 people in the world.

At 6'8", Kevin is a commanding presence, but his real gift for reaching audiences is rooted in a keen understanding of people and how they do what they do. From a blue-collar family and a business career, Kevin learned the value of hard work by example and experience. He’s been a banker and a personnel director, a best-selling author and a consultant, currently owns three businesses and has helped dozens of others start their own businesses in his role as a business counselor. He knows if there’s hard way, there’s also a smart way. Kevin has devoted his life to helping others find the smart way.

If you are seeking higher standards of performance in your business or personal life, spend a few hours — or even a few minutes — with Kevin Lust. You will find it time well spent.

Ruben Arellano is a Professional Geological Engineer with 11 years of experience in the environmental and energy consulting industry. As a project director and manager he has extensive experience conducting geoexchange/geothermal and environmental engineering services at remote, rural, and urban sites across Western Canada, Ontario and the US. He has developed engineering expertise related to assessment, design and construction of GeoExchange (ground source or geothermal heat pump) systems.

Kristen Mucha has worked in alternative energy applications for over 17 years. At Terasen, Kristen is responsible for developing relationships with Developers and Municipalities in order to provide alternative energy solutions for their heating and cooling requirements. Kristen has experience in contract development and project management and her current projects include a Community Energy System for a new 33ha development in the lower mainland as well as numerous geoexchange installations.

Dave Ramslie is the City of Vancouver’s Sustainable Development Program Manager. His current projects include developing a strategic plan to achieve city-wide carbon neutral buildings by 2020 and implementing a comprehensive building retrofit program. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Cascadia Regional Green Buildings Council and the Canada Green Building Council’s intergovernmental affairs committee. Dave’s work has won national awards from the Canadian Institute of Planners for Vancouver’s EcoDensity Initiative.

Richard Siegenthaler has over 10 years experience gained in the energy efficiency industry. As a Renewable Energy Specialist, he demonstrates expertise in Solar Hot Water Technology that makes commercial and residential buildings more environmentally friendly. He has developed design expertise for domestic hot water, space heating and pool applications, and has managed such projects in Western Canada along with associated grant applications.

With over 30 years of combined nursing and interior design experience, she has advanced design training in creating living and working environments for people with all types, levels and combinations of special needs, including agility, mobility, sensory, cognitive and invisible challenges.

Donna’s unique designs have brought Artistry many prestigious Canadian and International awards. Their leading-edge projects have been featured in prominent consumer and trade magazines, including Better Homes and Gardens. Donna's work at Macdonald House, Cridge Centre for the Family, is recognized for excellence from the University of North Carolina as one of the world’s leading universal designs. The project is used as a teaching tool and resource for students, professionals and consumers worldwide.

Samantha Ip is a partner with Clark Wilson LLP's Litigation Department and is a member of the Construction, Insurance Litigation and Commercial Law Groups. In her practice, Samantha assists clients in preparing construction contracts, negotiating and resolving disputes, and representing clients at all stages of the construction project. She also has particular experience in insurance law, and has assisted clients with construction insurance related matters, including bonding issues.

Steven Donley is an associate with Clark Wilson LLP's Construction and Insurance Practice Groups. Steven represents and advises clients in litigation-related construction and insurance matters including deficiency and delay claims, project "on site" disputes, builder's lien claims, construction contract reviews and negotiation, and risk management.

J. Liam Murray is a Senior Director of Altus Group Limited and is a recognized leader in construction cost management, project management, and quantity surveying. He has been providing professional services in the Canadian real estate consulting industry since 1980. Liam has been actively involved in the Lower Mainland and BC’s construction industry since 1991 (having established the Vancouver operation), and oversees the Altus Western Canada operations. He continues to coordinate projects in both the private and public sectors with values ranging to $500 million including cost planning, value analysis and functional area budgeting, finance and construction cost monitoring.

Satinder Sidhu is an associate with Clark Wilson LLP's Litigation Department and is a member of the Construction and Insurance Litigation Practice Groups. Satinder represents clients in construction related matters, including builders lien claims; construction delay and deficiency claims including building envelope related deficiencies; surety bond claims; insurance coverage; and strata property disputes.

Lorne Whitehead is a Professor and Chairholder of the NSERC/3M Industrial Research Chair in Structured Surface Physics at UBC. He is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors for SunCentral Inc., as well as a founder and the primary inventor of SunCentral’s Core Sunlight Illumination System. Dr. Whitehead’s research interests involve optical, electrical and mechanical properties of microstructured surfaces, and he holds more than 100 patents, and he has a substantial amount of expertise in technology transfer. In 1984, he founded TIR Systems Ltd., subsequently purchased in 2006 by Philips Lighting, to commercialize his invention of the prism light guide. This led to an invention using a microprismatic film to double the efficiency of light fixtures. This UBC-owned patent, subsequently purchased by 3M Company, was critical to the commercialization of 3M's Brightness Enhancement Film™, which is felt to have revolutionized the flat panel display industry. More recently, he has helped spin off several other companies, including Brightside Technologies, a company arising from his invention of the high dynamic range display and acquired in 2006 by Dolby Laboratories. Dr. Whitehead is currently the president of the Canadian National Committee of Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage, the international organization responsible for setting standards on all matters relating to the science and art of light and illumination. As a result of his expertise, he is routinely invited to give presentations on topics related to illumination at international conferences as well as to a wide range of industry and university groups.

Randy Hnatko is President of Trainwest Management and Consulting Inc., a Licensed Sandler Training Center. He is a multiple award winner in the Sandler organization and is the recipient of their 2008 Award of Excellence and their 2007 and 2006 Canadian Franchisee of the Year award.

Mr. Hnatko has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Commerce, and a Masters of Business Administration with specialties in International Business and International Management.

Mr. Hnatko is extremely knowledgeable in a number of fields: Management Development, Training & Development programs, Employee Evaluation, Sales Management Design & Implementation, Performance Planning & Review Systems, Succession Planning, Business Plan Development, Human Resource Recruiting and Placement, Strategic Management Planning, Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Initiatives, Change Management Implementation and Marketing Strategies & Plans including Marketing Research & Analysis.

Mr. Hnatko’s sales tips can be heard daily on local Radio stations in the Vancouver, BC market.

Through more than 1,800 presentations in 16 countries on four continents, Kevin has reached out to audiences with a message so real it is captivating. As a speaker and trainer, Kevin has toured the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim, delivering programs on a wide range of personal and organizational improvement topics. He has thrilled groups at organizations as Abbott Labs, Walt Disney Imagineering, Singapore Airlines, and the New Zealand Army. The National Speakers Association named him a Certified Speaking Professional, an award granted to less than 600 people in the world.

At 6'8", Kevin is a commanding presence, but his real gift for reaching audiences is rooted in a keen understanding of people and how they do what they do. From a blue-collar family and a business career, Kevin learned the value of hard work by example and experience. He’s been a banker and a personnel director, a best-selling author and a consultant, currently owns three businesses and has helped dozens of others start their own businesses in his role as a business counselor. He knows if there’s hard way, there’s also a smart way. Kevin has devoted his life to helping others find the smart way.

If you are seeking higher standards of performance in your business or personal life, spend a few hours — or even a few minutes — with Kevin Lust. You will find it time well spent.

Clarissa Raymundo holds the LC appellation of Lighting Certified from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professionals since 2004. She is also a Certified Lighting Facilitator for Canlyte/Philips to provide Core Continuing Education/Learning Units for the Ontario Association of Architects, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, the Alberta Association of Architects and the Quebec Order of Architects.

Marilyn Sanford is a professional accountant. Having worked for a large multi-national company for over 15 years, she started a custom electronics installation firm in early 1992. In 1993, Marilyn co-founded Smart fx. Over eight years, the company grew to 10 people and became a leading custom installation firm in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 2000, Smart fx merged with La Scala, creating the largest custom firm in Western Canada, and one of the largest in Canada. Marilyn is CEO of La Scala, a founding member and past president of CEDIA Canada, and she also sits on the Board of Directors for CEDIA.

In addition, Vladimir is also a recognized leader in Geo-Exchange technology. He has designed several systems inter-nationally and recently completed the Geo-Exchange System Design Guidelines for applications in British Columbia. He is also the Engineer-of-Record for the first “constant temperature building” in North America.

Vladimir is committed to sharing his knowledge of sustainable building design. His teaching experience includes many presentations and lectures delivered locally and internationally for the building industry and academic audiences.

Keith Sashaw was appointed the President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association on March 26th, 2001. In that position, he is the senior staff person of the largest construction association in BC, representing participants in the non-wood frame construction industry. Prior to joining VRCA, Mr. Sashaw was the Executive Vice-President of the Electrical Contractors Association of BC, the provincial trade association representing the electrical contracting industry. Mr. Sashaw was in that position from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Sashaw was the Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC from 1985 to 1999, and was responsible for the operations of the industry association representing the residential construction industry at the provincial level. Mr. Sashaw has been active in a number of other areas, including serving as Secretary to the VanASEP Training Society, an innovative partnership focused on working with the aboriginal community to train workers for the construction industry. In addition, he serves on a number of advisory committees for BCIT and other organizations and is the co-chair of the Construction Cluster for the Building opportunities with Business organization, and is a Trustee to the BCCA Group Benefit Plan.

Michael Kennedy is Regional Leader & Vice President for Stantec in Vancouver, providing leadership to a 500 person group of architects, engineers, environmental scientists, sustainability specialists and project managers. His 20 year career has specialized in project and construction management leadership roles working directly for Owners in Canada, the US and in Europe and has worked on projects including Millennium Line, BC Cancer Research Centre, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and Kelowna Vernon Hospital redevelopment. Michael is a Vancouver board member of the Kids Up Front charity, and is a founding executive committee member of the BC District Council of the Urban Land Institute. He is also winner of a 2007 Business in Vancouver “Forty under 40” award.

Anibal Valente, Vice President, oversees construction operations for PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. in British Columbia. Anibal has a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia. In addition to Anibal’s corporate responsibilities, he devotes time to many industry and community organizations. Currently he is a board member on the Vancouver Board of Trade, the Canadian Construction Association and present Chair of the BC Construction Association.

David Wilkinson: With more than 25 years of practice experience, Wilkinson has been responsible for the business development and management of major Cannon Design projects in Western Canada with a focus on health, education and wellness. He offers clients a broad range of experience in the public and priavate sector and innovative approaches to project finance, ownership and operation. He is the immediate past president of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and also teaches project and practice management in the architectural professional development system.

Mike Zaine earned his bachelor of applied science in civil engineering from Queen's University in 1979. He was employed at Cana Construction as a Field Engineer in Calgary before joining the Lockerbie & Hole team in Vancouver in 1980.

Mike began his career with Lockerbie & Hole as an Estimator/Project Manager. Over the years, Mike led the successful completion of numerous projects and was promoted to Vice-President & Regional Manager for British Columbia in 2000.

Mike is very interested and active in supporting the construction industry and serves on numerous boards and committees.

David Dove is a Principal with the award-winning Vancouver office of Busby Perkins+Will, which has been producing leading-edge Green building designs for 25 years. David leads the firm’s Civic, Corporate, Commercial / Mixed-use studios. With a portfolio of projects that range from the 65 s.m. White Rock Operations Centre (Canada’s first LEED Gold new construction building) to a 95,000 sm Marine Gateway mixed-use development, the common thread of David’s work is an adherence to a rigorous modern aesthetic and a commitment to sustainable design solutions. David has worked on projects in Canada, the US and overseas and has lectured broadly on issues of Sustainable Architecture and the work of his office.

Kevin Hydes is President and CEO of Integral Engineering, a national engineering firm that is committed to DEEP GREEN strategies for our clients. He is building the Integral team to explicitly deliver on the current needs of the profession both locally and globally.

Bringing over 30 years of experience to the engineering industry, Kevin has spent the past 15 years focusing on green design and advancing its cause. Kevin is a long-time leader in the field of sustainability in North America and abroad — widely recognized for his contributions to the building industry. Over the past decade he has gained a reputation as both an innovator as engineer and also a pioneer as green business leader, creating transformative strategies as President of Keen Engineering and Vice President of Stantec.

Kevin’s sustainable vision led to the achievement of the first LEED® Gold Certified project in Canada and the first LEED® EB Gold Certified project in North America. His enthusiasm has motivated the successful completion of 14 LEED® Certified projects with more than 30 registered projects awaiting official certification. Kevin’s design work has included projects such as York University Computer Science Building which was the World Green Building of year in 2003.

He is Former Chair of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and Past Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council and a Co-founder of its Canadian counterpart, the Canada Green Building Council and serves as a faculty member to all three councils.

Kevin is also an Honorary Member of both the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at McGill University, School of Architecture. He is currently an advisor to the government of Singapore as a standing member of their International Panel of Advisors (IPE).

He is a Professional Engineer in 6 states in North America and also in the UK.

Marion LaRue is one of Cannon Design’s most seasoned professionals. Over the last two decades, LaRue has provided leadership on over 30 higher-education and sports/recreation projects, including the RIMAC Center at the University of California, San Diego, a facility recognized for excellence by the International Olympic Committee/International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities. She is currently principal-in-charge for the Richmond Speed Skating Oval, signature venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. As operations leader for Cannon Design’s Western Canada region, LaRue collaborates with practice leaders to manage personnel and operational issues, works with project managers to develop, implement, and monitor project plans, and oversees financial project reporting.

George Shaw is a Partner at LMN Architects of Seattle—the design architect for the new Vancouver Convention Centre—and a recognized authority on higher education, performing arts and convention center facilities. In his project leadership role, Shaw is responsible for the integration of design, management, and technical execution, from programming through design and project delivery phases.

Shaw received his architectural education at the University of California, Berkeley, and is President-Elect for AIA Seattle. Current and recently completed assignments include the Bexar County Performing Arts Center, San Antonio; the Conrad Prebys Music Center, University of California San Diego; the Foster School of Business, University of Washington; the Biotechnology Life Sciences Building, Washington State University; and the City College of San Francisco Performing Arts Center.

Donald Schmitt is a graduate of the University of Toronto where he taught from 1985 to 1991. He was Adjunct Professor at the Technical University of Nova Scotia, University of Toronto, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Texas, Arlington.

Donald Schmitt has practiced architecture with A.J. Diamond since 1978 and has carried responsibility for many projects within the office including the Davenport Chemistry Research Wing, Lash Miller Laboratories at the University of Toronto; the Metro Central YMC, Toronto; the National Wildlife Research Centre at Carleton University; the Gerstein Information Science Center at the University of Toronto; the Toldo Health Education Centre at the University of Windsor; the Labatt Health Sciences Building at the University of Western Ontario; the Environmental Laboratory Biology Annex at Carleton University in Ottawa and the Thayer Building, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Mr. Schmitt has extensive experience in sustainable design with projects that include the campus master plan and implementation of 9 new buildings at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, all designed to LEED Gold standards making it the greenest campus in North America. Other sustainable projects include the Bahen Center for Information Technology at the University of Toronto; the University of Guelph-Humber Academic Building, Toronto which contains the prototype living wall bio-filter; the Computer Science and Engineering Building, at the University of Michigan; and the recently completed City Hall in Cambridge, Ontario, which is designed to LEED Gold standards.

Mr. Schmitt is the Principal in Charge of the Student Learning Commons at Brock University; the Richard Ivey School of Business Spencer Hall Renovations at the University of Western Ontario; the new Student Athletics Complex at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario; and the new Student Recreation Centre at the University of Western Ontario in London.

A Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, he is a member of the Architects Associations of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia and a member of the American Institute of Architects. He is a member of the Board of the Canadian Art Foundation, Member of the Committee on Planning, Design and Real Estate of the National Capital Commission, Ottawa and Waterfront Toronto's Design Review Panel. Mr. Schmitt is the founding Chair of the Public Art Commission and has acted on several public art juries as well as the jury for the Canadian Architect awards of Excellence. He and his firm have won over 140 design awards including six Governor General's Awards.

Currently he leads design teams for the Hospital for Sick Children's new Research Building in Toronto; the new Law School at the University of British Columbia; the University of Windsor Medical Education Building; the Varsity Centre for Physical Activity and Health at the University of Toronto; the Robarts Library Renovation at the University of Toronto and a new academic building at the University of Ottawa.

Cameron Muir began his career in 1986 as a REALTOR® with the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “I still remember how nervous I was negotiating my first sale,” recalls Muir. “I must have checked the contract a dozen times to make sure there were no mistakes.” After six years in real estate sales and development, Muir shifted his focus to academic pursuits, obtaining diplomas from Kwantlen University College and the University of British Columbia, a degree from Simon Fraser University and graduate work in economics and property theory. Prior to joining BCREA, Muir held the position of Senior Market Analyst for the British Columbia region with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “I’ve always had a keen interest in the way real estate markets work and their importance in the quality of our lives,” says Muir. “In communities throughout the province, REALTORS® live, work and raise their families,” says Muir. “There’s no better way to learn about housing market information and how economic conditions impact your neighbourhood than from your local REALTOR®.”

Michael Deighton has over 9 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. After joining CB Richard Ellis Limited in 1999 Michael ran CB Richard Ellis Limited's financial services group for the first 5 years before teaming up with Lance Coulson in 2004. While running the financial services group Michael was involved in the sale of over $2.0 billion of commercial properties throughout western Canada.

Currently Michael and Lance specialize in the sale of streetfront retail, residential development sites, shopping centre, office and industrial properties throughout British Columbia.

Over the past 12 months Michael and Lance have completed in excess of $65 million in sale transactions and currently have in excess of $50 million under conditional contract. Some of the more notable transactions that Michael has been involved in include: 1075 West Georgia Street, 650 West Georgia Street, Champlain Mall, Semiahmoo Mall, Lynn Valley Mall, 1133 Melville Street, The Finning Industrial portfolio, and The Vedder Industrial Portfolio. Most recent transactions include: 8100 Granville Avenue, Richmond and 1800 Terry Avenue, Seattle, Washington.

Rob Greer began his Commercial Real Estate career in 2003. Since forming a Multi-Family Investment team, he has closed over $500 million of investment transactions. Rob's determination, hard work ethic, and analytical approach earn him respect and loyalty among many of his clients.

Luis Damy is the Program Manager for the New Construction Program at BC Hydro Power Smart. Luis has helped develop the new program offers for the new construction market for Power Smart. He has over 12 years experience in process re-engineering, project management and product development. During his work at IBM, he managed the design, construction and implementation of manufacturing sites as a senior project manager form IBM. He holds an MBA from the University of British Columbia, a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Cristian Suvagau has graduated with B.Sc. in utilities engineering from the Technical University for Constructions, Bucharest, Romania (1986) and holds a doctorate diploma in lighting (1995) from the same university. Cristian is working for BC Hydro since 1998 as an Energy Management Engineer supporting demand-side initiatives. Cristian’s expertise is lighting systems for indoor and outdoor applications. Cristian is a professional engineer registered in the province of BC, member of the board of directors of the BC Chapter of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and member of the Canadian National Committee of the International Commission on Illumination (CNC/CIE). Cristian is a Lighting Certified (LC) professional and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). He also participates actively on committees of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to develop performance standards for lighting products. Cristian is teaching lighting education for continuous education and has holds numerous technical lighting seminars for audiences in Europe and North America.

Nikolay Smirnov is a Senior Engineer in BC Hydro Power Smart with over 16 years experience in lighting engineering, lighting design and computer lighting modeling and visualization. Nikolay’s experience includes lighting and electrical design for industrial and commercial applications, project management, developing of energy-efficient solutions for various lighting projects. Nikolay holds a Master of Science degree in engineering and a Lighting Certification from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professionals. He is a Professional Engineer registered in BC and a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).

Kevin Grasty joined Halsall in 1999 to start his career in consulting engineering. He re-located to Vancouver in 2003 to assist in the development of Halsall’s first office in Western Canada. As a Project Manager he continues to enjoy his involvement in expanding the office while working on facility audits, capital planning and restoration projects.

Maeri Machado graduated from Queen’s University with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Engineering with a concentration in Structures. Maeri is a project manager with Halsall on many of their major projects in BC and Alberta. Maeri has experience in exterior envelopes, restoration engineering (specifically building envelope and parking garages), sustainability consulting, capital planning and performance audits.

Roy Manion is Project Liaison Manager with BC Wood, a trade association dedicated to growing BC’s value-added wood industry.

Roy has spent his entire career in BC’s building materials industry primarily with 2 major companies, Canfor Corporation and Masonite Corporation, formerly known as Premdor. In between his Canfor and Masonite careers, Roy owned and operated his own building materials business.

Roy primarily works architects, designers, contractors and specifiers; educating them on BC’s value-added wood industry. For the past 2 years, Roy, on behalf of BC Wood and Industry, has conducted Lunch & Learn sessions, organized the Architect Program at BC Wood’s marquee annual event, the Global Buyers Mission in Whistler, and participated in a number of seminars, all with the common theme of educating his audience on BC’s vibrant, value-added wood industry.

Doug is also the Western Canadian Program Director of the Masters Certificate in Project Management, through the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto and a member of the faculty.

As a “people builder” first and a business builder second, Doug’s wealth of experience is enthusiastically and effectively shared with a variety of audiences throughout Canada and the USA. Doug is a strong proponent of the role of a disciplined project management methodology in the success of any project or organization, and uses every opportunity to share his passion with audiences in both the public and private sectors.

Doug has held senior management positions in both public and corporate environments, as well as being owner / operator of his own businesses.

He has effectively managed many construction projects as well as large community development projects in a cross-cultural environment. He has also led a number of business development projects, all of which enables him to relate the theory of Project Management skills, and the importance of good communications, to everyday work situations in a variety of settings.

Combining his business experience with his training skills, he has helped many individuals reach new levels of excellence. A natural facilitator, Doug likes to “coach” and mentor his students and does so in a very entertaining and stimulating way.

Randy Orr is the lead Decorative Artist in Distinct Interiors a Vancouver-based interior decorating company and has been working with plaster since 1997 when he started by making custom tiles for the home decor market. In recent years, Orr has been taking the organic route with plasters into untraditional interiors to rejuvenate and bring a sense of decor not seen before in Vancouver.  He has worked on a variety of styles from Contemporary to Old World interiors, notably the new DB Bistro / Lumiere, the WOODWARDS Residences to the new Burgoo Bistro on Main Street.

Randy Orr is also an award winning certified, published and licensed decorative artist.

Carol Baumgartel: Carol uniquely blends life-experiences that have culminated in her belief and commitment to American Clay Earth Plaster.  She studied painting and ceramics, earning a BFA in Ceramics.  Carol made pottery for a number of years, and in 1980, she entered the world of Interior Design, with an office in Albuquerque, and later became President of the American Society of Interior Designers, New Mexico chapter (1991-93).   She specialized in interior finishes for commercial builders, residential builders and architects, putting elements together to highlight the physical aspects of a building – and won various interior awards for model homes in the process. While investigating creating a new product, Croft Elsaesser  - who happens to be her eldest of three sons – contacted Carol to tap her knowledge of clays. In addition to supporting the creation of safer, more natural materials that would do all the things he wanted (mold resistant, etc.), Carol – as an interior designer – appreciated formulating a mixture that (1) could create any color (vibrant and subdued) and that used natural oxides and pigments (and not be affected by UV), and (2) could accept different additives to create multiple textures (i.e. straw, black sand).
 
Most importantly, Carol brings to the company a deep knowledge of the Building and Design Industry and her marketing savvy.  She conducted extensive market research to find the feasibility of a Green-based business.  Her new home also became the trial house for American Clay.  She and her team exhibit at a variety of trade shows annually, including NAHB (American Clay won the 2004 Outstanding New Green Product Award), USGBC, AIA, PCBC, EcoBuild and she talks about clay plasters at design centers.

Aaron Cohen: Stucco Italiano Owner/Instructor Aaron Cohen has been working with decorative plaster and paint for over 25 years, and is widely recognized as one of the leading artisans in this field.

He has extensive on-the-job experience. He has worked on luxury residences, restaurants, hotels, and other retail and commercial establishments, and his work has been featured on the set of MTV’s Real World, the Seattle Today television program, and a number of publications, including Metropolitan Home. Aaron has professionally trained many hundreds of artists, painters and plasterers in decorative wall finishing since 1994.

Michel Couvreux: Like the St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime product that he sells and is passionate about, Frenchman Michel Couvreux is an old world original, improving and making things better in the new world. Transplanted to his adopted home in California over 20 years ago, Michel originally practiced his art as an architect, later establishing TransMineral USA, importing St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) products for restoration and new construction alike.

Forging his career at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, Bordeaux, France, and the Ecole d’Architecture de Bordeaux, Michel earned his Master Degree of Architecture, establishing his own architecture firm in France, followed by design work in South America, and with NASA at Cape Canaveral, Florida. His design and construction expertise ranges from residential and commercial to schools, hospitals, and fire stations, uniquely qualifying him to advise on all aspects of NHL applications and product lines.

Mark Worrall is an Associate Partner who leads KPMG’s Indirect Tax practice in Vancouver. He has over twenty years experience in Indirect Taxes including the federal Goods and Services Tax, the Quebec Sales Tax, provincial retail sales taxes and property transfer taxes.

Mark specializes in advising a wide range of private and public sector clients on Indirect Tax matters including refund claims, Indirect Tax compliance, transaction planning including cross border transactions and dealing with Indirect Tax audits and appeals.

Mark has been a frequent speaker on sales tax matters at the annual Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Commodity Tax Symposium and the B.C. Tax Foundation. Mark is a member of the GST Leaders Forum sponsored by the CICA and has served as a tutorial leader at the CICA In-Depth GST Tax Course.

Ed Militzer is a Chartered Accountant and Senior Manager in the Canadian Income Tax Practice of KPMG’s Burnaby and Fraser Valley offices. As a member of KPMG’s Real Estate Group, his focus is serving the tax and business needs of clients in the Real Estate development, construction, and manufacturing sectors. As a member of KPMG Enterprise, Ed brings over 18 years of tax experience, assisting private companies in minimizing their tax obligations while managing various types of tax and business risk.

Chris Hirst is a partner and the leader of  Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP's Construction & Engineering Practice. Chris also chairs his firm’s client service program.

His client centered practice is focused on assisting construction industry clients in the management of procurement issues, the negotiation and drafting of contracts, and the resolution of builders liens and other construction based litigation. Chris also provides environmental advice to clients including a major Canadian oil and gas company as well as defending professionals in a broad range of error and omission claims.

Chris is a frequent speaker and writer on legal issues of interest to the construction and business communities. He is the co-author of the Annotated Builders Lien Act, 2007 – 2008 published by the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (CLEBC) and a contributing author to the Builders Lien Practice Manual also published by the CLEBC.

Norm Streu is the Chief Operating Officer of LMS Reinforcing Steel, the leading fabricator and installer of reinforcing steel in Western Canada. Prior to joining LMS, Norm enjoyed a successful career leading the Construction & Engineering law department at the firm of Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP.

Through more than 1,800 presentations in 16 countries on four continents, Kevin has reached out to audiences with a message so real it is captivating. As a speaker and trainer, Kevin has toured the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim, delivering programs on a wide range of personal and organizational improvement topics. He has thrilled groups at organizations as Abbott Labs, Walt Disney Imagineering, Singapore Airlines, and the New Zealand Army. The National Speakers Association named him a Certified Speaking Professional, an award granted to less than 600 people in the world.

At 6'8", Kevin is a commanding presence, but his real gift for reaching audiences is rooted in a keen understanding of people and how they do what they do. From a blue-collar family and a business career, Kevin learned the value of hard work by example and experience. He’s been a banker and a personnel director, a best-selling author and a consultant, currently owns three businesses and has helped dozens of others start their own businesses in his role as a business counselor. He knows if there’s hard way, there’s also a smart way. Kevin has devoted his life to helping others find the smart way.

If you are seeking higher standards of performance in your business or personal life, spend a few hours — or even a few minutes — with Kevin Lust. You will find it time well spent.

Graham Finch is a Building Science Research Engineer with RDH Building Engineering Ltd. in Vancouver, BC. He holds a Masters Degree specializing in building science from the University of Waterloo and is actively involved with numerous research projects at RDH. Graham’s Masters Degree investigated the field performance of rainscreen walls in Coastal BC which has led to several publications and practical recommendations for the construction industry. Graham has several years experience as an engineering consultant on building enclosure issues across North America. This work has included new construction design, hygrothermal modeling, forensic investigation, whole building monitoring and several industry research studies. Graham’s current research focuses on improving the energy efficiency of buildings (particularly multi-unit high-rise residential and commercial buildings) through the building enclosure.

Warren Knowles is a Principal and Senior Building Science Specialist with RDH Building Engineering Ltd. in Vancouver, B.C. Warren has over 17 years experience working as a consulting engineer focused on building enclosure issues. This work includes the design of new building enclosures, as well as forensic investigation, rehabilitation, maintenance and renewals on existing buildings. Warren has also been a key team member on many landmark building science research and policy projects. He originally became interested in building science while working in a cold climate, and saw the need to make buildings more efficient. Since the inception of RDH, this focus has continued, largely by learning from investigations of existing buildings, and applying these lessons learned to the design of new and existing construction projects. This current study began several years ago in an attempt to recognize the need to improve existing building stock, and the actual performance characteristics of new buildings.

Darren Luce has over 25 years of lighting industry experience as a designer, distributor, agent and manufacturer providing him with a uniquely broad based strategic knowledge of the lighting business. Darren is a passionate lighting guy with a love of architecture contributing to his reputation as a closet architect.

Nicola Rueschmann is a trained interior designer and has a great interest in lighting, design and architecture. Nicola started working in the lighting industry in 1999 and in 2008 worked to receive her LC Lighting Certification. Nicola is now a Senior Account Manager at CDM2 Lightworks. Nicola has been a presenter of lighting seminars to design and architectural firms as well as various learning institutions across Vancouver.

Glen Boswall is a partner with Clark Wilson LLP's Litigation Department and a member of the firm's Insurance, Construction and Business Litigation Practice Groups. He has resolved numerous construction disputes through negotiation, mediation and litigation. He has published and presented on a wide variety of construction and insurance topics including bidding and tendering, extras and change orders, green building risks, construction liability insurance, and builders risk insurance.

Amy Mortimore is a partner with Clark Wilson LLP and is a member of its Construction Practice Group. She represents owners and contractors in builders liens claims; developers, owners, and contractors on claims for construction deficiencies and delay; parties in construction contractual disputes; and other related matters. She is also a frequent author and presenter on builders’ lien issues.

Anna Sekunova is an associate with Clark Wilson LLP's Business Litigation and Construction Practice Groups. Anna's practice includes shareholder and commercial contract disputes, real estate litigation, construction law and employment litigation.

Peter Laforest is a 30 year, veteran property management professional with vast experience in a myriad of ownership and operational models. His specific areas of expertise involve Process Improvement and Quality Management Systems. He currently is the first Program Director, Energy Conservation and Sustainability Programs with the Building Owners and Managers Association of BC (BOMA BC), establishing aggressive reduction targets for GhG and carbon, in addition to other deliverables related to the commercial real estate sector.

Jennifer Davis’ consulting practice focuses on developing behaviour based, corporate environmental responsibility programs. Her methodology goes beyond traditional marketing campaigns and focuses on changing behaviours through education, social norms, and grassroots implementation, among other tactics. Drawing from her expertise in strategic communications, change management and social marketing, she works with organizations to develop green programs that directly engage their people to become active participants in the program, resulting in a culture of conservation and a more comprehensive sustainability program than the traditional property and policy concentration. In commercial real estate this application often involves transitioning the landlord-driven, operationally focused environmental program into a more tenant-driven, behaviour based approach.

Robert Greenwald is the President of Prism Engineering, a BC consulting firm that specializes in energy efficiency analysis and upgrades.

With 20 years of engineering experience, Robert has developed high level Energy Plans, determined energy management opportunities for electrical and mechanical systems, designed building upgrades of HVAC and lighting systems, and has acted as an Energy Coach to support and sustain organizational Energy Management programs. He has completed hundreds of energy audits of commercial and institutional facilities and has focused his career in the energy management field.

Robert has a genuine passion for training and has facilitated over 200 energy management workshops. He has developed, prepared, and delivered training programs on behalf of Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency, BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro, and the Building Owners and Managers Association of BC (BOMA BC).

Paul Seo has over 20 years experience in the energy industry, from a private energy management consulting firm to Terasen Gas and now with BC Hydro. During his tenure, Paul has been responsible for the development and implementation of various electricity and natural gas commercial and residential demand side management programs. Paul is a Senior Program Manager with BC Hydro responsible for the Power Smart Partner program, which is responsible to address the conservation needs of large commercial customers.

Through more than 1,800 presentations in 16 countries on four continents, Kevin has reached out to audiences with a message so real it is captivating. As a speaker and trainer, Kevin has toured the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim, delivering programs on a wide range of personal and organizational improvement topics. He has thrilled groups at organizations as Abbott Labs, Walt Disney Imagineering, Singapore Airlines, and the New Zealand Army. The National Speakers Association named him a Certified Speaking Professional, an award granted to less than 600 people in the world.

At 6'8", Kevin is a commanding presence, but his real gift for reaching audiences is rooted in a keen understanding of people and how they do what they do. From a blue-collar family and a business career, Kevin learned the value of hard work by example and experience. He’s been a banker and a personnel director, a best-selling author and a consultant, currently owns three businesses and has helped dozens of others start their own businesses in his role as a business counselor. He knows if there’s hard way, there’s also a smart way. Kevin has devoted his life to helping others find the smart way.

If you are seeking higher standards of performance in your business or personal life, spend a few hours — or even a few minutes — with Kevin Lust. You will find it time well spent.

Aron Laxton: As the current Program Coordinator for the Construction Safety Association of BC, Aron Laxton is well versed in providing information and advice at all organizational levels, particularly on the details of the Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program.

Aron is an accomplished Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E) Practitioner with over 11 years of extensive experience conducting Health & Safety Assurance programs and employee training.

Elsa Milligan is currently an Adviser with the Employers’ Advisers Office, Ministry of Labour. As an adviser Elsa provides advice, assistance and representation to employers on all aspects of workers’ compensation. Elsa also provides educational seminars to employers in the area of workers compensation.

Prior to joining the Employers’ Advisers Office, Elsa worked in the private sector for a multinational air carrier. Elsa has held numerous positions in areas of operations to human resources that have specifically focused on managing workers compensation claims and disability management/return to work.

Urvi Ramsoondar: As Senior Safety Advisor for the Construction Safety Network (CSN), Urvi Ramsoondar has had a wealth of experience working with companies overcome health and safety challenges.  Through her leadership on committees representing the road building, asphalt, aggregate and ready-mix industries of BC, Urvi has worked hard at changing the culture of construction through developing education/training programs and best practice tools that build awareness on workplace health and safety.

An advocate of the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, Urvi works to help companies become COR certified and also acts as an instructor for the CSN’s Auditor Training Program. Utilizing her education from the BCIT Occupational Health and Safety Diploma program and her adult education training, she develops programs and initiatives for the construction industry that work to ensure that the message of safety is effectively communicated.

Currently completing studies in management and leadership Urvi builds her skills as a safety professional that believes a successful safety management system must begin with strong commitment from ‘the top’.

Paul Duchaine has over 30 years of claims expertise on a national and international level working for insurance companies and brokers in Montreal and Vancouver; first as an adjuster, later as an examiner, supervisor, departmental manager and, eventually, as an Assistant Vice President Claims. He has hands-on experience with property, casualty, ocean marine and automobile losses from coast to coast. Paul is fluent in both official languages.

Paul joined BFL in 2001 and is licensed as a level II General Agent in both Alberta and British Columbia and is a Chartered Insurance Professional. He has extensive claims management and administrative skills, is an excellent negotiator with solid mediation and conflict resolution talents. He is service oriented with a focus on clients’ specific and individual needs.

Paul Murcutt began his insurance career at BFL in 2003 and has worked in various capacities such as Account Manager and Marketer.

Paul is a Client Service Manager in the fast paced Real Estate Division at BFL Canada. He is in daily contact with clients and insurers, acting as a liaison and ensuring the highest level of service is provided.
His expertise varies from Strata Programs to dealing with clients and he is currently has his CAIB designation.

Paul’s progression through the various levels of the insurance industry has allowed him to recognize the many requirements of clients and to be able to efficiently handle their insurance needs.

She has acted for a variety of clients including strata corporations, property managers, commercial strata lot owners, as well as individuals in estate and trust disputes. She has appeared in all levels of court in British Columbia, including the Court of Appeal, as well as various administrative tribunals, including the Human Rights Tribunal. Veronica has written various articles for Clark Wilson’s publications, including STRATAgies and Legal Framework. In addition, she has contributed to Continuing Legal Education’s BC Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation, Family Law Agreements and Annual Review of Law. She has also authored three chapters in the BC Strata Property Practice Manual (Collections, Finances and Human Rights).

Veronica has presented seminars and contributed articles on strata issues to various magazines and newsletters for industry groups such as the Condominium Homeowner’s Association (CHOA), Professional Association of Managing Agents (PAMA), Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI), Pacific Condominium Association of BC (PCA) and Canadian Property Management.

She has acted for a variety of clients including strata corporations, property managers, commercial strata lot owners, as well as individuals in estate and trust disputes. She has appeared in all levels of court in British Columbia, including the Court of Appeal, as well as various administrative tribunals, including the Human Rights Tribunal. Veronica has written various articles for Clark Wilson’s publications, including STRATAgies and Legal Framework. In addition, she has contributed to Continuing Legal Education’s BC Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation, Family Law Agreements and Annual Review of Law. She has also authored three chapters in the BC Strata Property Practice Manual (Collections, Finances and Human Rights).

Veronica has presented seminars and contributed articles on strata issues to various magazines and newsletters for industry groups such as the Condominium Homeowner’s Association (CHOA), Professional Association of Managing Agents (PAMA), Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI), Pacific Condominium Association of BC (PCA) and Canadian Property Management.