Wednesday, February 11
My Cart9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
BCBC 2024: An Interactive Accessibility Refresher
ConEd Credits: 1 BOMI CPD; AIBC 1 Core; BC Housing 1 CPD (Relevant enactments); 1 IDCEC HSW-Barrier Free
Location: Level 2: Room 217
- Architecture
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Interior Design
- Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
This interactive technical refresher explores Section 3.8 Accessibility of the 2024 British Columbia Building Code (BCBC), highlighting key requirements while encouraging participants to understand the functional and objective intent behind these provisions. Through engaging case studies and best practice examples, attendees will discover how to prevent, identify, and remove barriers that inhibit equitable participation, ultimately learning to create adaptable and intuitive spaces that embrace universal design principles. The session demonstrates how combining compliance with an accessible framework allows designers to exceed minimum standards, offering practical insights on balancing regulatory requirements with more inclusive approaches. Participants will refresh their knowledge of the 2024 BCBC accessibility requirements, understand how functional and objective statements lead to intentional accessible design, examine real-world applications that align with both compliance and universal design principles, and gain valuable strategies for going beyond the Code to create truly accessible environments.
Speakers
Samantha Ryan CEO, Technical Lead, ABE Factors Inc.
Samantha Ryan (Proulx) C.E.T., RHFAC, is a leading Canadian technical accessibility specialist and nationally recognized accessibility compliance consultant with over 14 years of experience working on some of Canada’s largest and most complex building projects. Samantha is a designated Certified RHFAC Professional Assessor and former instructor of the RHFAC Program with over 100 RHFAC Ratings completed to date. She is also a co-author of the Amazon best seller "Building Better Bathrooms". Samantha sits on various national accessibility technical committees including Accessible Standards Canada Emergency Egress and Accessible Ready Housing, the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) Accessibility Committee, Canadian Standards Association CSA B651 and CSA B652 (Chair), and the RHFAC Technical Committee. Her expertise and ability to easily navigate technical accessibility provisions on behalf of her clients consistently pays tribute to advancing accessibility.
Brieann Ventura Senior Accessibility Consultant, ABE Factors Inc.
Brieann Ventura, CTech, RHFAC, is a technical accessibility specialist and inter-provincially trained building code consultant with over 10 years of experience interpreting a wide range of codes and standards. Her project portfolio includes complex mixed-use developments, civic facilities, transportation hubs, industrial spaces, and more. She contributes her expertise to several national accessibility technical committees, including Accessible Standards Canada’s Accessible Childcare Centres Committee and the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) Accessibility Committee. In addition to her committee work, Brieann is active in the community, delivering code presentations and training sessions to professionals across the built environment sector. With a focus on creating spaces that are functional, aesthetically thoughtful, and intrinsically inclusive, she brings both technical precision and design innovation to her work.
- Regular
- $85
Session Sponsor
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Integrating Foresight and Inclusive Practice in Design
ConEd Credits: AIBC 1 Core; 1 IDCEC General Hour
Location: Level 2: Room 222
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
Explore cutting-edge methodologies empowering design professionals to address Vancouver and BC’s most urgent built environment challenges. This session presents a practical framework that merges strategic foresight, systems thinking, human-centred, and inclusive design. The session will focus on design strategies enabling inclusion, innovation, and future-ready practices. Attendees will gain insight into the differentiation between traditional and advanced approaches to design strategy, including team workflows that support diverse perspectives, equity, and inclusion within decision-making processes. Key learning outcomes include actionable methods to foster truly inclusive environments, while anticipating and solving complex problems.
Speakers
Sabrina Ash Advanced Strategy Lead, B+H International Corp.
Sabrina has over 15 years of experience in commercial design and providing thought leadership in design strategy and innovation. She has worked with a broad range of clients, from the financial to the technology sector, solving diverse and complex stakeholder needs. With a Masters in Strategic Foresight & Innovation, Sabrina engages in an enhanced approach to design strategy, rethinking what is possible through systems and futures thinking. Her approach to problem-finding, framing, and solving helps determine present and future strategic actions to drive innovation and guide organizational & systems change. Sabrina’s extensive experience in leading and facilitating design workshops and visioning sessions, showcases her ability to guide discussions, manage group dynamics, and achieve consensus.
- Regular
- $85
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Trauma-Informed Design: A Primer
ConEd Credits: AIBC 1 Core; 1 IDCEC HSW-Barrier Free
Location: Level 2: Room 222
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Institutional
90% of adults in the world have experienced at least one traumatic event. As neuroscience and therapeutic services have advanced in recent years, so has the understanding of trauma and of the impacts of the built environment on human emotions. In turn, Trauma-informed Design (TiD) is emerging as a specialized field of practice which, at its core, results in spaces that embody safety, foster resilience, and support healing. This presentation will start by providing a brief broad-based understanding of trauma: the types, effects on the brain, symptoms, and triggers. Attendees will then gain insight into the Trauma-informed Design framework composed of three spheres – policy and practice, design process, and the built environment. Finally, the role of the designer in the TiD framework will be discussed followed by the presentation and analysis of projects that have implemented the Trauma-informed Design process.
Speakers
Alyssa Myshok Principal, BlueFish Studio
A graduate from the University of Manitoba’s Interior Design program, Alyssa worked at a variety of large and small design firms in Vancouver and Alberta, prior to establishing her own firm. This has afforded her a diverse portfolio of projects both in scope and use – hotels, restaurants, offices, healthcare facilities, sports facilities and private homes. She is keenly interested in the psychology of interior design – the power of a space to influence our emotions … to excite, inspire, comfort … or, on the flip side, to repel. Currently Alyssa is engaged in investigating the connection between neuroscience and the built environment. Alyssa is a past president of IDIBC and current president of the newly formed PIDAA – the Professional Interior Designers Advocacy Association of BC.
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Designing for Brand Expansions
ConEd Credits: AIBC 1 Core; 1 IDCEC General Hour
Location: Level 2: Room 222
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial
As brands expand nationally, design teams face increasing pressure to deliver spaces that feel both consistent and fresh. Copy-and-paste design does not cut it in today’s market; success requires scalable processes that protect creativity while meeting rollout demands. In this session, the speaker will share insights on moving from concept to reality across dozens of locations. Attendees will learn how to anticipate common rollout challenges such as permitting delays, consultant misalignment, or construction drift, and how to align teams, timelines, and toolsets to stay on track. Through real-world examples, the speaker will provide designers, developers, and contractors with practical frameworks for maintaining design integrity at scale. Targeted at intermediate to advanced professionals in design, development, and construction, this deep dive offers actionable takeaways for anyone managing multi-location projects.
Speakers
Ruth M’Rav Jankelowitz Principal, Founder, Janks Design Group Inc.
Ruth is an NCIDQ-certified designer with over 30 years of experience in commercial and hospitality design, specializing in the food and beverage industry. Renowned for her ability to create fresh, unique spaces, she excels at designing environments that capture a brand’s essence while ensuring consistency across multiple locations. Her work with brands like OEB and Tap & Barrel exemplifies her skill in developing distinctive spaces that enhance customer experiences and drive business growth. With a portfolio featuring over 200 restaurants, 150 stores, 60 corporate offices, and 52 medical offices, Ruth combines creativity with strategic insight. She has collaborated with global brands such as Timberland, Nike, and DKNY, as well as established names like Nando’s and Browns Social House. At Janks Design Group Inc. (JDG), Ruth leads full-service projects from concept to reality, aligning innovative design solutions with client vision to create impactful spaces that sell.
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Designing Student Housing for Equity, Well-Being, and Community
ConEd Credits: AIBC 1 Core; BC Housing 1 CPD (Construction management and supervision); 1 IDCEC HSW-Barrier Free
Location: Level 2: Room 220
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Interior Design
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
- Housing Planning, Development & Supply
- Housing Solutions
Building Type: Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
This session examines the critical role of student housing design in shaping campus life and the wider community. As Canada faces an intensifying housing crisis, student residences are becoming essential to easing pressure on rental markets while safeguarding equitable access to education. Drawing on recent work with the University of British Columbia, the presentation will share strategies that balance long-term sustainability with the unique needs of students in early adulthood. The session will address challenges of affordability and inclusivity, highlighting design approaches that foster resilience and adaptability. Attendees will gain insight into how student housing design can support mental health, create a strong sense of belonging, and offer innovative models for the broader housing sector, while also exploring the role of partnerships between institutions and communities in delivering viable, forward-looking solutions.
Speakers
Ashton Stare Associate, Architect, 3XN Architects
Ashton Stare is an Associate at 3XN Architects, with expertise spanning large-scale public projects, sustainable design, and mass timber construction. He holds a Master of Architecture degree, complemented by studies in urban planning and environmental design, giving him a unique multidisciplinary perspective on the built environment. At 3XN, Ashton leads complex projects from initial concept through construction across North America. His work encompasses diverse typologies including multi-family residential developments, sports stadiums, higher education facilities, museums, performance venues, office buildings, and transportation infrastructure. Ashton is currently leading the design of UBC’s Lower Mall Precinct Phase 1 Student Housing Development, delivering 700,000 sf and 1500 beds, dining and childcare facilities, and amenities to their Vancouver Campus.
Adam James Principal, Architect, Ryder Architecture
Adam is a Principal of Ryder Architecture in Vancouver, where he leads projects with a strong focus on energy efficiency and high-performance design. His residential experience spans a wide range of housing typologies, including student housing, affordable and supportive housing, and complex care, giving him a deep understanding of how to design residences that balance well-being, functionality, and long-term durability. Adam has delivered certified projects across British Columbia, including the award-winning, LEED-certified tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ (The Houses of the Ones Belonging to the Saltwater) student residence at the University of British Columbia and the Timbre and Harmony non-market housing projects. Through this work, he continues to set new benchmarks for comfort, livability, and operational efficiency. Adam is currently working on UBC’s Lower Mall Precinct Phase 1 Student Housing Development.
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Architecture Keynote – Innovations in Adaptive Reuse
Location: Tradeshow Floor: BUILDEX Main Stage (Booth 843)
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Interior Design
- Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
- Sustainability, Carbon Management & High-Performance Buildings
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
Adaptive reuse stands as a multi-faceted solution to Vancouver’s urban challenges. The practice of re-using existing structures offers opportunities to eliminate waste, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce embodied carbon in existing structures. Beyond ecological benefits, this practice has demonstrated significant impact on social, cultural, and economic aspects. This year’s architecture keynote will present strategies for adaptive reuse in Vancouver, addressing the balance between preserving architectural heritage and meeting evolving contemporary needs.
Pre-registration for this session is required. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Speakers
Mona Lemoine Associate, Senior Sustainability Consultant, DIALOG
Mona is a licensed architect with more than twenty-three years of experience in the built environment. Her work addresses the urgencies of climate change by offering design solutions that weave together resilience, equity, health, and biodiversity considerations. As part of these efforts, Mona remains focused on designing and building projects that are enabled to draw down carbon emissions through material performance, circular economy, and regenerative design and development. In combining big-picture systems thinking with attention to detail, Mona works together with clients to craft a carbon impact vision, fit with both ambitious and achievable goals that support their ideal outcomes for the project. Mona is the Chair of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Committee on Regenerative Environments (CORE), and Co-Chair of the RAIC Climate Action Engagement and Enablement Plan (CAEEP) steering committee.
Ryan Bragg Principal, Corporate and Commercial, Vancouver, Perkins&Will
Adventurous and curious, Ryan jumped at the opportunity to leave northern Alberta and live with relatives in Europe for several months when he was 14. That journey began a life-long love of travel and an appetite for experiencing different cultures—traits that Ryan believes to be the foundation of his context-first design approach. When responding to the contextual and external influences of a project, Ryan looks for the clear simple design solutions first. Through extensive project experience, he has adopted an objective and malleable approach to design. He likens design to another of his passions, artisanal bread baking: all the right ingredients can be combined in the correct proportions, but a successful outcome requires adjusting and responding to the specific environmental conditions.
Kai Hotson Principal, Architect, SvN Architects + Planners
With nearly 20 years of professional experience working in multiple scales of architectural practice in New York and Toronto, Kai joined SvN in 2024, after having led Hotson Architecture since 2013. Kai is committed to creating high-quality buildings and environments for living and learning. Over the course of his career, he has been involved in a leading role on a variety of projects, ranging from residential housing, community and university buildings, and commercial interiors to master planning and competitions. Kai’s work has been recognized for design innovation through awards and publications, the most recent of which include the Architizer A+ Award and Shaw Contract Design Award for the University of British Columbia tə šxʷhəleləm
Duncan Bates Senior Associate, Diamond Schmitt Architects
Duncan Bates has a broad range of design experience and has made significant contributions as a design leader since joining the firm in 2005. Projects include the envelope of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at Sickkids Hospital and the PwC-YMCA Tower at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. As a resident of Guelph, Duncan is pleased to have led the competition-winning proposal for a new central library and 120-unit condominium building that will occupy the north block of the Baker District Redevelopment, a transformational project in downtown Guelph. As the design and project lead for the Waterworks mixed-use building, Duncan oversaw the construction of the heritage adaptive reuse that incorporates a YMCA, considerable European-influenced retail spaces, and 290 residential units in downtown Toronto. Duncan sits on a Region of Waterloo Design Review Panel and has previously participated as a jury member in the selection of public art for the City of Guelph in addition to being a guest critic at a number of post-secondary design institutions.
Mitchell Hall Partner, KPMB Architects
Mitchell Hall is recognized for his passion and commitment to architecture as a vehicle for improving the human condition. He believes that architects must offer agency – acting in the best interests of people and place – to help make a better world. He challenges existing paradigms to create buildings and spaces that actively promote wellness, cultivate community building, and address the pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to population growth. Joining KPMB in the formative years of the practice, Mitch worked on seminal Governor General award-winning projects such as Woodsworth College and Kitchener City Hall. He has diverse design and leadership experience, directing interdisciplinary teams to deliver large, complex projects in the culture, hospitality, and education sectors. Mitchell is experienced in various sectors, including science, healthcare, culture, and hospitality. As an advocate of architectural excellence, Mitch has navigated complex programs and approvals to successfully realize the ambitions and aspirations of clients, within the constraints of budget and time.
- Free
Thursday, February 12
My Cart9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Creating Positive Social Impact Through Design and Architectural Processes
ConEd Credits: AIBC 1 Core; 1 IDCEC HSW-Barrier Free
Location: Level 2: Room 222
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Workforce Solutions, Business Strategy & Leadership
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
Partners: IDIBC
Interior designers and architects have the power to create net positive social sustainability by embedding equitable and empathic interventions into their core processes. Long accepted methodologies require adjustments to effectively address emerging and traditionally ignored biopsychosocial needs. This session will cover transformation on the level of practice and Practioners alike, emphasizing alignment between your design culture and positive social impact. Participants will explore what it means to design from the margins, consider intersectionality and respectfully consult with those most affected by the spaces you create. Practical and actionable process enhancements will be offered along with examples from a variety of built environment typologies.
Speakers
Lisa MacVicar Principal, Lisa MacVicar Consulting & Coaching Inc.
For the past 33 years Lisa has worked in the fields of Interior Design, Workplace Strategy Consulting and Leadership Coaching. She has curated a multidisciplinary approach to guide organizations as they navigate complex psychosocial challenges. Lisa hold certificates in Diversity & Inclusion, Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace and Performance Leadership. She is an ICF certified Coach (ACC) and a Prosci certified Change Management Practitioner (CMP). As a WELL AP, WELL Faculty and WELL Advisor, Lisa focuses on biopsychosocial interventions through the certification process in the built environment. Additionally, Lisa instructs for the University of Toronto’s Rotman Executive Program, Inclusion by Design. She has held the position of DEI Director on the ICF Toronto Board of Directors, served on the ARIDO DEI Foundation committee and Deloitte’s National & Global DEI committees. In April 2025 she launched an on-demand continuing education academy for design professionals.
- Regular
- $85
Presenting Partner
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Interior Design Keynote – Reshaping Corporate Environments
Location: Tradeshow Floor: BUILDEX Main Stage (Booth 843)
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial
Partners: IDIBC
As organizations accelerate return-to-office mandates, interior design is increasingly being leveraged to drive business strategy and unlock organizational value. Interior designers are now tasked with reshaping corporate offices into dynamic environments that serve multiple purposes. Panelists will present innovative design strategies and successful projects that foster productivity and connection while authentically reflecting corporate brand values. Attendees will gain a forward-looking perspective on how strategic design can reframe the future of corporate spaces.
Pre-registration for this session is required. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Speakers
Dora Anderson Partner, Ecotecture
Dora Anderson, RID, LEED® AP, WELL® AP, is the current President of the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC) and Partner‑Founder of ECOTECTURE, an Okanagan‑based green building design consultancy. With more than 20 years of practice, she has led sustainable commercial and residential projects across Canada and abroad and previously served as Managing Partner at MQN Interiors from 2009 to 2024. A Registered Interior Designer (RID) with IDIBC, Dora’s work has been recognized with Top 20 Under 40, SICA, OHAE, Georgie, and Tommie awards, as well as first place in the 2025 Enterprize Challenge. She is an active member of IDC, ASID, NEWH, Passive House and CAGBC. Dora is passionate about a holistic design process that prioritizes wellness, resiliency, and authentic connection. She approaches every project with a commitment to aligning people, place, and purpose while advancing sustainability and organizational value.
Stephanie Panyan Principal, Interior Design, B+H International Corp.
Stephanie Panyan is a Principal and Interior Design Director at B+H, recognized for her ability to create workplaces that reflect and elevate the distinct cultures of the organizations she partners with. With experience spanning consulting firms, tech companies, financial institutions, and public-sector organizations, Stephanie is adept at immersing herself in each client’s mission, values, and ways of working to translate them into thoughtful, high-performing environments. Her approach blends strategic inquiry with design sensitivity, uncovering what motivates teams, how they collaborate, and the conditions they need to do their best work. She has led the design of numerous large-scale workplace transformations, shaping spaces that foster connection, creativity, and long-term adaptability. Whether supporting companies undergoing rapid growth, cultural change, or modernization, Stephanie is known for delivering workplaces that are not only functional and flexible but also deeply aligned with the aspirations and everyday realities of the people who use them.
Rufina Wu Associate Principal, Interior Design Director, Vancouver, Perkins&Will
Born in Hong Kong, Rufina is a city dweller at heart, and is fascinated by the complex variety of needs and programs that compose our shared environment. Rufina recognizes that the end-user is often the silent consumer of architecture, and so has dedicated her career to understanding how the individual naturally inhabits space. Having been native to an environment known for its density, she views space as a precious entity, and she believes that it is the designer’s role to apply a robust design approach to provide spatial solutions that are both tailored and flexible. She is inspired to create spaces that invite the users to play an active role in shaping the environment to suit their unique needs and preferences. Rufina lives and breathes design. From the self-made, upcycled trinkets she has sitting on her desk to the pet inspired paintings she creates in her free time, Rufina’s desire is to produce extraordinary products from ordinary items is evident in everything she touches.
Alison McNeil Partner, Interior Design, DIALOG
Alison McNeil is a Partner at DIALOG and one of the firm’s national leaders in interior design. With more than 20 years of experience, she has shaped award-winning projects across hospitality, retail, and workplace sectors, bringing a balance of bold pragmatism, rigorous detail, and a deep sensitivity to context. Her portfolio includes internationally recognized projects such as the Four Seasons Toronto d|bar, the Four Seasons Toronto Spa, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, and the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District. Alison’s approach is rooted in understanding the cultural, urban, and business context of each client, translating abstract ideas into inspiring built environments. From large-scale master planning to the refinement of a single chair, she is known for her ability to move seamlessly across scales and disciplines, delivering spaces that exceed expectations and define global brands.
- FREE
Presenting Partner
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Strategic Facilities Planning for Emergency Health Services
ConEd Credits: AIBC 1 Non-Core; 1 IDCEC HSW-Building Code
Location: Level 2: Room 220
- Architecture
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Interior Design
- Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
- Public Sector
Building Type: Institutional
This session provides an in-depth look into the BCEHS Strategic Facilities Plan, a 20-year strategy designed to align British Columbia’s ambulance station facilities with growing and evolving service demands. We explore the methodologies and tools developed to evaluate and prioritize BCEHS’s facility needs, including assessing each station’s capacity, quality, and risk factors to address both present and anticipated challenges. The speakers will demonstrate a high level service capacity projection along with data-driven design facilities guidelines and a scoring framework that analyzes essential factors such as projected demand, demographic shifts, geographic risks, and facility conditions. These metrics allow us to strategically address underserved regions, and align facilities with services supporting a changing population.
Speakers
Allison Savigny Principal Facilities Planner, Inform Planning
Allison’s approach to facilities planning is strategic and creative. With both diligent investigation and graphic skills, she combines analysis with communications to produce comprehensive decision support tools that drive the capital planning process. She has years of experience in facility planning, accommodations, and master planning for commercial, municipal, healthcare, civic, academic, not-for-profit and industrial projects. She prides herself on Inform’s ability to achieve exceptional functional programs through a collaborative process. Allison has a Master of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of British Columbia. Allison’s background in urban planning supports her knowledge in community and civic planning. Allison’s predesign strengths lie in community, municipal, civic, community health and workplace functional programming. Her versatile facilitation tools and personable approach to stakeholder engagement make her a favourite among stakeholders and clients.
Aishwarya Thabitha Facilities Planner, Inform Planning
Aishwarya received her Master’s in Community Planning from Vancouver Island University, where she honed her expertise in planning and design. With a diverse background in architecture and facilities planning, she brings strengths in strategic thinking and effective problem-solving to every project. Her approach to planning is both strategic and creative, combining thorough research with strong graphic skills. She excels in client communication and project management, ensuring each project is executed with attention to detail. At Inform Planning, Aishwarya has applied her skills to key healthcare, civic, and commercial projects.
John LaRusic Lead Consultant, Compass Healthcare Management
John has over 12 years of experience in healthcare consulting, project management, and data analytics. His work in healthcare analytics has taken him across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. John is passionate about making analytics accessible to all healthcare operations stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making. In his previous role as Director of Development at AnalysisWorks Inc., John led development of the LightHouse software-as-a-service report offering that was adopted by all health authorities in BC, as well as the Edmonton Zone in Alberta. John holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of New Brunswick, as well as a Master’s in Mathematics (Operations Research) from Simon Fraser University.
Michael Watibini Senior Development Manager, City of Vancouver
Michael Watibini is a seasoned Registered Professional Planner (RPP, MCIP) with a unique blend of architectural training and healthcare planning expertise. Originally from Nairobi, he holds a B.Arch degree and refined his craft through advanced studies in Canada, earning a Master’s in Planning from the University of Calgary. Since transitioning into healthcare-focused roles, Michael has delivered impactful planning leadership across western Canada. His early career included strategic capital planning at Alberta Health Services, where he began tackling complex health facility projects He subsequently joined Island Health as a Capital Planner before assuming his current role with the Provincial Health Services Authority, specializing in healthcare master planning across varied facilities including acute hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and COVID-19 response infrastructure.
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Trades and Pain (TAP): Addressing Pain, Mental Health, and Substance Use in Trades Workers
Location: Level 2: Room 207
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Mixed-Use
Ongoing pain affects 1 in 5 Canadians and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Living with pain often has negative effects on a person’s ability to work and take part in community or family life, which can lead to social isolation and compromised mental health.
Workers in the trades experience chronic pain far more often than those working in many other occupations. In fact, more than half of trades workers experience chronic pain, which also puts them at a much higher risk of substance use, mental health conditions, and suicide.
Speakers will share how Pain BC is partnering with workers, employers, and unions across BC to develop pain-related resources and programs tailored for people who work in the trades. Attendees will learn about the impact of chronic pain from trades workers’ personal experiences and solutions for preventing and managing chronic pain, reducing lost time due to injury, and dealing with the emotional strain that often accompanies living in pain.
Pre-registration for this session is required. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Speakers
James Boseley Trades and Pain Lead, Pain BC Society
James Boseley is the Trades and Pain (TAP) Lead at Pain BC. James has been a volunteer with Pain BC’s Coaching for Health program since 2022 and graduated with a diploma in Applied Psychology Specializing in Counselling in 2024. James has 25 years of oilfield, truck driving, equipment operating, and trades-related experience. With his background in mental health and lived experience with chronic pain, James is passionate about the TAP project. He looks forward to connecting with people in the field and looking at ways to support workers.
Barb Eddy Nurse Practitioner, Eddy Health Options Inc.
Barb Eddy is a nurse practitioner practising since 2007 in primary care for persons living with social and health inequities. In 2019 Barb championed the start of the Vancouver Community Pain Service offering non-pharmacological pain interventions to those living with homelessness, poverty, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions, including complex trauma. In 2020, the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan and Barb started a pain clinic that offers free myoActivation pain care to all trades workers. She has a private pain clinic in North Vancouver. Barb is a mentor with Pain BC’s Adaptive Mentoring Network and the lead instructor for myoActivation with the Anatomic Medicine Foundation. Barb is an adjunct assistant professor with the UBC School of nursing and completing research about myoActivation care.
Ben Marsolais Director of Operations, Metro-Can Construction
Ben Marsolais is the Director of Operations at Metro-Can Construction, one of Canada’s most trusted and innovative construction firms. Ben oversees multifaceted projects from inception to completion, leveraging his wealth of experience in estimating, project supervision, and project management. His commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes on time and on budget is matched by his commitment to the people who come together to get the job done.
- Free
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Elevating the Customer Experience Through Redefined Design Standards
ConEd Credits: 1 BOMI CPD; AIBC 1 Core; 1 IDCEC General Hour
Location: Level 2: Room 222
- Architecture
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Interior Design
- Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial, Institutional
As financial institutions rethink their physical branches, retail banking is emerging as a key site of design innovation. This session explores how design standards are being redefined to elevate customer experience, drawing inspiration from hospitality and experiential design. The speakers will share insights on creating welcoming, future-focused spaces while also addressing the challenges of implementing new design standards at scale. Using a recent rebrand as a case study, the discussion will highlight how design, technology, and logistics intersect to transform hundreds of locations in a short period of time. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the strategies shaping the future of retail banking environments and practical lessons for managing large-scale rollouts.
Speakers
Supreet Barhay Principal, WZMH Architects
As Principal at WZMH Architects, Supreet Barhay leads the firm’s Retail Team, guiding projects in retail, retail banking, residential, and mixed-use intensification from concept through completion. Known for her clarity, precision, and collaborative leadership, she ensures client expectations are met while navigating complex approvals and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
A LEED® Accredited Professional (BD+C) since 2007, Supreet integrates sustainable design into every project. She joined WZMH through its 2015 merger with Pellow + Associates and became Principal in 2019. Beyond practice, she mentors through the WZMH Academy, SOSA, and the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), fostering growth, inclusivity, and excellence in the profession.
Gina Hermida Senior Director, Global Design & Standards, Royal Bank of Canada
As Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)’s Director, Global Design, Corporate Real Estate (CRE), Gina Hermida oversees a multi-platform portfolio that delivers extraordinary, sustainable spaces for RBC’s 16 million clients across 26 countries, while shaping inspiring workplaces for over 86,000 employees.
With a Bachelor’s in Architecture and an MBA, Gina brings 20+ years of experience optimizing the built environment – integrating branding, human experience, and enterprise values. She is a dedicated mentor to design professionals new to Canada and champions diversity as a catalyst for meaningful, high-impact solutions.
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Designing for People and the Planet: Inside Vancouver’s Largest WELL Platinum Office Tower
Location: Level 2: Room 207
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Interior Design
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial
First registered in February 2018 as an early adopter of WELL v1, the certification of BGO’s B6 tower has evolved with the WELL Building Standard over a period of 8+ years. To align health and well-being initiatives with BGO’s culture and commitment to excellence, the project team dove deep into WELL, exploring all possibilities across multiple versions and addenda. Learn about the initiatives taken to achieve WELL Core at the Platinum level in January 2026. The panel format is a follow-up to the Buildex 2022 case study.
Speakers
Lisa MacVicar Principal, Lisa MacVicar Consulting & Coaching Inc.
For the past 33 years Lisa has worked in the fields of Interior Design, Workplace Strategy Consulting and Leadership Coaching. She has curated a multidisciplinary approach to guide organizations as they navigate complex psychosocial challenges. Lisa hold certificates in Diversity & Inclusion, Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace and Performance Leadership. She is an ICF certified Coach (ACC) and a Prosci certified Change Management Practitioner (CMP). As a WELL AP, WELL Faculty and WELL Advisor, Lisa focuses on biopsychosocial interventions through the certification process in the built environment. Additionally, Lisa instructs for the University of Toronto’s Rotman Executive Program, Inclusion by Design. She has held the position of DEI Director on the ICF Toronto Board of Directors, served on the ARIDO DEI Foundation committee and Deloitte’s National & Global DEI committees. In April 2025 she launched an on-demand continuing education academy for design professionals.
Olesy Alekseev Vice President, Canada Country Lead, International WELL Building Institute
As VP and Canada Country Lead for the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), Olesy leads the movement to transform how we design and experience spaces with people at the center. A wellness strategist, speaker, and changemaker, she brings bold energy and deep expertise at the intersection of health, sustainability, social impact, and business strategy, helping organizations create workplaces where people and performance thrive. From guiding Fortune 500s through ESG and sustainability alignment to coaching leaders on embedding well-being into their culture, she champions one core belief: Putting people first isn’t just right, it’s smart for business.
Christopher Pereira Manager, Building Systems & Sustainability, B6 Project Lead, BGO (BentallGreenOak)
As the Manager of Building Systems & Sustainability at BentallGreenOak (BGO), Christopher Pereira applies his knowledge toward energy management projects and retrofits as well as green and healthy building certifications. Christopher works to meet local and federal GHG and Energy limit requirements on a grand scale by working to decarbonize office, industrial, retail, and residential assets across BC and Alberta. Recently, Christopher has helped BGO in BC achieve more than 1,000 MWh of Energy Savings in 2024, implement an AI-Assisted Building Management System at 550 Burrard Street (B5), and win BOMA BC’s inaugural Leap Forward Award for structuring a detailed environmental program.
Sharon Hollingsworth Principal / Faculty, Husk Interior Design Ltd. / BCIT
With a focus on green interior design, Sharon applies health science knowledge acquired through a medical laboratory career in paediatric microbiology to identify toxic building materials and encourage transparency and innovation. Sharon is an early adopter of the WELL Building Standard with a commitment of greater than 3000 hours over 9 years through WELL project administration, teaching, presentations and engagement with the International WELL Building Institute. Sharon is a registered interior designer (RID), WELL AP, legacy LEED AP, LEED AP BD+C and founder of award-winning Husk Interior Design.
Joel Good Principal, RWDI
Joel is a Senior Building Performance Consultant and Principal with RWDI, where he applies his mechanical and environmental engineering background to create comfortable, sustainable designs that harness a site’s natural energy sources. Joel has over 20 years of experience specializing in energy and daylight modelling, solar and reflected light studies, natural ventilation, thermal comfort, renewable energy, and net-zero strategies. Joel is a Certified Passive House Consultant and a WELL Faculty and Performance Verification Assessor in which he helps design and verify daylit spaces that balance occupant health and comfort with energy efficiency.
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
The Butterfly + First Baptist Church Complex: A New Paradigm of Livable Urban Density
ConEd Credits: AIBC 1 Core
Location: Level 2: Room 217
- Architecture
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
- Housing Planning, Development & Supply
- Housing Solutions
Building Type: Mixed-Use
What if our densest neighborhoods were also our most welcoming? What if heritage sites became anchors of inclusive growth? What if towers brought people together instead of keeping them apart? In Vancouver, where housing demand and social isolation intersect, The Butterfly + First Baptist Church Complex introduces a new urban typology: design-forward vertical living anchored in community and culture. This landmark project represents a unique partnership between architects, a religious institution, and developers to reimagine church-owned land as an eclectic mixed-use village. This project offers a replicable model for socially and environmentally attuned development that leverages architectural innovation and community-centered design to achieve urban density that provides a high quality of life. This is not just a project – it’s a paradigm shift in how we build, restore, and belong.
Speakers
Amirali Javidan Director, Revery Architecture
As a Director at Revery, Amirali has been centrally involved in the design, management, and implementation of many of the firm’s high-profile mixed-use residential, civic, and institutional projects. He is a passionate believer in architecture as a catalyst for urban renewal and community empowerment; as a natural collaborator and innovator, he looks for opportunities in every project to magnify the impact of Revery’s work. Amirali’s work on The Butterfly + First Baptist Church Complex has been essential to the successful delivery of the tower’s iconic form and unique, high-performance façade system.
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Beyond the Surface: A Practical Guide to Exposed Wood in Interiors
ConEd Credits: 1 BOMI CPD; AIBC 1 Core; 1 IDCEC HSW-Building Code
Location: Level 2: Room 222
- Architecture
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Interior Design
- Sustainability, Carbon Management & High-Performance Buildings
- Design Concepts, Health & Wellness
Building Type: Commercial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
The growing interest in exposed wood surfaces, driven by biophilic design and low-carbon materials, is challenging the design community to explore ways to deliver more wood in their spaces. The practicalities of this are not yet mainstream or widely understood. In this session, the speakers will introduce a technical handbook offering innovative, practical solutions, and best practices for exposing wood in interior spaces. This research is based on insights from more than 25 stakeholders, from owners to designers, representing a variety of building types across the province such as residential, healthcare, education, institutional, commercial, and community projects. The speakers will present key themes including design decisions that leverage the unique material characteristics of wood, methods to protect, maintain, and repair it for long-term performance, how to optimize wood use through collaboration and resource stewardship, and how to navigate building codes and regulations to unlock opportunities.
Speakers
Dave Fell Director, Research & Analysis, Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.
David has worked in the field of sustainable building products for the past 25 years researching novel materials, building systems, sustainability, and health in the built environment. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia studying the effects of natural materials on stress activation in office environments. This work provided physiological evidence that the choices we make in biophilic design influence the people that occupy our buildings. He is the director of research and analysis at Forestry Innovation Investment, the B.C. government’s forest sector market development agency where he is currently coordinating research projects in Canada and internationally on the role wood in biophilic design.
Ayme Sharma Associate Principal, ZGF Architects
Ayme leads ZGF Vancouver’s Building and Project Performance Team, drawing on almost 20 years of professional experience in architecture centered on building performance and environmental stewardship. Trained as both an ecologist and an architect, Ayme brings deep expertise in embodied carbon, healthy materials, high-performance envelope design including Passive House and LEED certification. Her current research delves into linking the biogenic value of wood to sustainable forest management practices in BC to understand carbon and ecosystem benefits. Ayme has cultivated an extensive network of wood industry partners that spans the entire supply chain-from First Nations forest stewards to both small- and large-scale product fabricators. Ayme brings expertise in designing one of the first CLT elementary schools in British Columbia that promotes student health and well-being.
Kayna Merchant Facilities Architectural Manager, Asset Replacement & Improvements, VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) Portfolio, Facilities
Kayna Merchant, Facilities Architectural Manager in UBC Facilities at the University of British Columbia. Kayna is a registered architect in British Columbia. Her current role involves providing guidance and support of all major academic projects on the Point Grey Campus as well as providing design reviews of these projects. In her role, Kayna works closely with project teams and the UBC Building Operations department to ensure that projects meet the university’s architectural and operational standards. As part of this process, Kayna also provides technical feedback and reviews designs to ensure that they align with UBC’s goals and objectives.
Amalie Lambert Senior Project Manager, Facilities Development, Real Estate and Facilities Management, City of Vancouver
Amalie Lambert is an Architect AIBC, an accredited learning environment planner, and a senior project manager of civic facilities at the City of Vancouver. She holds architecture degrees from UBC and McGill and has published research on children’s health in the built environment and energy efficiency in BC elementary schools. She is currently the project manager for the Marpole Community Centre, a mass timber building targeting Passive House Certification, 40% reduced embodied carbon, and Rick Hansen certification.
- Regular
- $85