Wednesday, February 10
My Cart9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Getting ready for the Construction Prompt Payment Act
Location: Room 224
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Interior Design
- Cross-Industry
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management; Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Building Types: Civil / Infrastructure, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
BC’s Construction Prompt Payment Act (CPPA) will fundamentally change how payments and payment disputes are managed on construction projects. This panel will bring together perspectives from across the industry to discuss what organizations need to understand and do to prepare for the CPPA coming into force. The discussion will cover the new payment timelines, proper invoicing, notices of non-payment, adjudication, and the practical changes that will be required across the construction pyramid. This session is designed as an introductory session for anyone who will be affected by the new legislation.
Speakers
Glenn Ackerley Construction Lawyer, Chair of the Construction Practice Group, WeirFoulds LLP
Glenn is the Chair of the Construction Practice Group at WeirFoulds LLP, specializing in construction law, liens, and litigation. As a trusted project lawyer, he advises clients across the construction industry—owners, developers, contractors, and consultants—on contracts, procurement, risk management, and dispute resolution. An active industry leader, Glenn is the ex-officio lawyer member for the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC.) He also has served on the National Advisory Council of the Canadian Construction Association, the Toronto Construction Association Board, and Ontario’s Expert Panel on Construction Lien Act reforms. He has also taught construction law at Toronto Metropolitan University and frequently speaks at industry and legal seminars. With extensive experience in mediation and arbitration, Glenn is a go-to expert for navigating legal challenges and ensuring fair, efficient project outcomes.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Panelized wood systems in practice: improving delivery through off-site construction
Location: Room 207
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Tracks: Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction; WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
As BC’s construction industry works to address labour shortages, productivity pressures, and growing demands for housing and institutional buildings, prefabricated wood panel systems are gaining momentum as a means of improving project delivery. Yet broader adoption remains constrained by challenges surrounding procurement, design coordination, logistics, installation sequencing, and the integration of envelope components. Bringing together perspectives from manufacturing, design, and site, this panel will explore the realities of implementing panelized systems in today’s market. Discussion will focus on where value is being created, how responsibilities are shifting across the project team, and what barriers must be overcome to enable greater off-site construction. Attendees will gain practical insights into emerging opportunities to improve schedule certainty, reduce site labour requirements, enhance quality, and support a more productive and resilient construction industry in BC.
Speakers
Jack Downing President, CEO, RAS Ron Anderson Sons Ltd.
Jack is the President and CEO of RAS, a leading provider of off-site construction solutions throughout British Columbia. Under Jack’s leadership, RAS specializes in the design, manufacturing, supply, and installation of prefabricated wood-frame building components, delivering efficient, high-quality solutions for multi-family, commercial, institutional, and residential projects. With extensive experience in construction operations, business development, and strategic leadership, Jack is passionate about advancing modern methods of construction through innovation, prefabrication, and streamlined project delivery. He works closely with developers, general contractors, consultants, and project teams to bring complex projects from concept to completion, leveraging off-site manufacturing to improve quality, reduce schedules, and create greater value for clients. Focused on operational excellence and long-term partnerships, Jack leads RAS’ continued growth as a trusted industry partner.
Caleb Goertz Regional Manager, Associate, RJC Engineers
Caleb Goertz is a Regional Manager and Associate with RJC Engineers and leads the Vancouver Island wood frame group. Based in Nanaimo, he specializes in the design of wood frame structures and has worked on a diverse range of projects across Vancouver Island. Caleb is known for developing practical, efficient, and constructible structural solutions that balance performance, cost, and project objectives. He works closely with design teams to deliver successful projects and is passionate about advancing wood frame design through technical leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.
Cam Baker Technical Advisor, WoodWorks BC
Cam Baker is a Technical Advisor with WoodWorks BC. His background is in construction project management with experience delivering mass timber, light wood-frame, and prefabricated buildings. His background in general contracting provides firsthand insight into the challenges of project coordination, scheduling, procurement, and constructability. At WoodWorks BC, he works closely with project teams across British Columbia to share best practices and help industry professionals successfully plan and deliver wood construction projects. He brings a practical, collaborative perspective shaped by experience delivering projects in the field.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Sponsored by:
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The missing middle: how to design and construct mass timber mid-rise
Location: Room 207
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Tracks: Housing Solutions; WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
As mid-rise density is developed around transit hubs and other community features, the lack of project examples in this height range leave room for wood buildings to find an opening. This session will discuss the design and construction aspects of the two prototypes presented in the Tall Timber Playbook. Featuring voices from architecture, engineering, and construction, this session will discuss ideas to consider when designing or building with wood in the 7 to 18 storey range. The presentation will cover strategies to achieve the greatest benefits of wood within a construction climate where cost is the biggest driver, how to ensure design is responsive to the constraints on contractors, and how project teams can work together to bring viable solutions to today’s construction market.
Speakers
Scott Goldfinch Senior Project Manager, Wesgroup Contracting
Scott Goldfinch is a Senior Project Manager at Wesgroup Contracting with over ten years delivering complex projects, including large-scale master-planned communities. For the past four years, he has led the construction arm of Wesgroup’s mass timber innovation, taking a practical owner-developer-builder approach to making timber work – blending technical and financial viability with the execution realities in planning and on-site.
Derek Ratzlaff Technical Director, WoodWorks BC
Derek is the Technical Director at WoodWorks BC and has been involved in the wood industry for over 30 years in various roles. He started in single and multi-family light wood construction before moving into structural engineering consulting. Derek has experience in the design of all types of wood construction, and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures such as, the Richmond Olympic Oval and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. He brings his experience to the development of education and resources for the wood construction industry.
Taizo Yamamoto Principal, Yamamoto Architecture
For over 20 years, Taizo Yamamoto Architect AIBC has been the Principal of Yamamoto Architecture, a firm established in 1991 by his father Tomizo Yamamoto. Yamamoto Architecture’s practice focuses on wood construction and on aligning policy with construction realities to accelerate the delivery and affordability of housing.
Tobias Fast Partner, Fast + Epp
Tobias Fast is a Partner at Fast + Epp with more than a decade of experience delivering innovative structural engineering projects across North America and Europe. Before joining the firm’s Vancouver office, he worked with leading engineering firms in New York and London, as well as Fast + Epp’s Frankfurt office. He holds graduate and undergraduate engineering degrees from the University of British Columbia and was named Partner in 2023. Tobias also leads Fast + Epp’s Concept Lab, advancing research, innovation, and digital practice across the firm.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Presenting Partner
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Estrella: a modular housing case study
Location: Room 207
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery; Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Tracks: WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Residential: Multi-Unit
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
Estrella demonstrates how modular construction can help deliver much needed rental housing in remote BC markets where labour availability, cost certainty, and construction timelines are major constraints. This case study will unpack the delivery of a five-storey, 40-unit modular rental apartment in Prince Rupert, including the decision to fabricate modules off site in Manitoba, the project’s approach to foundation coordination, craning, inspections, financing, transport, and moisture risk, and the lessons learned by a first-time modular developer throughout the process. For contractors, consultants, developers, and suppliers, the session will highlight what worked, what required careful mitigation, and how modular delivery can be used strategically to improve predictability, reduce on-site labour intensity, and support faster housing delivery across challenging regional markets.
Speakers
Jeff Brown Executive Vice President, North Star Development
Jeff Brown brings a complementary lens to NorthStar’s leadership, combining deep development experience with hands-on operational expertise. Active in commercial real estate for 20+ years, Jeff has led the design, approval, and delivery of more than 2 million square feet of retail and office development valued in excess of $1 billion. Jeff has guided teams through large-scale, mixed-use, master-planned redevelopments, including Ivanhoe Cambridge, Shape Properties Corp., City of Lougheed, and Deerfoot City. He also served as Director of Development for Tsawwassen Mills, a landmark treaty-based project delivered in partnership with the Tsawwassen First Nation. His leadership is marked by clarity, decisiveness, and a strong understanding of how projects perform not just at delivery, but over their full lifecycle. Jeff also owns and oversees Westwynd Real Estate Services, a residential property management company managing more than 300 properties across British Columbia.
Brock Elliot Construction Manager, North Star Development
Brock brings a lengthy track record of housing construction and development expertise, specifically focusing on volumetric modular design and construction methods. Brock is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has 15+ years of construction and project management experience in affordable housing, education, residential, government infrastructure, Indigenous housing, industrial, and commercial projects. He has worked for large modular housing providers, Horizon North and NRB Inc., and has a proven track record of delivering complex design-build projects on schedule and budget, including over 1,800 suites of housing throughout Canada and the U.S. with completed projects in BC, Alberta, NWT, Ontario, Hawaii, Montana, and California.
Andy Muzio President, Steenhof Building Services Group
Andy has over 20 years of experience in the modular design and fabrication industry, recognized for leading high-performing teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Known for a proactive, anticipatory approach, Andy leverages his extensive experience to identify potential challenges early, implementing strategies to mitigate risks and ensure smooth project execution. He brings a diverse portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, with a deep understanding of client needs and a proven ability to deliver comprehensive, full-service solutions. Highly proficient in AutoCAD Architecture and Revit, Andy also excels in collaborative project management platforms including BIM360 and Smartsheet, enabling seamless coordination across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
Cam Baker Technical Advisor, WoodWorks BC
Cam Baker is a Technical Advisor with WoodWorks BC. His background is in construction project management with experience delivering mass timber, light wood-frame, and prefabricated buildings. His background in general contracting provides firsthand insight into the challenges of project coordination, scheduling, procurement, and constructability. At WoodWorks BC, he works closely with project teams across British Columbia to share best practices and help industry professionals successfully plan and deliver wood construction projects. He brings a practical, collaborative perspective shaped by experience delivering projects in the field.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Presenting Partner
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Payment certification best practices and the CPPA
Location: Room 224
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Interior Design
- Cross-Industry
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Building Types: Civil / Infrastructure, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
Effective payment certification is critical to keeping construction projects and payments moving. This session will examine best practices for reviewing applications for payment, assessing work completed, managing documentation, communicating payment decisions, and avoiding common certification problems. It will also look at how BC’s Construction Prompt Payment Act will interact with existing payment certification processes, including proper invoices, statutory timelines, and notices of non-payment. This session is intended for owners, consultants, architects, engineers, contract administrators, project managers, contractors, and subcontractors.
Speakers
Elizabeth Zhu Director, Facilities Management Procurement, BC, Shared Health Services
As the Facilities Management Procurement Director for Fraser Health and BC Shared Health Services for the past 18 years, Elizabeth Zhu has successfully built and led a specialized 14-person procurement team focused on public construction, facility maintenance, and capital redevelopment projects across BC health authorities. Elizabeth has extensive experience in public procurement, construction contracting, and major capital project delivery. She currently supports provincial initiatives related to implementation of BC’s Construction Prompt Payment Act and serves as a member of the BC Public Construction Council. Her team has been recognized with the BCCA Best of Public Owner Award three times (2017, 2022, and 2023) for outstanding contributions to public sector construction procurement.
Glenn Ackerley Construction Lawyer, Chair of the Construction Practice Group, WeirFoulds LLP
Glenn is the Chair of the Construction Practice Group at WeirFoulds LLP, specializing in construction law, liens, and litigation. As a trusted project lawyer, he advises clients across the construction industry—owners, developers, contractors, and consultants—on contracts, procurement, risk management, and dispute resolution. An active industry leader, Glenn is the ex-officio lawyer member for the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC.) He also has served on the National Advisory Council of the Canadian Construction Association, the Toronto Construction Association Board, and Ontario’s Expert Panel on Construction Lien Act reforms. He has also taught construction law at Toronto Metropolitan University and frequently speaks at industry and legal seminars. With extensive experience in mediation and arbitration, Glenn is a go-to expert for navigating legal challenges and ensuring fair, efficient project outcomes.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Delivering value in wood: an IPD approach to student housing
Location: Room 207
- Architecture
- Engineering
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Tracks: WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Residential: Multi-Unit
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
How do you unlock the speed and value of wood construction while navigating the realities of supply chain, logistics, and moisture? The University of the Fraser Valley’s Student Housing project offers a candid look at how an integrated IPD team designed and delivered a hybrid structure of concrete, light wood-frame walls, and CLT floors as well as the lessons learned along the way.
Early in design, the IPD team brought CLT supply and installation, wood framing, MEP, and other key trade partners into the Big Room. Over three months of collaborative design, the team developed the wood scope from concept through construction-level details. BIM played a critical role, allowing the team to identify clashes, coordinate interfaces, and model every MEP penetration through the CLT so panels could arrive on site pre-drilled and ready for installation. The result was a wood structure installed in less than four months, contributing to an overall construction schedule of just under 22 months.
Speakers
Mark van Bockhoven Associate, Structural Engineering , DIALOG
Mark has over 35 years experience with the DIALOG structural team and has extensive experience in all forms of construction, including concrete, steel, wood, and masonry. He has spearheaded the integration of Revit into the drawing development process in the Vancouver studio. He has assisted with the customization of plug-in modules to streamline the Revit software to produce high quality drawings for his clients, eliminating many of the coordination/conflict issues during construction.
Anneliese Fris Principal, Group2 Architecture Interior Design Ltd.
Anneliese has extensive experience leading complex institutional and public-sector projects delivered through collaborative procurement and delivery models, including Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Her work focuses on building high-performing teams, bringing diverse interests together, and guiding projects through evolving conditions over long planning and delivery timelines.
Tyler Gagan CET, Project Manager, Clark Builders
Tyler Gagan is a Project Manager with Clark Builders, where he leads the delivery of complex projects through collaborative, Lean construction practices. A graduate of NAIT’s Construction Engineering Technology program and a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), Tyler is passionate about Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and fostering strong partnerships that drive innovation and project success. As Project Manager on the University of the Fraser Valley Student Housing project, he worked closely with the owner and project partners to oversee execution, champion collaboration, and deliver value at every stage of the project.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Presenting Partner
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Enabling prefab: modular and panelized solutions for small-scale builders
Location: Room 217
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery; Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Tracks: Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction
Building Types: Residential: Multi-Unit
Prefabricated and modular construction methods have long promised faster timelines, lower costs, and reduced waste, but most prefab solutions have been designed for large-scale projects, leaving small builders on the sidelines. With a new focus on infill development, more builders are considering how to transition to prefab housing for residential infill projects. This session explores what it takes to bring prefab within reach of small-scale builders, from panelized wall systems and factory-built components to full volumetric units. Attendees will gain practical insight into where prefab makes financial sense at the small housing scale, how to evaluate suppliers and systems, and what site and logistical constraints to plan for. The session also addresses barriers that can stall prefab adoption, and is ideal for builders, architects, planners, and housing delivery professionals from beginner to intermediate levels.
Speakers
Ali Bartram General Manager, TAG Panels
Ali Bartram works within the sustainable wood building industry, with a focus on wood value-added, customizable panel-framed homes and buildings. He believes off-site construction is a step forward in minimizing material wastage and providing better working conditions. Ali stays closely attuned to industry trends and emerging product innovations, particularly in building construction, prefabrication, and Passive House standards. He is deeply detail-oriented when it comes to client needs and consistently focused on analyzing the financial performance of both projects and products.
Chris Hill Founder, Principal, Chris Hill Consulting
Chris is a strategic leader and construction innovator with 25+ years of experience in finance, development, mass timber, offsite construction, and sustainable building. A CPA and consultant with Sacred Waters Developments, he supports Indigenous-led projects with expertise in industrialized construction, prefabrication, feasibility, and community-centred economic development. He is principal of Chris Hill Consulting Inc. and director of business development at the CLT Centre, advising First Nations, public agencies, and developers on offsite construction strategy, capital investment, and financial modelling. He previously founded BCollective Homes, an award-winning offsite builder that delivered $20M+ in projects and achieved B Corp certification.
Chris holds a BA in Economics and is a Master Residential Builder and Certified Passive House Tradesperson. He serves on the boards of Hiy̓ám̓ Housing Society, Small Housing BC, and Safer Homes BC, and founded the Building Offsite Network.
Shawn Keyes Founder, Principal, Keyes Advisory Ltd.
Shawn is a strategic growth executive and structural engineer with more than a decade of experience leading innovation in construction. He serves as a trusted advisor to public agencies, housing authorities, developers, manufacturers, and scaling ventures to develop and execute growth strategies, commercialize new products, and de-risk market adoption.
His advisory practice is backed by an extensive network and diverse operating experience across the construction ecosystem. As Vice President of Strategic Growth at Intelligent City, Shawn led the company’s go-to-market and sales strategy, successfully scaling the company’s prefabricated mass timber product platform from demonstration to commercial scale. Prior to that, as Executive Director of WoodWorks BC, he directed industry-wide market development, orchestrating a strategic transformation and ecosystem-building effort that expanded market adoption and policy impact in North America’s leading wood construction jurisdiction.
Dan Winer Co-Executive Lead, Industry Activation, Small Housing
Dan is a skilled leader, fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. At Small Housing, Dan identifies and convenes interest holders nationwide to promote gentle density housing (GDH), leveraging his extensive experience in building partnerships for equitable housing solutions. Dan has acted as Project Director for initiatives advancing practical housing delivery and industry capacity. He oversees the InfillBuild program, which involves the design and delivery of applied training for more than 200 small-scale builders across the province. Dan oversees the Natural Resources Canada-funded project, which has involved the development of Small Housing’s education portal and creation of a Best Practices Guide to support high-performance GDH. He oversees the Building to Electrification project, which involves the development of implementation-focused industry guidance that addresses real-world utility, coordination, and delivery challenges in GDH projects.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Thursday, February 11
My Cart9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Mass timber in healthcare: a case study
Location: Rooms 208/209
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Interior Design
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery; Sustainability, Decarbonization & High-Performance Buildings
Tracks: Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction; Public Sector; WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Institutional
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
This panel brings together the client, architect, and structural engineer to share the story behind the BC Children’s Hospital centre for health complexity, a 166,000-square-foot hybrid mass timber healthcare facility in Vancouver. Panelists will explore why mass timber was selected, how it supports therapeutic design and user experience, and the collaborative process that shaped this project.
The discussion will cover hybrid structural solutions, full-scale suite mock-ups used to engage clinicians, patients, and accessibility consultants, and lessons learned balancing architectural expression, clinical requirements, constructability, and sustainability. Attendees will gain practical insights into applying mass timber in complex institutional projects where performance, occupant wellbeing, and operational needs must align.
Speakers
Juan Jose Cruz Martinez Senior Director of Major Capital Projects, Provincial Health Services Authority
Juan Jose Cruz Martinez serves as the Senior Director of Major Capital Projects with the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). In his role, he provides strategic leadership for the planning and delivery of large-scale healthcare infrastructure at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, aligning capital investments with clinical, operational, and system priorities. He oversees the delivery of a first-of-its-kind BC Children’s Hospital centre for health complexity. With nearly two decades of experience, Juan has led design and procurement efforts in both the private and public sectors, specializing in health-care and mass timber projects. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Seville and a Master of Design from the University of New South Wales. He is also a LEED Green Associate and holds an Evidence-Based Design Accreditation (EDAC).
Robert Jackson Partner, Fast + Epp
Robert Jackson is a Partner at Fast + Epp, where he leads projects spanning diverse sectors, scales, and material systems across Canada and the United States. A recognized leader in mass timber design, he has contributed to landmark projects including Brock Commons Tallwood House, Limberlost Place, The Hive, and the PNE Freedom Mobile Arch. Most recently, Robert led the structural design for BC Children’s Hospital centre for health complexity, developing a hybrid mass timber and steel solution that met the specialized performance requirements of a modern healthcare facility.
Robert is also a frequent contributor to research publications and industry initiatives, sharing knowledge that advances the adoption of mass timber and supports the continued evolution of structural design practices.
Duncan Bates Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects
Duncan Bates approaches architectural design through a critical understanding of how buildings shape, and are shaped by, their social and geographic context. He brings a belief in the cultural value of shared spaces to every project he leads.
At Diamond Schmitt, Duncan has led design, production, and delivery for civic, cultural, healthcare, and mixed-use projects. He was design and project lead for Waterworks, a heritage adaptive reuse development in downtown Toronto with a YMCA, retail space, and 290 residential units. He also led the competition-winning Baker District masterplan in downtown Guelph and now leads design and delivery of its proposed 88,000-sf Central Library, designed for net-zero certification. His recent work includes BC Children’s Hospital Centre for Health Complexity, a first-of-its-kind Canadian facility for children and youth with complex healthcare needs.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Presenting Partner
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
The opportunity cost: Indigenous-led procurement beyond the checkbox
Location: Rooms 215/216
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Interior Design
- Cross-Industry
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Tracks: Indigenous-Led Projects and Design
Building Types: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
In 1997, RBC’s The Cost of Doing Nothing put a price on excluding Indigenous people from Canada’s economy. Thirty years later, Indigenous participation in projects is still measured through spend targets, supplier lists, and subcontracting clauses. The result is a capacity trap: Nations cannot build capacity without projects, and can’t win projects without capacity. This session asks what changes when the Nation is the owner and decision-maker rather than a checkbox in an RFP. Drawing on Sacred Waters’ experience as a development corporation of the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations, the panel examines where value disappears when engagement begins after scope, delivery models, and commercial terms are fixed. It then explores how ownership, joint ventures, workforce pathways, and long-term operating value can and should be structured earlier. Attendees will learn what questions to ask before the next procurement goes out and a clearer view of The Opportunity Cost of starting too late.
Speakers
Chris Hill Founder, Principal, Chris Hill Consulting
Chris is a strategic leader and construction innovator with 25+ years of experience in finance, development, mass timber, offsite construction, and sustainable building. A CPA and consultant with Sacred Waters Developments, he supports Indigenous-led projects with expertise in industrialized construction, prefabrication, feasibility, and community-centred economic development. He is principal of Chris Hill Consulting Inc. and director of business development at the CLT Centre, advising First Nations, public agencies, and developers on offsite construction strategy, capital investment, and financial modelling. He previously founded BCollective Homes, an award-winning offsite builder that delivered $20M+ in projects and achieved B Corp certification.
Chris holds a BA in Economics and is a Master Residential Builder and Certified Passive House Tradesperson. He serves on the boards of Hiy̓ám̓ Housing Society, Small Housing BC, and Safer Homes BC, and founded the Building Offsite Network.
Jason Hingey Director of Finance, Sacred Waters Developments
Jason Hingley is a real estate finance and housing development leader delivering housing, infrastructure, and community development projects in Canada and the UK. As Director of Finance at Sacred Waters Developments, he leads financial strategy, corporate structuring, capital planning, and investment modelling for large-scale Indigenous development initiatives on behalf of the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo Nations. Jason has overseen housing portfolios, development financing, procurement, governance, stakeholder partnerships, feasibility analysis, funding strategies, construction oversight, operational planning, and long-term asset management. His previous roles include senior housing and regeneration leadership with Manchester City Council and housing development, planning, and finance leadership with Metro Vancouver. He has worked closely with BC Housing, CMHC, lenders, municipalities and Indigenous partners. An ACA, and BFP, Jason is a speaker on housing strategy and development.
Graham Wood CEO, Sacred Waters Developments
Graham Wood, MBA, is CEO of Sacred Waters Developments and a leader in Indigenous-led real estate development, housing strategy, and community-focused economic development. With more than 25 years of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors, he advances strategic development initiatives on behalf of the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo Nations. Graham specializes in Indigenous land planning, real estate development, housing strategy, and nation-to-nation partnerships. He is known for aligning economic growth with Indigenous values, environmental stewardship, and long-term community prosperity. He holds an MBA from the University of Victoria, a Diploma in Urban Land Economics from UBC Sauder School of Business, and a BA from Simon Fraser University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and speaks on Indigenous economic development, housing innovation, reconciliation, and sustainable community-building.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Building better schools with wood: lessons from British Columbia
Location: Rooms 208/209
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery; Sustainability, Decarbonization & High-Performance Buildings
Tracks: Public Sector; WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Institutional
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
British Columbia has emerged as a leader in the design and construction of wood schools, with more than 50 K-12 schools incorporating wood into their buildings over the past decade. This session explores lessons learned from completed projects including wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm Elementary School, highlighting how wood can support student wellbeing, sustainability goals, and efficient project delivery. Attendees will gain practical insights into design, procurement, engineering, and construction strategies that are helping shape the next generation of learning environments.
Speakers
Carla Dickof Principal, Director of Research and Development, Fast + Epp
Carla Dickof is a Principal and Director of Research & Development at Fast + Epp, where she combines technical expertise, research leadership, and practical project experience to advance innovative structural solutions. Since joining the firm in 2012 after completing her Master’s degree at the University of British Columbia, she has contributed to many of Fast + Epp’s most notable projects, including The Hive and Ādisōke. As Director of Research & Development, Carla leads the firm’s R&D initiatives, translating research and testing into real-world project applications while contributing to the advancement of timber design more broadly. A recognized expert in mass timber, she is the author of several industry-leading publications.
Brad Doff Senior Manager, Innovation & Sustainability, Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.
Brad Doff is Senior Manager, Innovation & Sustainability at Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), where he works with industry, designers, researchers, and government to accelerate innovation in sustainable building. Over the past 16 years, he has led initiatives focused on mass timber, embodied carbon reduction, biophilic design, and prefabrication, helping advance resilient, low-carbon, and people-centred approaches to the built environment.
Lindsey Salter Associate, Senior Architect, Thinkspace Architecture® Planning Interior Design Ltd.
Lindsey Salter, Architect AIBC, is an Associate and Senior Architect with Thinkspace Architecture® Planning Interior Design Ltd. She has a strong commitment to design and architecture that is expressed in the projects she has been a part of since joining Thinkspace. Lindsey recently completed work on the new four-storey mass timber SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary School in South Langford, and is currently working on the stɑtl̓əw̓ Middle School + Emery Dosdall Secondary School project (formerly known as Smith Campus), a 2,800-student school campus in Langley. Over the course of her career, Lindsey has delivered a variety of project typologies, including commercial buildings, multi-family residences, and First Nation spaces.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Presenting Partner
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Designing for ROI: where commercial interior budgets have the greatest impact
Location: Room 222
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Interior Design
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Building Types: Commercial
Every commercial project faces budget constraints, but not every budget decision delivers the same return. In today’s market of rising construction costs and increasing pressure to maximize every dollar, knowing where to invest and where to save can have a lasting impact on operations, customer experience, staff efficiency, and long-term business performance.
This intermediate-level session explores how thoughtful interior design decisions influence ROI well beyond aesthetics. Through real-world project examples and practical frameworks, attendees will learn how to prioritize investments, avoid common budgeting mistakes, and approach value engineering without compromising design intent or operational success.
Designed for owners, developers, architects, interior designers, contractors, and project managers, this session provides practical strategies that can be applied to hospitality, retail, office, and other commercial projects of any scale.
Speakers
Ruth M’Rav Jankelowitz Principal, Founder, Janks Design Group Inc. (JDG)
Ruth M’Rav-Jankelowitz, NCIDQ, is President of Janks Design Group and has more than 30 years of experience creating commercial interiors that balance design excellence with business performance. She has led projects across hospitality, retail, workplace, healthcare, and multi-location brands, helping clients create spaces that strengthen operations, enhance customer experience, and support long-term growth.
Over the course of her career, Ruth has designed more than 200 restaurants, 150 retail stores, 60 corporate offices, and 50+ medical offices, working with brands including OEB Breakfast Co., Tap & Barrel, Nando’s, Browns Socialhouse, Timberland, Nike, and Dairy Queen. Known for her practical, strategic approach, she guides projects from concept through construction, combining creative thinking with technical expertise to deliver commercial environments that perform as well as they inspire.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
From policy to project: how to procure mass timber for public sector buildings
Location: Rooms 208/209
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Tracks: Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction; Public Sector
Building Types: Institutional
Mass timber is transitioning from an experimental alternative to a mainstream construction method, driven by updated building codes, a growing network of regional fabricators, and corporate net-zero targets. Early design and manufacturing coordination and careful procurement planning can help maintain market competition and achieve the best overall project value. Contributors to the new Mass Timber Procurement Guide share practical lessons, emerging best practices, and real-world examples to help public sector owners and project teams successfully deliver mass timber projects.
Join this session to explore the implications of different delivery models, early contractor involvement, and project team scope. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how procurement decisions influence project outcomes and discover practical approaches for delivering successful mass timber projects.
Speakers
Tom Beeby Director, Turner & Townsend
Tom Beeby is a Director of Project Management at Turner & Townsend, with extensive experience leading complex development and construction projects. Throughout his career, he has held project management roles at Turner & Townsend, Merebrook Projects, Anthem Properties Group Ltd., and UBC Properties Trust, building expertise across the full project lifecycle.
Tom holds a degree in Architectural Engineering (Civil Engineering) from Loughborough University and brings a strong combination of technical knowledge and commercial acumen to his work. His areas of expertise include project management, cost management, contract administration, commercial management, and design management. Known for delivering strategic project outcomes, Tom has a proven track record of guiding multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders through successful project delivery.
Lisa Pryce Principal, Pryce Advisory Services Inc.
Lisa Pryce is the owner of Pryce Advisory Services Inc., a boutique consulting firm in the sunny Okanagan. She has twenty-five years of public sector experience and is adept at developing, leading, and working with cross-functional teams in a variety of industries and environments. Lisa is well recognized in her field for her expertise in construction procurement, contracting and deep-seated understanding of trade agreements and their requirements. As a respected leader, her portfolio spans speaking engagements, teaching, training, and mentoring.
David Todtmann Director, Development & Innovation, Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.
David Todtmann is Director, Development & Innovation at Forestry Innovation Investment (FII). He leads initiatives that advance mass timber, prefabrication, and innovative wood construction across British Columbia. His work focuses on program development, industry collaboration, research, and market adoption strategies that strengthen B.C.’s wood construction and manufacturing sectors.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Complementing a mass timber design with a durable precast concrete envelope system
Location: Room 220
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery; Sustainability, Decarbonization & High-Performance Buildings
Tracks: Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction
Building Types: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
Partners: Canadian Precast Concrete Institute (CPCI)
This session looks at the benefits of complementing mass timber designed structures with precast concrete envelope systems specially cast with a wood surface texture and pattern. This new growing construction technique offers many more opportunities in design simplicity and leads to improved durability, sustainability, and energy efficiency with improved comfort and safety. The presentation will show study results of how this technique offers impressive cost reductions and improves construction scheduling by up to 50%. The final result is a long-lasting finish that resists weathering, moisture, and decay. The panel will present different form liner techniques that provide alternative natural appearance and discuss developing technologies such as new joint details. Learn about award-winning project case studies and join the speakers in exploring new opportunities for architectural design maintaining the wholesome appearance of wood finishes from the exterior to the interior of the buildings.
Speakers
Marco Pronto Business Development Manager, Canadian Precast Concrete Institute (CPCI)
Marco has 25+ years in the construction industry. He has worked for consultants, large general contractors, government procurement departments, and now with CPCI. He specializes in construction contracts, procurement, and the bidding process. Marco has experience leading bids for multi-billion-dollar projects, including working on the Site C Dam project and serving as the lead technical proposal bid manager for the winning bid on the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain project.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Presenting Partner
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
The ETRO Tote Program: streamlining logistics on site
Location: Rooms 215/216
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Building Types: Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
With the urgent demand for faster housing delivery across the sector, effective material management is no longer optional but essential for success. This session introduces the ETRO Tote Program, a practical logistics system designed to eliminate the chaos of small-part procurement and speed up residential and mixed-use project timelines. Attendees will learn to identify common site inefficiencies and apply structured methods to standardize the delivery and accounting of high-variance materials, with focus on a case study of door hardware completed on a multiplex, multi-residential project. Participants will gain specific skills in reducing construction waste and improving trade performance through predictable site conditions and organized logistics. This intermediate-level course is tailored for construction professionals, project managers, and trades looking for innovative ways to streamline project delivery and enhance site productivity.
Speakers
Karina Delcourt Director of Strategic Initiatives, ETRO Construction
Karina is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at ETRO Construction in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where she oversees the implementation of digital solutions for both the office and field in order to provide ETRO with the best ways to deliver construction projects for our clients.
With a scholarly foundation in Architecture, and roles in Urban Planning, Architecture and Interior Design, Karina discovered her passion lay in the "how" of building projects and measuring the outcomes over the form and function. She challenged this curiosity for improving systems and processes throughout her career.
Kristof Hebel Manager, Prefabrication + Off-Site Construction, ETRO Construction
Kristof Hebel is the Prefabrication Manager at ETRO Construction, where he is building the company’s prefabrication function from the ground up. With a background spanning manufacturing and off-site construction, he brings a factory-floor understanding of process and production to the built environment – developing the internal frameworks and tools that help project teams identify, evaluate, and deliver prefabrication opportunities with confidence.
Adaptable and proactive, Kristof works across disciplines to align design intent with fabrication and field realities, ensuring teams have the resources and clarity they need to execute. A strong communicator and systems thinker, he is known for turning ambiguous opportunities into structured, actionable strategies. Committed to collaboration and continuous improvement, Kristof is passionate about advancing prefabrication practices in the construction industry and sharing what he’s learned to help the broader community build smarter and faster.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Beyond rebuilding: lessons from wildfire recovery
Location: Rooms 208/209
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery; Sustainability, Decarbonization & High-Performance Buildings
Building Types: Residential: Single-Unit
As wildfires reshape communities across western North America, rebuilding requires more than replacing what was lost. Recovery starts with acknowledging the needs of wildfire survivors, particularly in communities where rebuilding resources can be difficult to access. This session examines a multi-partner effort in Oregon, where utilities, builders, manufacturers, and local governments coordinated efficient manufactured home replacement, resilient new construction, and targeted retrofits for damaged homes. Attendees will gain practical strategies for aligning funds, engaging partners, and embedding efficiency and resilience into recovery. Designed for practitioners across sectors, the session offers practical lessons to strengthen long-term recovery as well as an honest discussion of the challenges we faced and some barriers that still exist, even years after the fires.
Speakers
Scott Leonard Senior Program Manager, Energy Trust of Oregon
Scott Leonard is a Senior Program Manager at Energy Trust of Oregon, based in Portland, Oregon. He has been with the organization since February 2016, managing multiple residential programs and supporting builders and subcontractors in constructing high-performance, energy-efficient homes that qualify for Energy Trust incentives. Leonard brings over 20 years of experience in new construction programs, retrofit programs, program management, and energy efficiency initiatives. His work includes, developing and implementing new incentive offerings for Energy Trust’s new construction, existing home retrofit, and retail products channels, as well as creating a new offer for those rebuilding after wildfires. Supporting contractors in meeting energy performance standards and accessing renewable energy and efficiency incentives, Scott acts as a bridge between Energy Trust and the construction industry to promote sustainable building practices.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Sharing the site: how competing GCs make complex projects work
Location: Rooms 215/216
- Construction & Trades
Streams: Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Building Types: Commercial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
What happens when companies that normally compete for the same work have to build side by side? On complex projects like Oakridge Park, multiple general contractors share the same site, schedule pressures, logistics constraints, and client expectations, making collaboration essential. In this candid panel, superintendents will share lessons from Oakridge Park and the new Time Out Market, including wins, friction points, and what they would do differently. Attendees will learn practical approaches to deliveries, service tie-ins, shared logistics, commissioning, and VDC coordination, as well as how to build trust, clarify responsibilities, and resolve interface issues early. Designed for GCs, owners, project managers, superintendents, and VDC/operations leaders, this session offers field-tested practices for better cross-GC coordination and project outcomes.
Speakers
Alyson Gregoire Senior Project Manager, ETRO Construction
Alyson Gregoire is a Senior Project Manager at ETRO, where she has built a reputation for leading complex projects with a sharp eye on what’s ahead. Her experience spans high-end hospitality, commercial interiors and social housing, with projects up to $45 million. Alyson’s strength lies in bringing clarity to complexity. Known for her highly organized and forward-thinking approach, Alyson brings teams and disciplines together around a common goal while anticipating challenges early and keeping work moving forward. She recently led the delivery of the 60,000 sq.ft. Time Out Market at Oakridge Park and is now working on Aritzia’s new flagship location in downtown Vancouver. Beyond her projects, Alyson has become an influential voice in how ETRO continues to evolve, while mentoring the next generation of construction professionals. Her career reflects a new generation of builders that are collaborative, curious and committed to finding better ways to deliver projects.
Matt Wilkes Superintendent, ETRO Construction
Matt Wilkes is a Superintendent at ETRO, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience, including eight years as a Superintendent leading projects valued at $35 million and above. With deep expertise in high-end finishes, Matt is known for his attention to detail, thoughtful planning and ability to keep complex work moving with precision. A strong communicator and collaborative leader, Matt creates site environments where teams are encouraged to contribute ideas and work together toward the best outcome. His approach combines critical thinking with a strong understanding of site logistics and construction sequencing, allowing him to anticipate challenges and make informed decisions in the field. Open-minded, organized and solutions-focused, Matt brings both technical experience and a team-first mindset to every project.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85