Wednesday, February 10
My Cart10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The next utility: planning and designing data centres as critical infrastructure
Location: TECHCENTRIC Stage (Booth 1603)
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
Streams: Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Building Types: Civil / Infrastructure
Data centres are the backbone of our increasingly digital society, supporting everything from banking and healthcare to cloud services and emerging technologies. Yet as demand for new facilities grows, so does public discussion around energy use, water consumption, noise, land use, and community impact. This session explores how we can responsibly plan and design the next generation of data centres. Moving beyond misconceptions and opposition, the discussion will examine the role of data centres as critical infrastructure, opportunities for more sustainable and community-conscious design, and the considerations cities, designers, developers, and utilities must address as digital infrastructure continues to expand. Through the lens of Vancouver’s evolving digital infrastructure landscape, the session will explore how cities can balance growing digital demands with thoughtful planning, innovation, and responsible development.
Speakers
Oleksandr Nenenko Computational Design Specialist, WZMH Architects
Oleksandr is a Computational Design Specialist with extensive experience integrating parametric design and architectural thinking across modular systems, mass timber housing, and 3D visualization. At Giraffe, he is at the forefront of innovation, driving the creation of cutting-edge technologies such as PARRiT, enabling smart design management of digital standards, and the Speedstac Generative App. With a deep focus on algorithmic design, Oleksandr connects architecture and technology to develop tools that speed up design and engineering, giving design, client, and construction teams access to critical insights much earlier in the process, enabling smarter decisions and more efficient collaboration.
Zenon Radewych Principal, WZMH Architects
Zenon has led multidisciplinary teams on some of WZMH’s largest and most complex projects, with a focus on high-tech and mission-critical facilities, including data centres. He now focuses primarily on innovation in the AEC industry, exploring new approaches to design, documentation, and building construction.
Zenon is a founder of Giraffe Apps and leads WZMH’s high-technology sector. He also founded the firm’s R&D lab, Sparkbird, in 2017, where he has spearheaded research into smart building technologies and prefabricated and modular construction. He joined WZMH in 1995 and became a Principal in 2007.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Financing the mass timber value chain: from factory to project
Location: Rooms 208/209
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Tracks: Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction; WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Commercial, Institutional, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
Financing barriers are slowing mass timber and advanced wood systems across the value chain, from manufacturers needing capital to secure production capacity or expand facilities, to developers facing collateral and draw-timing mismatches. Panelists will explore underwriting gaps, risk-sharing models, and emerging tools ranging from milestone-based draws to manufacturer-focused capital solutions. Attendees will learn how lenders evaluate mass timber risk, what financing structures are emerging, and how to position their projects or facilities for financing. Designed for an intermediate audience with some familiarity with construction finance, this session is suited to lenders, developers, manufacturers, and policy professionals working in real estate development and climate finance.
Speakers
Michaela Neuberger Executive Director, Affine Climate Solutions
Michaela Neuberger is the Executive Director of Affine Climate Solutions, a climate advisory that accelerates investment in low-carbon, climate-resilient buildings by connecting financial institutions, real estate leaders, governments, and industry partners. She leads the development of business cases, financing solutions, market tools, and partnerships that support building decarbonization, climate resilience, and innovative construction.
With more than 15 years of experience across the private and public sectors, Michaela combines technical expertise and strategic leadership to turn ambitious climate goals into practical action. Before joining Affine, she managed operational improvement projects in the construction industry across England, Germany, and France. In Canada, she has led market transformation initiatives for BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver, and she contributes to the National Building Decarbonization Alliance and BC’s Building Electrification Coalition.
Jim Vela Director, Commercial Real Estate, Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
Jim Vela is Director of Commercial Real Estate at Vancity, where he leads a team responsible for originating, structuring, and managing complex commercial and construction financing across residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties. He drives portfolio growth, oversees credit risk, and builds relationships with developers, investors, and industry partners.
With nearly 30 years of experience in commercial lending, portfolio management, and real estate finance, Jim has held progressively senior roles at Vancity and across the financial services sector. His expertise includes underwriting, financial analysis, loan structuring, and client relationship management. Known for his collaborative leadership and strong market knowledge, he is committed to mentoring high-performing teams and delivering strategic financing solutions that support client success and organizational objectives.
Colin Guldimann Senior Director, Sustainable Finance, Royal Bank of Canada
Colin is a Senior Director within RBC’s Sustainable Finance Commercial Banking group and works with RBC’s business banking clients to integrate ESG factors into their debt financing. He also advises them on emerging trends in climate while guiding their decarbonization strategies. An economist by background, Colin has authored several major reports for RBC on the interface between climate change and the Canadian economy, including "The $2 Trillion Transition" and "High Rise, Low Carbon." Prior to joining RBC, Colin worked on mortgage and macro-financial policy for the Department of Finance Canada.
- 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
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Office of the future: integrating hospitality, technology, cobots & AI | Part 2
Location: TECHCENTRIC Stage (Booth 1603)
- Interior Design
Streams: Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Tracks: Artificial Intelligence
Building Types: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use
Building on the vision presented in Part 1 in February 2025, this session explores how smart technologies, traditional systems, AI, and workflows can be integrated to create the office of the future. Using AES Vancouver as a real-world case study, presenters will share the journey from concept to implementation, including key lessons learned, challenges overcome, and opportunities realized. The presentation examines technology integration across multiple vendors, the challenges of aligning systems with user experience, and the strategies that drove successful adoption. Attendees will gain practical insights into connecting digital systems, building technologies, and traditional workplace elements to enhance employee experience, operational efficiency, and long-term business value. This session will discuss how AES Vancouver successfully connects smart technology and workflows, the opportunities unlocked through implementation, and strategies for integrating technologies and building systems to maximize value.
Speakers
Sunny Ghataurah President, AES Engineering
Sunny Ghataurah is the President of AES Engineering with over 30 years of experience in the design and construction industry. With his passion for technology, a rich understanding of the building and infrastructure industry, and sensitivity to design simplicity, Sunny is an active advocate for advancements in technology and innovation to improve people’s lives. Sunny helps teams focus on user experience and behavioral change that in turn achieves true sustainable results. Being a technophile, Sunny has his finger on the pulse of the industry. An experienced public speaker and recognized industry thought leader, Sunny shares insights on emerging trends and paradigm shifts transforming the built environment. In addition to contributing to award-winning projects, he was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40.
Denise Hutchings Principal, Smart Building Technology and Innovation, AES Engineering
Denise is a Principal with AES Engineering who is passionate about delivering innovative, future-focused technology solutions. With more than 18 years of experience in the IMIT sector, she brings extensive expertise in communications and building technologies, including cabling infrastructure, telecommunications, security systems, audio solutions, event workflow management, and systems analytics software.
Denise specializes in smart active network design and the integration of building systems and subsystems that enhance performance, connectivity, and user experience. She is committed to bringing together technology, people, and processes to create effective, sustainable outcomes that support long-term success.
Known for her technical expertise, collaborative leadership style, and strong drive for excellence, Denise consistently helps clients and project teams achieve successful results through innovation, teamwork, and practical problem-solving.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Commercial volumetric mass timber: a new era
Location: Rooms 208/209
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
Streams: Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Tracks: Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction; WoodWorks at BUILDEX
Building Types: Commercial
Partners: Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
The first commercial volumetric mass timber building ever constructed in North America is being erected in Langford, located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Prefabricated modules are currently being assembled on-site, resulting in faster construction, reduced waste, and a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional building methods.
Speakers
Andrew Stiffman Vice President, Construction Services, KMT
Andrew completed his undergraduate degree in Economics and Environment at McGill, his MA in Building Science at Ryerson University, and an architecture certificate at Harvard. His background includes building science, development and design management, and hands-on leadership of high-performance construction management. As the director of design and construction for Kalesnikoff Mass Timber, Andrew regularly shares his passion for sustainability and equitable, community-oriented development. Andrew has diverse project experience ranging from single-family homes to ground-up community developments, including the largest passive house residential project in Canada. His experience as both a development manager and a general contractor informs Andrew’s approach to each project, and has led to his place as a respected speaker and industry leader.
Tom Moore Principal, Architect AIBC, STUDIO 531 architects Inc.
Tom is a visionary, optimist, and innovator bringing enthusiasm and an invigorating energy to the client and project team, so that the team realizes the best solution. He is always actively involved in every aspect of project delivery, day-to-day development, communication, and coordination of projects with the integrated design team. He works with a philosophy and commitment to resolve the unique conditions surrounding each project, and with a supporting methodology that becomes the platform for realizing the project vision. Tom has demonstrated the success of his approach through his significant portfolio of recognized buildings which include: Victoria’s Bear Mountain Golf Club Clubhouse, Victoria International Airport Terminal Building, Comox Valley Visitors Centre, the Crystal Garden annex to the Victoria Conference Centre, Hotel Grand Pacific, Saanich Commonwealth Place, and Dragon Alley to mention a few.
- 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
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Contech showcase, presented by the ConstructIQ Advisory
Location: TECHCENTRIC Stage (Booth 1603)
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Building Types: Civil / Infrastructure, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
AI activity across the construction industry is high, yet few firms have translated that momentum into operational gains in revenue, margin, or capacity. This showcase reveals where AI is delivering results through business development, preconstruction, and project delivery, ultimately contributing to increased pursuit capacity, faster bids, and fewer downstream misses. Drawing from operational AI sprints executed within active construction firms, this session highlights the workflows and solutions that are turning AI activity into measurable outcomes. Join this session to hear direct operator feedback on what’s working and what to consider as you build your own AI strategy. This is a curated view of what’s actually delivering results, built specifically for leaders responsible for pipeline, preconstruction, and project delivery.
Speakers
Shawn Gray CEO, ConstructIQ Advisory
Shawn Gray is the Founder of ConstructIQ Advisory, specializing in turning AI from fragmented experimentation into measurable gains in revenue, cash flow, cost, and capacity. He works with mid-market construction and real estate firms to operationalize AI inside live workflows, where results are proven and scaled. Recognized as an ENR Top Global Innovator and one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in construction, Shawn brings nearly two decades of experience across $5B+ in projects and AI initiatives impacting over $25B in construction. He leads industry and government-supported adoption programs focused on proof, capital efficiency, and execution, enabling teams to validate, fund, and scale AI in weeks, not years.
- FREE
Presenting Partner
Thursday, February 11
My Cart9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Accelerating housing delivery with prefabricated washroom cassettes
Location: Room 217
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Housing Planning, Development & Supply; Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Tracks: Housing Solutions; Prefabrication, Modular & Offsite Construction
Building Types: Residential: Multi-Unit
To meet the growing demand for housing in Canada, the industry is turning to modern methods of construction using standardized and prefabricated building systems to accelerate project delivery and improve construction efficiency. Through understanding the prototype MEP Cassettes created for BC Housing, this session explores how shifting complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work from the job site to an offsite factory optimizes construction workflows. Attendees will discover how this approach shortens project timelines, minimizes waste, and simplifies the coordination of multiple trades on-site. Whether you’re a developer, contractor, or designer, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how prefabrication empowers teams.
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.
Helen Goodland Principal, Head of Research and Innovation, Scius Advisory
Helen Goodland is an architect registered in the UK and has an MBA from the University of BC. As head of research and innovation for Scius, she brings over 30 years of experience working on transformative solutions for the real estate and construction industries in Canada and around the world.
Helen is firmly committed to achieving truly sustainable buildings within the next decade. She is also passionate about advancing leadership opportunities for women in construction technology. To this end, she participates on numerous boards and committees. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Building Transformations (formerly CanBIM), the BC Digital Advisory Council, the BCIT Mass Timber Education Advisory Board and the University of Victoria’s Green Civil Engineering Advisory Council. She is also past chair of the UN Sustainable Buildings Initiative’s Materials Technical Committee.
Albert Lam Associate, Iredale Architecture
Albert Lam’s experience ranges from architecture, BIM, innovation, and apprentice carpentry. He brings detailed knowledge of construction methods and a practical approach to resolving on-site issues. His project portfolio includes a variety of heritage, commercial and residential projects, as well as innovation development in sustainability and housing.
Albert is passionate about global and community stewardship. He routinely works within international teams and has delivered presentations on innovation to peers globally. He also works closely with City policy makers and staff, as well as directly with communities, on social and economic development, including Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Downtown Eastside, and Strathcona.
Gabriela Mercado Senior Advisor, Sustainability and Resilience, BC Housing
Gabriela’s goal is to create buildings that go beyond meeting regulatory standards, contributing instead to a sustainable, climate-resilient future. With a focus on energy efficiency, regeneration, and climate adaptation, she is committed to advancing sustainability and resilience within the built environment. At BC Housing, Gabriela leads efforts in sustainability and resilience planning, identifying opportunities to drive innovation and transformation across projects. By overseeing performance monitoring at both the project and portfolio levels, she helps ensure that sustainability and resilience remain core components of these initiatives. She also works to shape strategies that prioritize climate adaptation, long-term environmental stewardship, and the continuous improvement of the built environment.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
AI tools you can use tomorrow: practical applications for contractors
Location: TECHCENTRIC Stage (Booth 1603)
- Construction & Trades
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Tracks: Artificial Intelligence
Building Types: Civil / Infrastructure, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
The AI tools gaining traction in construction aren’t the headline-grabbing innovation you might expect. Instead, they are small, practical, and designed to fill the gaps in everyday workflows. This session will demonstrate what is working today, using current tools, real applications, and plain language.
This session features three live demonstrations drawn from actual construction practice, and attendees will learn how to:
- Capture a conversation between a contractor and AI during the drive home from an estimate visit – saving transcription time while surfacing overlooked, critical questions.
- Transform messy site notes into a structured, actionable plan.
- Build a simple AI assistant customized to your trade standards and terminology.
Every demonstration will use current tools and be rebuilt live before the session. Each process will be fully explained, step-by-step, so you can implement these strategies immediately in your own business. This session is designed for small- to medium-sized contractors.
Speakers
Sue Connors Chief Innovation Officer, BCCA
As Chief Innovation Officer at the BC Construction Association, Sue Connors leads the team behind BCCA’s digital platforms, including BidCentral, BC’s largest construction bidding marketplace; Builders Life TalentCentral, addressing workforce development; PermitsCA, a Canada-wide permits intelligence platform; and the BCCA AI Hub, a free set of practical AI tools for the industry. Her work is finding innovative solutions through technology that help people achieve their goals. Her close to forty years in tech includes highlights such as hosting shaw@home, a nineties television series explaining the internet to people who weren’t sure they wanted it, and spending eight years at AbeBooks, joining the Victoria startup in 1999 and helping grow it into a global marketplace of 15,000 booksellers before its acquisition by Amazon. More recently her focus has been on construction, and particularly making technology clear and useful for small and mid-sized firms.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
BIM success for housing owners: planning to operations
Location: TECHCENTRIC Stage (Booth 1603)
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
Streams: Building Management & Optimizing Building Performance and Net Asset Value; Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Building Types: Residential: Multi-Unit
For owners, BIM success hinges on more than producing a model, it requires a clear, lifecycle‑driven strategy that connects early planning to long‑term operations. This session introduces a purpose‑developed BIM Toolkit designed specifically for owners of housing organizations, to support definition of information requirements, align project teams, and establish robust data governance from day one. Presenters will walk through how the toolkit streamlines planning, guides project execution, and ensures operations‑ready deliverables at handover. Attendees will gain practical insights to strengthen capital planning, improve digital handover quality, and unlock lasting value across the asset lifecycle.
Speakers
Geraldine Rayner Managing Principal, Summit BIM Consulting Ltd.
Geraldine Rayner is Managing Principal of Summit BIM, a consulting firm that helps owner-operators define and realize the value of their building data. With more than 30 years in the AEC industry as a principal, project manager, and architect, she brings deep expertise in aligning BIM processes with organizational objectives. For the past 17 years, she has worked with municipalities, airports, hospitals, and university campuses to define BIM requirements that support reliable digital building data.
Geraldine and her team project manage building data, audit deliverables against standards, and help ensure BIM outputs support capital projects, facilities maintenance, and operations. A registered architect, she presents regularly at industry conferences, serves on the Building Domain Steering Committee for buildingSMART International, and is the past chair of the Asset Management Lifecycle Task Group for building Transformations.
Kelly Walsh Senior Researcher, Project Manager, Scius Advisory
Kelly brings a diverse background in engineering and digital media to her current role as Senior Researcher at Scius. She managed the research and knowledge dissemination of the innovations for Vienna House, a project that worked in cooperation with the City of Vienna to provide affordable housing in Vancouver that is sustainable and resilient, incorporating modern methods of construction. This has led to her contributions in research and development for the BIM Toolkit for Housing. Her other work includes research for the Mass Timber Insurance Strategy, Optimizing Permitting for Offsite Construction, the Digital Transformation of British Columbia’s Housing Development Sector, and the Circular Built Environment in Canada: A Review of the Current State, Gaps and Opportunities. Kelly holds a degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of British Columbia.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Developing code evaluation criteria for innovative product approvals
Location: Room 217
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management; Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Building Types: Commercial, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
At a time when innovation can help us build faster and more affordably, learn how the International Code Council’s Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) develops building code evaluation criteria based on the National Building Code of Canada to facilitate the approval of innovative building products across Canada. Participants will explore the criteria development process, including public comment period and Canadian evaluation committee approval. Furthermore, attendees will discover how ICC-ES is expanding Canada’s capacity for innovation in construction, the robust process at building officials across Canada trust, and examples of how this process has been applied to a variety of products.
Speakers
David Beauchamp Manager, ES Canada, International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES)
David has over two decades of experience in Canada’s construction sector. He has dedicated his career to advancing building product quality, regulatory compliance, and industry innovation. His experience spans, product testing, certification, code evaluations, and the development of services that help manufacturers demonstrate performance and achieve market acceptance. Bridging technical expertise with strategic insight, David works with stakeholders across the construction ecosystem to address emerging challenges, support innovation, and enhance confidence in the built environment. David is passionate about fostering solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and long-term reliance. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys roadtrips, audiobooks, and lifelong learning through the study of philosophy, psychology, and history.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
North America’s first CREE building: from digital model to rapid build
Location: TECHCENTRIC Stage (Booth 1603)
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
Streams: Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Building Types: Commercial, Institutional, Mixed-Use
As labour shortages, schedule pressures, and carbon reduction targets accelerate adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), digital delivery and off-site manufacturing are becoming essential to project success. This session examines UBC Gateway, the first building in North America to use the Creative Resource and Energy Efficiency (CREE) timber-hybrid structural system, and the lessons learned from delivering a first-of-its-kind prefabricated building in a high-seismic region.
The six-storey, zero-carbon facility features large-format timber-concrete composite panels spanning 11 metres, the longest CREE panel span achieved globally. Attendees will learn how technology transfer, advanced BIM coordination, and detailed modelling enabled components and connections to be fully coordinated before fabrication. Innovative seismic detailing reduced risk while maintaining constructability. This resulted in faster erection, minimal field changes, and enabled RFIs to be resolved during design rather than construction.
Speakers
Meredith Anderson Principal, RJC Engineers
Meredith is a structural engineer with extensive experience delivering innovative solutions for complex institutional, commercial, recreational, and residential projects. Known for her thoughtful, collaborative approach, she works closely with architects, planners, and multidisciplinary teams to balance technical excellence, constructability, and design intent. Her expertise spans new construction, renovations, seismic upgrades, and adaptive reuse projects.
Grant Newfield Principal, RJC Engineers
Grant is a recognized leader in mass timber and advanced wood design, with more than three decades of experience delivering innovative structural solutions. He has been at the forefront of advancing the use of timber in Canada, helping shape industry standards, design guidelines, and code developments that have expanded the possibilities for taller and more complex wood buildings. His expertise spans mass timber, high-rise structures, and developer-focused projects, with a focus on balancing innovation, constructability, and cost-effective design.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85