Reflecting on why I would vote for a candidate in any election, I default to the candidate that I believe shares my values. In the context of becoming a member of OAA council, my past and current professional and volunteer work demonstrate my values and commitment.
As an educator, I travelled across Canada from 2018 to 2020 facilitating the workshop “Project Management for Architects”. I believe that a disciplined approach to the effective use of simple management tools and techniques can best support architects in delivering exemplary services to their clients in what is sometimes a chaotic environment.
As a volunteer reviewer, I participate in both the CACB’s Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects program and the OAA’s Experience Requirements Committee, helping those trying to enter the profession achieve their desire to be a Canadian architect. I do this because BEFA and ERC candidates have worked hard to achieve their professional goals and are deserving of guidance and support.
As the Director of the RAIC’s Syllabus Program from 2016 to 2020, I implemented numerous program changes to radically enhance the Syllabus experience. These changes included enhancing communications with students and volunteer instructors, automating the administration and student registration system, and implementing an online learning management system.
As the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects 3rd Edition, among many responsibilities, I oversaw the re-writing of all chapters to modernize the text to express the collaborative approach to project delivery demanded by clients and the public. I removed passages that suggested a derogatory view of clients and contractors. I recruited subject matter experts to write new people-focused chapters on stakeholder management, the architect’s career path, and non-traditional professional opportunities for architects. I wrote chapters that related climate action to procurement delivery methods, and the architect as project manager.
As a former RAIC Director of Practice Support, I have focused on supporting architectural practice through creating multiple online and face-to-face learning opportunities.
These experiences are a demonstration of what I value – the professionals we seek to be to the people we serve.
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