Wednesday, May 11 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 12 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 13 12:25 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

1.5 ConEd Learning Hours
1.5 AIA LU

More than five years ago, the OAA committed to retrofitting its nearly 30-year-old Toronto headquarters, designed by architect Ruth Cawker. In a bid to reach net-zero carbon and meet the 2030 Challenge a decade early, the OAA undertook a deep energy retrofit and interior renovation of 111 Moatfield and proved that ambitious, climate-resilient targets can be achieved in even the most challenging building designs, without starting from scratch.

Using the OAA Headquarters Renew+Refresh project, led by project architect David Fujiwara, as a case study, this session sets out to embolden members of the architecture profession, emphasizing that “if we can do it, so can you.” Hear directly from lead consultants on the project who will share lessons learned and practical how-tos that can be adapted and applied to buildings across the province. The session will examine four key areas: mechanical systems, lighting, interior redesign, and the financial tools that can help get client buy-in. Following a formal learning session, participants will take a guided tour and get an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at 111 Moatfield.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand energy modelling, the importance of net-zero carbon, and how to create energy to offset usage.
2. Understand the need to adapt current approaches to architecture to effectively address the urgent climate crisis, as well as embodied energy and the importance of retrofitting existing building stock.
3. Understand energy-efficient systems for heating, cooling, and lighting (and how these impact the bottom line).
4. Understand the benefits of open and flexible office arrangements to support diverse uses.

Speakers

Sheena Sharp, B.E.S., M.Arch, OAA, FRAIC
Sheena Sharp is a founder and the principal architect at Coolearth Architecture inc., an architectural practice that designs buildings for  an emissions-free future. Current projects include a 155-unit condominium designed to the Passive House low-energy building standard, a net zero 55-unit rental housing project, a net zero childcare, a super-insulated hospice, and numerous homes.
A past OAA president and the chair of the Building Committee, she also co-chairs a volunteer project of the Toronto 2030 District—a coalition of building owners, operators, architects, engineers, suppliers, builders, and community groups mapping a path for downtown Toronto’s buildings to be GHG emissions free by 2050.

David Fujiwara, OAA
David Fujiwara has had his own architectural office since 1984. He specializes in building renovations, additions, and tenant installations, combining his interest in design, drafting, and construction to produce practical, energy-efficient, and delightful buildings.
After graduating from the University of Toronto School of Architecture in 1978, his first work was the construction of a small country house designed by architect Carmen Corneil: the innovative Margaret Kidd House. A decade later, he acted as Toronto associate architect for Frank O. Gehry, interpreting Frank’s design, producing the working drawings and administering construction of the Chiat-Day Advertising office on the 7th and 6th floors of 10 Lower Spadina Ave. In 2005, he received an Award of Excellence from the OAA for the design of 546 Richmond St. West Sustainable Townhouse—a renovation and addition with sustainable design principles.

Deborah Gottesman, MBA, P.Eng., LC, IES, Assoc. IALD, CIE Principal
Deborah Gottesman has a unique contextual understanding of lighting from all perspectives; her career spans over 30 years in all facets of the lighting industry, including design, engineering, management, education, and manufacturing. Since establishing Gottesman Associates in 1999, Deborah’s creative, rigorous, passionate, and client-driven approach have brought award-winning lighting designs to a wide range of satisfied and repeat clients.
An electrical engineer with an MBA in Real Property, Deborah has successfully worked on projects in many sectors, and has taught lighting at all levels to a wide audience from students at colleges and universities to senior architects.
Deborah currently sits on the International Technical Committee 3- 59: The Integration of Daylight and Electric Light of the Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE).

Antoni Paleshi, P.Eng.
Antoni Paleshi is the practice leader of WSP’s Canadian building performance analysis team with 15 years of experience in the field. He specializes in the design, simulation, and evaluation of building energy efficiency measures with experience leading teams toward high-performance buildings in all major sectors.
Antoni’s broader consulting expertise includes enclosure design, energy and water measurement and verification, indoor air quality design, and environmental life cycle assessment. He also has a passion for corporate sustainability action and has helped to lead WSP’s office in Kitchener toward low-carbon operations for the past 10 years. Antoni is an experienced energy modeller and listed on the CaGBC Experienced Modellers List.