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Architectural Institute of British Columbia

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Home / About / Staff

Staff

AIBC staff can be reached at:

Architectural Institute of British Columbia
100 – 440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 2N5
Canada

Phone: 604.683.8588 or toll free in BC 1.800.667.0753
Fax: 604.683.8568 or toll free in BC 1.800.661.2955
Email: reception@aibc.ca

To see the structure of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, view the Staff Organizational Chart (PDF).


Office of the CEO


Mark Vernon CPA, CA, CPA (IL)
Chief Executive Officer

Email: mvernon@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588

Mark joined the AIBC in 2015 as Chief Executive Officer. Guided by the AIBC’s vision statement, “Inspiring architectural leadership and excellence through progressive regulation”, Mark is responsible for the Institute’s strategic direction. Overseeing operations, human resources and finance, he will ensure that all plans and activities are tailored to meet the priorities set by council and reflected in the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.

Mark also represents the AIBC on local, national and international issues affecting the practice of architecture. Further, he manages relationships with AIBC’s registrants, staff, regulatory bodies, government entities and other stakeholders.

Mark brings more than 20 years of senior management experience. A Chartered Accountant (in British Columbia) and a Certified Public Account (Illinois), Mark has a proven track record of innovative thinking, building collaborative stakeholder relationships, and implementing strategic and operational plans.

Thomas Lutes, Barrister and Solicitor
General Counsel, Deputy CEO

Email: tlutes@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2690

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Thom acts as chief legal advisor to AIBC Council and the CEO on matters of law, professional regulation, and governance. His responsibilities include overseeing the Institute’s legal function, managing outside counsel, evaluating the impact of external factors, providing guidance on organizational compliance and risk, and advising on organizational strategies and implementation. Thom provides guidance on organizational policy and governance and collaborative leadership on operational directives and issues. He also acts as the CEO when needed, including serving as an organizational liaison or representative for council at the provincial, national or international level. In addition, Thom is the Institute’s acting FOI Officer.

Tracy Tough CAPM
Manager, Office of the CEO,

Email: ttough@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2689

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Tracy provides comprehensive and strategic organizational and administrative support to the CEO, the Deputy CEO, AIBC Council and committees, and the management team. She plays a key role in supporting the Office of the CEO in the optimal use of time and resources to enable the effective achievement of executive goals and responsibilities, and she serves as administrator for the management team including managing various projects. Tracy supports council and governance through the coordination and execution of all meetings, planning sessions, and the annual planning retreat.

Meagan Sands
Paralegal; Manager, Regulatory Compliance

Email: msands@aibc.ca 
Phone: 604.305.2691

Meagan works for both the Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice department, and the Office of the CEO. In her Regulatory Compliance role, Meagan reports to the General Counsel/Deputy CEO to support his work with AIBC Council and the CEO. This work includes legal research and drafting on risk management, legislative compliance, bylaw revision and council policy.  Meagan is a member of the BC Paralegal Association.


Communications


Elizabeth Woff
Senior Communications Lead

Email: ewoff@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2703

Elizabeth oversees the AIBC’s communications strategy and manages the delivery of integrated communication plans that reflect the Institute’s strategic plan. Reporting to the Director, People and Administration, she manages the Institute’s external communication channels, with specific emphasis on content ideation, generation, curation, and brand compliance. She supports Institute-wide initiatives by working collaboratively with departments, and leads the development of internal promotion of programs and events. Elizabeth is the editorial leader of the AIBC’s monthly newsletter, Connected.

Amanda Scott
Event and Outreach Lead

Email: ascott@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2702

Amanda coordinates all event logistics for AIBC’s annual calendar of events and collaborates with others in the Communications department on various marketing initiatives. Reporting to the Director, People and Administration, she contributes to the day-to-day operations of the Communications department with specific emphasis on events, outreach, and project management. In addition, Amanda leads the delivery of AIBC Conference, and the Architectural Walking Tour Program, oversees the AIBC’s Scholarship and Bursary Program, and is also responsible for coordinating and training event staff and volunteers.


Finance and Facilities


Karen Morris CPA, CGA
Manager, Finance and Facilities

Email: kmorris@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2712

Karen is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, she is responsible for managing the organization’s payroll, finances, budget, and facilities-related activities. Karen helps manage projects including renovations, capital asset procurement and oversees the organization’s database. She also liaises and works closely with the Architecture Centre’s property manager, AIBC tenants and various film crews. Karen leads the work of the AIBC’s Database Research Analyst and Accounting Assistant.

Marguerite Wood
Accounting Coordinator

Email: mwood@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2710

Marguerite provides support to the Manager of Finance and Facilities and is responsible for accounts payable and receivable. She also coordinates annual conference registration; organizes travel arrangements for staff and council; and maintains relevant administrative files and resources.

Shohreh Tehrani
Database Research Analyst

Email: stehrani@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2713

Reporting to the Manager, Finance and Facilities, Shohreh is responsible for providing analytical, and technical database assistance. Her position is integral to the assurance of data integrity including identifying and resolving database issues, managing releases, training staff, as well as monitoring compliance of policies and protocols. Shohreh undertakes statistical analyses and prepares information reports. Additionally, Shohreh acts as the first point of contact for AIBC committee SharePoint extranet sites.


People and Administration


Shawna Chilton CPHR
Director, People and Administration

Email: schilton@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2714

Shawna is responsible for directing and evaluating the strategies and operations of the People (human resources) and Administration department. Shawna directs the strategy and development of the AIBC’s volunteer program and provides leadership to Communications staff. She manages office operations and oversees the organization’s administrative systems and resources, including overseeing managed IT services. As part of the management team, Shawna supports the CEO in implementing initiatives originating from the Office of the CEO and AIBC Council, including operationalizing strategic plan goals.

Yana MacQueen (on leave)
Manager, People and Culture

Jocelyn Webster
People and Culture Specialist

Email: jocelyn@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2694

Jocelyn supports the Manager, People and Culture and Director, People and Administration with the creation, development, revision, and implementation of various human resources, administration and volunteer services related programs, policies, and projects. She is also responsible for coordinating daily human resource operations in all aspects of the employee life cycle including onboarding and orientation, engagement initiatives, and offboarding. As People and Culture Specialist, Jocelyn provides support to strategic HR initiatives, including research, recommendation, development, and implementation.

Kirsten Bowles
People and Administration Coordinator

Email: kbowles@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2700

As the People and Administration Coordinator, Kirsten ensures the efficient day-to-day operation of the office, and provides administrative, clerical and people services support to the AIBC team, volunteers, registrants, and visitors.


Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice


Sabinder Sheina
Legal Counsel; Director, Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice

Email: ssheina@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2692

As Legal Counsel/Director of Professional Conduct & Illegal Practice, Sabinder works closely with the General Counsel/Deputy CEO and is a member of the management team. Sabinder serves as an organizational leader in matters of law, professional regulation, compliance, and governance. Providing a range of legal advice and solutions to the organization, Sabinder supports the General Counsel through the management of various internal and external legal functions. In addition, Sabinder is responsible for the day-to-day management of the PCIP department, including oversight of the team.

Meagan Sands
Paralegal; Manager, Regulatory Compliance

Email: msands@aibc.ca 
Phone: 604.305.2691

Meagan works for both the Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice department, and the Office of the CEO. In her Paralegal role, Meagan reports to the Legal Counsel/Director of Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice, and is responsible for managing conduct files through the disciplinary process, including Disciplinary Inquiry, Consensual Resolution, and Remedial Recommendation. Meagan also supports the activities of the Bylaw Review Committee, the Consensual Resolution Review Panel, and the Investigations Committee. Meagan is a member of the BC Paralegal Association.

Catherine Lee
Paralegal; Illegal Practice Officer

Email: clee@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2693

Reporting to Legal Counsel; Director of Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice, Catherine coordinates the AIBC’s illegal practice files and serves as the primary contact for the receipt of complaints and inquiries of misrepresentation and illegal practice. She also supports the Professional Conduct branch of the department with the enforcement of standards for registrants, including consensual resolutions and disciplinary inquiries.

Tatiana Perez Velez
Paralegal; Professional Conduct Officer

Email: tpvelez@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2711

Reporting to Legal Counsel; Director of Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice, Tatiana coordinates the AIBC’s professional conduct complaint and resolution process. She also supports AIBC’s illegal practice files including initial complaint tracking and investigation, follow-up correspondence, resolution and enforcement.


Professional Services


Alexandra Kokol (on leave)
Manager, Professional Services

Krista Sutherland
Professional Development Lead

Email: ksutherland@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2695

Krista manages the Internship in Architecture Program courses and the AIBC’s online and in-person course delivery environments for the Certified Professional (CP) Program and Advanced Code Knowledge (ACK) course. She is also responsible for providing coordination of Professional Development programs and events, and support for the Continuing Education System (CES). She is the primary contact for the online course portal and supports the Post-Disaster Building Assessment program as well as the Professional Development (PD) Series. In addition, Krista supports the Manager, Professional Services, with program improvement research and initiatives.

Jaishree Sundar
Professional Services Lead

Email: jsundar@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2696

Jaishree takes a lead role in planning the AIBC’s Conference and Confab professional development program and works extensively with the Conference Professional Development Committee. She also has a lead role in planning the AIBC Summer and Fall Professional Development Series sessions. She assists the Professional Services Department with processing Continuing Education Learning Units and reports. Jaishree serves as the senior staff representative for the Design Panel Committee, and provides administrative support to the Building Envelope and Regulatory Coordination Committees. In addition, she leads the Recognized Educational Provider (REP) Program and collaborates with others in the Professional Services department on various departmental projects and initiatives.

Maura Gatensby Architect AIBC CP
Lead Practice Advisor and Regulatory Liaison

Email: mgatensby@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2699

Maura is a registered architect with many years’ experience in private practice. In 2011, she returned to private practice from her former position as the AIBC’s Director of Professional Services while maintaining a part-time role as Practice Advisor through which she shares professional advice to both practitioners and the general public on a range of architectural practice matters.


Registration and Licensing


Jenelyn Torres MA
Director, Registration and Licensing

Email: jtorres@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2707

Jenelyn oversees the Registration and Licensing Department, including operations and personnel, and is responsible for all regulatory aspects of the registration of architects and associates, and the licensing of architectural firms at the AIBC. This includes the overall coordination of the Intern Architect Program, Architectural Technologists Program, Alternative Qualifications processes, Certificates of Practice, and Temporary Licences. She is also responsible for the registration of architects through the Canadian Architectural Reciprocity Agreement and other international mutual recognition agreements including the Mutual Recognition Agreement with NCARB, and the APEC Architect Project. As well, Jenelyn oversees the AIBC’s Broadly Experienced Applicant (BEA) Program and coordinates with the CACB regarding their Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program and alternative qualifications programs. She supports the duties of the AIBC Registration Board and its committees, and serves as the primary liaison with the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA), its committees, and the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).

Kim Underwood
Licensing Lead

Email: kunderwood@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2709

Kim is responsible for the coordination of architectural firm registrations including firm applications, firm incorporations, and firm updates. She administers the register of Certificates of Practice for architectural firms, as well as Temporary Licenses and status changes. Kim also coordinates the annual firm update process, and assists with the administration of annual fee renewal notices for firms and temporary licenses. She is the primary contact for all inquiries regarding firm registrations and information requests, temporary licenses, and related status changes.

Carla Taylor
Registration Lead

Email: ctaylor@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2685

Carla supports the daily operations and registration programs of the Registration and Licensing Department. Carla oversees the registration process under the Internship in Architecture Program including Experience Review, Oral Review and Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).

Gabe Baron
Registration and Administrative Coordinator

Email: gbaron@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2708

Gabe supports the Director, Registration and Licensing in their role as the primary resource regarding registration under several Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) programs (CALA, NCARB, APEC, Tri-National), alternative qualifications programs (BEFA, BEA) Architect resignation and reinstatement. Within his role, Gabe also coordinates the daily operations of the Registration and Licensing department and provides administrative support to the Internship in Architecture Program and the registration of firms.

Nisha Rawal MAS
Registration and Licensing Administrative Specialist

Email: nisha@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2705

Within her role as Registration and Licensing Administrative Specialist, Nisha provides administrative coordination support to departmental projects and programs including architect and firm registrations, issuance of Certificates of Practice/Certificates of Registration, database organization, annual fee renewals and the Internship in Architecture Program.

Mairi Nixon
Registration Special Projects Coordinator

Email: mairi@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2686

Reporting to the Director of Registration and Licensing, Mairi supports the Registration and Licensing team with project coordination and database functions.

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Architectural Institute of B.C.
100 – 440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6B 2N5
Tel: 604.683.8588 or toll free in BC 1.800.667.0753
Fax: 604.683.8568 or toll free in BC 1.800.661.2955
Email: reception@aibc.ca

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