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, ext. 304
Mark joined the AIBC in 2015 as Chief Executive Officer. Guided by the AIBC’s vision statement, “Building public confidence and excellence in architectural practice”, 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 2014-2018 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 members, 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: 604.683.8588, ext. 321
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
Executive Coordinator, Office of the CEO
Email: ttough@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 335
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, Regulatory Compliance Officer
Email: msands@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 367
Meagan works for both the Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice department, and the Office of the CEO. In her Regulatory Compliance Officer 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
Grace Battiston
Director of Communications
Email: gbattiston@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 308
Grace is responsible for the overall management of all communications, stakeholder engagement and outreach activities in support of the Institute’s five-year strategic plan. A member of the senior management team, Grace works extensively across departments to support the goals of the organization and to ensure cohesion of activities and brand. She leads a dynamic communications team. Together they generate clearly written and beautifully designed online/offline communications, produce and promote high level events such as the annual conference and deliver the ever-popular summer walking tour program.
Lindsay Todd
Communications Specialist
Email: ltodd@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 311
As a member of the AIBC’s communications department, Lindsay provides support in communication planning, project management, content creation and design for departmental and AIBC communications’ initiatives. In collaboration with other communications members, she is responsible for the design and production of print and online communications in support of AIBC’s strategic goals and ensuring the ongoing integrity of the AIBC brand.
Elizabeth Woff
Communications Specialist
Email: ewoff@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 331
Elizabeth contributes to organizational communications with specific emphasis on content generation and curation, as well as digital platform creation and coordination. Collaborating with colleagues and other stakeholders, she participates in the delivery of integrated and forward-looking communications strategies. Elizabeth is heavily involved in regular member and stakeholder communications releases, and supports the delivery of special events and communications initiatives.
Amanda Scott
Event and Outreach Specialist
Email: ascott@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 329
Reporting to the Director of Communications, Amanda is responsible for all event logistics for AIBC’s annual calendar of events with specific emphasis on outreach, project management, sponsorship and development strategies. In addition, Amanda coordinates the annual awards program, trains event staff and volunteers, and oversees the summer walking tour program in both Vancouver and Victoria.
Finance & Facilities
Karen Morris CPA, CGA
Manager of Finance and Facilities
Email: kmorris@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 317
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 Assistant
Email: mwood@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 306
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: 604.683.8588, ext. 322
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.
Human Resources and Administration
Shawna Chilton CPHR
Manager of Human Resources and Administration
Email: schilton@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 305
Shawna is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). She is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the operations and strategies of the human resources and administration departments. As head of HR, she leads the Human Resources Specialists and evaluates the implementation of all people-related matters, programs and initiatives. As head of Administration, she manages office operations and oversees the organization’s administrative systems and resources. Shawna also directs the strategy and development of the AIBC’s volunteer program. As part of the management team, Shawna assists the CEO in implementing initiatives originating from the Office of the CEO and AIBC Council including the implementation of strategic plan goals.
Yana Vassilenko
Human Resources Specialist
Email: yvassilenko@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 314
Reporting to and working closely with the Manager of Human Resources and Administration, Yana supports the internal, administrative HR functions. She has responsibilities in recruitment and retention, benefits administration, employee relations and training, policy implementation, employee records, and health and safety. Yana coordinates daily human resource operations in all aspects of the employment cycle including onboarding and orientation, engagement initiatives, and offboarding. She also supports the manager with overseeing the administrative systems and daily operations of the office, and is actively involved in the implementation of security and emergency procedures, health and safety regulations, staff training, and fire evacuation plans.
Sarah McCarthy
Administration & Registration Assistant
Email: sarah@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 300
Sarah works in both the Human Resources and Administration and Registration and Licensing departments. In her Administrative Assistant role, Sarah reports to the Manager of Human Resources & Administration, and is responsible for all clerical and administrative duties at the front desk. She answers and directs general enquiries, processes outgoing and incoming mail, handles all CCDC, sign, stamp and seal orders and enquiries, coordinates meetings and catering, and maintains office inventory.
Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice
Greg Cavouras, JD
Legal Counsel; Director of Professional Conduct & Illegal Practice
Email: gcavouras@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 330
As Legal Counsel/Director of Professional Conduct & Illegal Practice, Greg works closely with the General Counsel/Deputy CEO and is a member of the management team. He serves as an organizational leader in matters of law, professional regulation, compliance, and governance. He provides a range of legal advice and solutions to the organization, and supports the General Counsel through the management of various internal and external legal functions. In addition, Greg is responsible for the day-to-day management of the PCIP department, including oversight of the team.
Gayle Roberts
Professional Conduct Officer
Email: groberts@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 310
Gayle reports to the Director of Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice, and works closely with the AIBC’s staff lawyer and paralegal team. Gayle is a resource to both the general public and AIBC registrants regarding ethical complaints, providing guidance on the professional conduct complaint process, and referrals to other AIBC resources or agencies if the issue is not appropriate for professional conduct resolution. She coordinates case administration and activities for the Investigations Committee and supports the work of conduct-related initiatives, including bylaw review.
Meagan Sands
Paralegal, Regulatory Compliance Officer
Email: msands@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 367
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.
Jamie Gibbs
Illegal Practice Officer
Email: jgibbs@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 316
Reporting to Legal Counsel/Director of Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice, Jamie is responsible for coordinating the AIBC’s illegal practice files including initial complaint tracking and investigation, follow-up correspondence, resolution and enforcement. She also supports the AIBC’s professional conduct complaint and resolution process. Jamie contributes to the daily operations of the department by assisting with policy and bylaw research, legal document drafting and other general legal administration duties.
Professional Services
Alexandra Kokol
Manager of Professional Services
Email: akokol@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 312
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Manager of Professional Services provides leadership for the department and supervises the Professional Development Coordinators. Alexandra oversees Professional Development (PD) and advises the CEO on PD program planning and delivery, policies, and strategic planning. She monitors the delivery of continuing education and is responsible for the content of the Annual Conference. Alexandra is the staff representative on the Annual Conference Professional Development Committee and the Design Panel Committee. In collaboration with the CEO, Alexandra is also responsible for the maintenance and development of policy initiatives, preparation of position papers, and documents for council.
Krista Sutherland
Professional Development Coordinator
Email: ksutherland@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 318
Reporting to the Manager of Professional Services, the Professional Development Coordinator is responsible for providing coordination of Professional Development programs and events, and support for the Continuing Education System (CES). Krista is also a staff representative on the Post-Disaster Response Committee, Building Envelope Committee and the BC Building Code Appeal Board.
Jaishree Sundar
Professional Services Coordinator
Email: jsundar@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 364
Jaishree assists the Professional Services Department with processing Continuing Education learning units and reports, coordinating the Recognized Educational Provider (REP) program, and providing support to the Manager of Professional Services on various departmental projects. She also coordinates several committee meetings, and provides assistance in the planning and delivery of a variety of special events such as the AIBC Annual Conference.
Maura Gatensby Architect AIBC MRAIC CP
Practice Advisor
Email: mgatensby@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 334
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.
Mark Hamilton Architect AIBC AAA AIA MRAIC LEED AP
Practice Advisor
Email: mhamilton@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 333
Mark is a registered architect with many years’ experience in private practice. In his part-time role as Practice Advisor with the AIBC, Mark provides professional advice to both practitioners and the general public on a range of architectural practice matters. In addition, Mark works with the Professional Services and the Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice departments to support policy development and implementation on matters related to the practice of architecture.
Registration & Licensing
Jenelyn Torres MA
Director of Registration and Licensing (acting)
Email: jtorres@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 328
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 Coordinator
Email: kunderwood@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 309
Kim is responsible for providing 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.
Belinda Chao
Admissions Coordinator
Email: bchao@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 324
Belinda is the primary contact and coordinator for the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP). This includes the registration of Intern Architects AIBC, the processing of Canadian Experience Record Books (CERB), registering for the ExAC or NCARB AREs, and organizing Oral Reviews. She is also the main contact for the registration of Architectural Technologists AIBC. Belinda also oversees student and Architectural Technologist affiliates.
Mairi Nixon
Registration & Licensing Administrative Assistant
Email: mairi@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 313
Reporting to the Director of Registration and Licensing (acting), Mairi supports the Registration and Licensing team with a variety of administrative duties and member record functions. She also assists with the annual fee billing process, provides support for various data entry and report functions within the department.
Sarah McCarthy
Administration & Registration Assistant
Email: sarah@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 300
Sarah works in both the Human Resources and Administration and Registration and Licensing departments. In her Registration Assistant role, Sarah reports to the Director of Registration & Licensing, and assists with administrative project support including registration of architects and architectural firms; the Annual Fee Billing process; and Oral Reviews.