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 and Engagement Specialist
Email: ewoff@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2703
Elizabeth leads the organization’s communications strategy, with specific emphasis on content generation and curation, as well as digital platform management. Collaborating with colleagues and other stakeholders, she delivers integrated and forward-looking communications plans. Elizabeth oversees regular member and stakeholder communication, including the monthly newsletter and Notices. In addition, she supports the delivery of special events and projects.
Amanda Scott
Event and Outreach Specialist
Email: ascott@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2702
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 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 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 MacQueen
Manager, People and Culture
Email: ymacqueen@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2694
Reporting to and working closely with the Director, People and Administration, Yana is a member of the management team with a specific focus on people and championing the organization’s values and culture. Yana supports the Director in the creation, development, revision, and implementation of various people and administration related programs, policies and projects. As Manager of People and Culture, Yana leads the design, delivery and maintenance of various learning and development programs and initiatives for staff, volunteers, registrants, and other stakeholders.
Michaela Bogart CPHR
Human Resources Specialist
Email: michaela@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2715
Michaela supports the Director, People and Administration with the creation, development, revision and implementation of various people and volunteer related programs, policies and projects. Michaela is responsible for a variety of HR functions including: recruitment and retention, benefits administration, employee relations and training, policy implementation, employee records, and health and safety. Michaela coordinates daily human resource operations in all aspects of the employment cycle including onboarding and orientation, engagement initiatives, and offboarding.
Gabe Baron
Registration and Administrative Coordinator
Email: gbaron@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2700
Gabe works in both the People and Administration and Registration and Licensing departments. Gabe is primarily responsible for the coordination of the front desk and its operations, with a significant administrative support function in the Registration & Licensing Department.
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.
Tatiana Perez Velez
Paralegal; Illegal Practice Officer
Email: tpvelez@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2711
Reporting to Legal Counsel; Director of Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice, Tatiana contributes to the AIBC’s work of regulating the profession of architecture in the public interest under the Architects Act. The AIBC’s mandate to protect the public includes investigating and taking appropriate steps when non-architects illegally offer or provide architectural services, or falsely represent themselves as architects. Tatiana is responsible for the coordination of AIBC’s illegal practice files including maintenance of indexing systems, complaint investigation, correspondence with complainants and members of the public, file management, resolution, and publication.
Professional Services
Alexandra Kokol
Manager, Professional Services
Email: akokol@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2679
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Manager of Professional Services provides leadership for the department and supervises the Professional Development Coordinator and the Professional Services Coordinator. Alexandra oversees Professional Development (PD) at the Institute 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: 604.305.2695
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: 604.305.2696
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 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.
Hui Hu Architect AIBC
Practice Advisor
Email: hhu@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.305.2698
Hui is an Architect AIBC with experience working in the transit, residential, educational, industrial and healthcare sectors, which is where she gained valuable insight and understanding of the architectural profession. As Practice Advisor, Hui shares her knowledge and helps individuals with a broad range of architectural practice related topics. Within her role, Hui also supports policy development and implementation on matters related to the practice of architecture, as well as acts as a resource on architectural practice to AIBC staff and the public.
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: 604.305.2700
Gabe works in both the People and Administration and Registration and Licensing departments. Gabe is primarily responsible for the coordination of the front desk and its operations, with a significant administrative support function in the Registration & Licensing Department.
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.