Designing with Power in Mind
November 12 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Designing with Power in Mind is part of AIBC’s 2026 Fall PD Series.
This session will focus on the practical design requirements architects need to consider when integrating BC Hydro infrastructure into multi-residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The session will cover space planning, access, clearances, transformer and switchgear considerations, electrical room requirements, site constraints, and common design issues that can delay energization. The goal is to help architects anticipate electrical servicing needs early, coordinate more effectively with electrical consultants and BC Hydro, and design buildings that are easier to connect, maintain, and energize.
- Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Online via Zoom
- Cost: $75 (Architect AIBC & Architectural Technologist AIBC); $60 (Intern Architect AIBC & Retired Architect AIBC)
- Learning Units (LUs):5 Core
- Register: Register by 12 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026
Presenters: Alex Kearney P.Eng.; Mary Congdon P.Eng.; Gil Alho
Alex Kearney, P.Eng. is a Senior Design Manager at BC Hydro and is responsible for Vancouver Island. He leads infrastructure design and service delivery programs that support customer growth and system reliability. He brings experience in electrical engineering and utility operations to develop practical and cost-effective solutions. Alex is focused on continuous improvement, strong team performance, and delivering value for customers and communities.
Mary Congdon, P.Eng. is the Team Lead of the Vancouver Island Distribution Engineering (DE) Team. The team provides professional engineering services and technical support to the Vancouver Island Design Team. They also support Field Operations (Construction and Maintenance) team with timely analysis and solutions for unusual system conditions. The DE team often works directly with customer electrical consultants to coordinate electrical protection devices and resolve challenging situations. Mary is focused on improving communications, streamlining processes and finding timely solutions.
Gil Alho
Bio coming soon.