Integrating Electrical Infrastructure into Architecture: From Concept to Connection

Integrating Electrical Infrastructure into Architecture: From Concept to Connection is part of AIBC’s 2026 Fall PD Series.

This session will help architects understand how early design decisions influence electrical servicing, project timelines, and connection readiness. BC Hydro will provide an overview of how they plan and deliver electrical connections, what information is needed from project teams, and how architects can work with electrical consultants, builders, local governments, and BC Hydro early to reduce redesign, avoid late-stage delays, and support electrification and power-efficient design.

• Date: Thursday, November 5, 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 2, 2026

Presenters: Meredith Toward; Alex Kearney P.Eng.; Mary Congdon P.Eng.; Gil Alho

Meredith Toward is a Project Manager with BC Hydro’s Local Government Partnerships team, where she collaborates with local governments, industry stakeholders, and internal teams to support customer-focused initiatives and infrastructure planning. She has been with BC Hydro for more than 20 years and brings a strong background in communications and stakeholder engagement.

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.