Innovation Winter 2024.25

challenge of leadership during significant change working on mitigation or adaptation, the decisions we make have a profound impact on society. Q. What do you see as the main goals for the Board in the year ahead? In the year ahead, I see three important goals for the Board to address.

We also have a duty, in the interest of public safety, to educate ourselves and design for the realities of a changing climate. Leading Engineers and Geoscientists BC to take a proactive stance on climate change, and now being recognized as a leader in the field as a regulator, is something I am immensely proud of. It underscores the vital role we play in building a sustainable and resilient future. Q. What has been the highlight of your engineering career? There have been so many highlights throughout my career, each meaningful in its own way. One of the early ones was designing a simple tied arch structure for a school project in the UK in the late ’90s, where I first applied a sustainable approach to engineering. Another was working on an all-wood water treatment plant for the Nisga’a First Nation in Gitwinksihlkw, BC – a project that combined engineering with cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Seeing the effects of thawing permafrost and changing snow firsthand in the Northwest Territories was a stark reminder of the urgency of climate adaptation, which motivated me even more in leading our professions’ efforts on climate change. More recently, being part of StructureCraft, a world-leading company making beautiful wood buildings possible, is incredibly rewarding. I am immensely proud to be a structural engineer, and the variety of projects I’ve been involved in – each with its own challenges and impact – has made my journey more fulfilling. Q. If you could re-design an appliance of any size in your home – or create a new one – what would it be and why? If I could redesign an appliance, it would be the thermostat. While smart thermostats today are incredibly advanced, they’ve become overly complex in trying to do too much. Sometimes all you really want is a simple interface where you can set a temperature or turn it off and on without needing to grab your glasses or consult the instruction manual. The intelligence should work seamlessly in the background, but without overwhelming the user with options and settings. A more intuitive, user-friendly design would go a long way to make everyday tasks simpler without sacrificing the benefits of modern technology.

First, we recognize that with the changes in our regulatory environment, there has been and continues to be a risk of disengagement among registrants. Rebuilding and strengthening relationships are essential to ensuring their continued engagement and trust in the organization. Open communication and transparency will be key to achieving this. Second, with our mandate now clearly focused on regulation, we must realize how to best support the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG) as it develops into a successful, independent body. A collaborative partnership between BCSEG and Engineers and Geoscientists BC will allow continued effective advocacy for the professions while maintaining our regulatory responsibilities. Finally, ensuring that our organization has the capacity to fulfill its vision of modern regulation for a resilient world is crucial. This means continuing to invest in our talented staff and dedicated volunteers so that we can meet the evolving demands of the professions and provide the leadership needed. Q. Why did you want to take a leadership position with the Board? I wanted to take on a leadership role with the Board because I am immensely proud of our professions and want to be part of ensuring they continue to be respected and trusted. The work that engineers and geoscientists do has a profound impact on society, and I believe it is crucial to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and accountability as we move forward. Additionally, I thrive on challenges, and this is a time of significant change for our organization. The opportunity to contribute to the professions during such a pivotal moment is something I feel deeply passionate about. Serving in this role allows me to give back to the engineering and geoscience community in a meaningful way, helping to guide the organization through these changes while maintaining our core values and commitment to public safety. Q. You are the founding Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Group to Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Why is this group important to you? The effects of our changing climate pose one of the greatest challenges of our generation, and as engineers and geoscientists, what we do truly matters. Whether we’re

Innovation Winter 2024/25

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