Join us for the 5th BEAT Forum focussing on construction site behaviours and dynamics. Geared toward those who work at or visit construction sites, including architects, clients, contractors, trades, and consultants, the Forum will explore different perspectives on how to create a collaborative and productive work environment for all stakeholders throughout the construction process.
The Forum is divided into two parts, a panel discussion in the morning and afternoon workshop after lunch. Our panel includes experts from the architecture and construction industry:
Speakers:
Jen Hancock – Vice President of Collaborative Construction, Chandos Construction
Carol Philips – Partner, Moriyama Teshima Architects
Lisa Laronde – President at RSG International, Canadian Association of Women in Construction
Gayle Meeks - Associate/Technical Director, Perkins&Will
Moderator:
Jennifer Esposito – Assistant Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University; Principal, Place of Work Architecture Studio; Executive Chair, BEAT
Schedule & Details:
10:00am – 12:00pm Panel Discussion
The morning session will commence with short presentations from our panelists followed by a moderated panel discussion and question period. Our panelists will offer insight from the perspectives of practice, advocacy, and policy-making.
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch & Networking
1:00pm – 3:00pm Workshop led by Jen Hancock, VP of Collaborative Construction, Chandos Construction (*note that the afternoon session is on a first-come first serve basis, sign up available at 9:30am at the event)
The afternoon session will include a hands-on workshop that focuses on aligning values among stakeholders that work on construction sites. This workshop will be interactive, featuring breakout groups, discussion presentations, and the ultimate goal of generating a tangible set of values to take away.
BEAT is a volunteer-run organization made up of architects, designers, leaders, and entrepreneurs creating opportunities for community-building, advocacy, networking, and mentorship.
BEAT Forums are dedicated to exploring questions related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), led by experts in the EDI field and within the design, architecture, and construction profession.
This BEAT Forum will qualify for 2 OAA Structured Learning hours.
Speaker Bios:
Jen Hancock, BA, BEd, LEED AP BD+C
Vice President of Collaborative Construction, Chandos Construction
Jen has worked for Chandos for the last 15 years and has helped lead many of the company’s innovative practices in that time. She helped set up the company’s Net zero 2040 strategy and works primarily as a coach, facilitator and trainer for project teams with a focus on Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), collaborative construction practices, lean, sustainability and is a driver of EDI initiatives.
Carol Phillips, B.E.S., B.Arch., OAA (BCDS), NSAA, AIBC, AAA, LEED AP, SCUP, FRAIC
Partner, Moriyama Teshima Architects
Carol is a Partner with the renowned firm Moriyama Teshima Architects known for remarkable, innovative Canadian and international projects. A Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Carol’s inspired designs have received international awards and are distinguished by the spare but assertive use of materials that bring identity and grace to communities. Her practice is increasingly focused on low carbon and timber in the search for ways the construction industry can contribute better solutions to the climate crisis. Along with her built work, Carol provides service to the architectural community through teaching at the University of Toronto, lecturing internationally, acting as a juror for design awards, and, in addition to being a member of the Brookfield Sustainability Institute League of Innovators, she also advises Building Equity in Architecture Toronto, as well as the faculty developing the Architecture Engineering program at the University of Waterloo.
Lisa Laronde
President, RSG International, Canadian Association of Women in Construction
Lisa Laronde is president of RSG International, a global leader in road safety infrastructure, and a powerful advocate for women in leadership. Through her influential speaking engagements and podcasts, her aim is to inspire women in all industries, particularly construction. Lisa is passionate about building psychologically safe work environments, where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of her organization. Her business acumen and demonstrated success in growing market share make Lisa a unique and inspirational leader.
Gayle Meeks
Associate/Technical Director, Perkins&Will
Gayle Meeks is the Technical Director for Perkins&Will’s Toronto and Ottawa studios. Since graduating from TMU’s Bachelor of Architecture program in 2004, she has worked across multiple sectors with a variety of client groups in Canada and the UK. Her primary areas of focus are construction documentation and contract administration, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide innovative solutions for delivering complex designs. While providing oversight to all aspects of technical delivery at Perkins&Will, Gayle continues to work in contract administration, as she believes the best way to learn about buildings is by watching them get built.