Q: What is your name?
Q: What are your pronouns?
A: He / Him / His
Q: Where is your hometown and where are you located now?
A: Originally from Kelowna, B.C., now I am located in Coldstream, B.C. where I am working on projects in the central and north Okanagan.
Q: What program did you take at OC? When did you graduate?
A: I completed the Sustainable Building Technology Diploma (formerly Sustainable Construction Management Technology Diploma) in April 2017 at the Penticton campus.
Q:What is your current position?
A: Owner of a small construction management firm, VIQ Construction, with three employees. Primarily manage the construction of six-storey condominium projects between 50 and 80 units in size.
Q: Why did you choose your program at OC? How does it relate to what you’re doing now?
A: I chose the program because I wanted a designation that supported my existing skillset, but also because I believed there had to be a better way to build and manage, both physically and relationally.
Q: What was one of your most meaningful memories during your time at OC?
A: In retrospect, I most enjoyed the people I learned alongside and from. Although there were elements of group projects, for example, that drove me to the brink of insanity, they also taught me a lot about how I need to further refine the soft skills side of my profession.
Q: What do you think has been the biggest turning point for your career success?
A: Coming to the realization that I add value to the project through being able to apply the skills and knowledge that I have gained through a holistic approach.
Q: Are there any awards, achievements or activities that you would like to highlight?
A: Refining the design of the current build (660 Cawston) such that the building would achieve BC Built Green Silver/Gold and realize a $160,000 Fortis BC rebate. Couldn’t convince the developer to go for certification, but managed to integrate some fairly efficient building systems nonetheless.
Q: What advice would you pass on to current/future students?
A: Always keep an open mind, be eager to learn and remember that there is more than one right way to get the job done.
Q: When you’re not working, what are you doing?
A: Anything in the great outdoors! Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing (started this year). I’m also hanging out with my wife and daughters in the great outdoors, attending school sports games and tournaments, and riding my motorcycle.
Sustainable Building Technology Diploma (formerly Sustainable Construction Management Technology Diploma)
Be an agent of change as the built environment shifts to a net-zero energy, water and carbon future. Understand building science, technology, systems thinking and project management to deliver healthy, high-performance buildings.