Toronto Society of Architects’ Post

How are innovators balancing sustainability and affordability as they develop new building products? Our team at Ivory Innovations has been sharing our perspective on recent trends or issue areas we’ve seen in the housing world . But we don’t just focus on issues at Ivory; we focus on solutions. So in each post you’ll hear about some of the innovators we’re meeting through the Ivory Prize (https://lnkd.in/gnpj5Uvk) and how they’re changing the industry. This is a perspective (part 4 of 6). We’d love to hear your thoughts. Check out parts 1-3 on construction method innovation (https://lnkd.in/gvKTPmGZ), the land value tax (https://lnkd.in/esuTeWYj), and institutional investors (https://lnkd.in/eZD767x4). Read the full post at: https://lnkd.in/gzhptsKH -- This is my perspective: many new materials innovations are solutions still searching for their place in the industry, rather than products developed to meet today’s key industry needs and processes. Because to meaningfully address any of the myriad challenges we have in the housing industry requires a laser focus on either solving a critical industry need or quickly achieving cost parity. And both require easy integration into the existing, highly fragmented building systems process. So for any of these new, more sustainable products to matter, they have to reach scale quickly. And to reach scale quickly means working with the largest builders in the industry or being both better AND as cheap as status quo products. Out of hundreds, we’ve only found a select few companies that are successfully threading this needle: Plantd and TimberHP are two.

❗ Anyone who has challenged or wondered why I am BEHAVIOURS FIRST, especially in this sector, read below, then read Building Inclusion - The Book and FUND. THE. WORK ❗ “Our report identifies what we think is needed to make sure the legacy of #Grenfell is real and brings about lasting and #progressive #change. Our recommendations place new burdens and responsibilities on people and organisations.   “I make no apologies for that.   “Put simply, if you work in the construction industry and you do not feel the weight of #responsibility you have for keeping people safe you are in the wrong job.   “The change we need to bring about is partly about structures and regulations. Sir Martin has set out the key points in what we have proposed, and the report explains our recommendations in detail. But the necessary change is also one of #culture and #behaviours. Change on this scale need to be owned and led by the those of us working in the sector.   “It is not enough to pass an act of Parliament and to sit back and think the work is done. Without change in behaviour, and a recognition that the needs of the people who use our buildings must be placed at the centre of our work, the #lessons of Grenfell will not truly be learned in full.”   - Thouria Istephan: #Architect and panel member on the #GrenfellInquiry Peter Apps called it when he said: ‘The world that gave us the Grenfell Tower fire looks irredeemably dishonest. It is a story of corporate structures that allowed human beings to abandon their own conscience and sense of agency and to think only about sales and profit margins.’ #PeoplePlacePlanetPurpose before #Profit. When we say 'never again', let's mean it this time. Construction Leadership Council, University College of Estate Management RIBA RICS The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Royal Town Planning Institute Landscape Institute Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Construction Inclusion Coalition Action Sustainability CITB

Excellent Article from Insider Media which shares the perspective of the very talented Matthew Goff from Thurston Group Limited. Matt discusses what the Powerhouse Perspective initiative means to him; 💥 He calls on the new government to green light more construction projects for the North 💥 And outlines the benefits of investment in innovation of sustainable building methods. More colouration and more investment are key takeaways for me. Please let me know what your thoughts are in the comments section below ⬇ #mmc #sustainability #offsite #modernmethods #construction #manufacturing

Cathy Travers, outlines the importance of diversity and digital agility in driving our company forward. Get a glimpse of our roadmap for the coming years in her latest interview. 

With less than 10 days until the Atlantic Builders Convention, I'd love to start the conversation on what you feel is most important when starting out in business. Contractors, suppliers and many other trades in the construction industry will all be sharing their expertise at ABC. Check out the video below detailing what I feel are the most important things to consider when starting a business. Personally, I feel being able to take feedback and criticism are very important. You must be willing to not only listen to your customers, but to work with your team and find out what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are. Often, we all wear many hats, but when we can focus in on what we excel it, that is when we can exceed in our roles. See the ways we are setting new standards in our industry at stilodisposal.com.   To learn more about Professional Women in Building, I invite you to join us at the Atlantic Builders Convention on March 21st. As a member of the Professional Women in Building, we will be hosting an event at the Hard Rock Casino with industry leaders Cindy Cepko, MIRM, MCSP, CGP., Debra Tantleff, Meryl Gonchar, and Kristin Marzarella about leadership, confidence and the opportunities for women in building. To learn more or to grab your tickets, please register at https://abconvention.com/. New Jersey Builders Association National Association of Home Builders Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association of New Jersey   (📽 by Michael Cruz at Lightworks ATG)   #ProfessionalWomenInBusiness #PWB #WomenInBusiness #BusinessEmpowerment #BreakingBarriers #FemaleEntrepreneurs #WomenInConstruction #WomenInBuilding #ConstructionManagement #BuildHer #StiloDisposal #WasteManagement #AtlanticBuildersConvention #NewJerseyBuildersAssociation #NJBA #MetroBCA #NAHB #WeAllBuild #NJBuilders #Construction #Builders

🚧 **Development Journey Hits Milestone: A New Era of Transformation Begins** 🚧 In 2021, a dedicated and visionary development team embarked on a mission to seek demolition for a major transformation project. Now, as we stand on the brink of 2023, it's clear that this phase marks a significant milestone toward revitalization and progress. 🗺️ **Strategic Insights:** - This journey isn't merely about demolition. It's a calculated move to lay a new foundation for sustainable development. - The push since 2021 showcases the persistence and strategic foresight of the development team. It reflects their commitment to long-term goals rather than short-term wins. 🏢 **Transformational Impact:** - The approved demolitions signal a transition from outdated infrastructure to innovative urban spaces. - Beyond physical changes, these efforts are poised to enhance community livability, promote economic growth, and attract new investments. 💡 **What's Next?** - With demolition underway, the focus will likely shift to ensuring sustainable construction practices and integrating smart technologies into new builds. - Community engagement will become more critical than ever to ensure that the development meets the needs and desires of its future inhabitants. 📉 **Tackling Challenges:** - While the demolition process is a significant step, it comes with challenges like potential disruptions and environmental considerations. - Effective project management, stakeholder communication, and adaptive planning will be key to overcoming these hurdles efficiently. 🔮 **Predictions:** - We can anticipate a surge in job opportunities and business activities as this area becomes a new hub of innovation and growth. - Additionally, the successful transformation project could set a precedent, inspiring similar developments in other regions. Let's look forward to the future with optimism and see how this monumental step paves the way for incredible change. The path ahead promises not just new buildings but a more dynamic and thriving community ecosystem. #Transformation #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #FutureInsights

We hosted the Greater Vancouver business community today at the Major Projects Forum 2024, presented by KPMG, to discuss plans for future growth, building resilient foundations, and creating lasting impact for generations to come. Kicking off the event, our panel on 'Building for people' brought together Chris Gardner, Dan Garrison, Jennifer Podmore Russell, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky and Vivian Chan to discuss some of the creative and collaborative solutions to tackle the housing crisis in the region. The panel discussion highlighted optimism and challenges in Vancouver's housing sector. Speakers noted the government's focus on housing supply and concluded that while progress is evident, addressing these complex issues remains critical for sustainable housing solutions. Our keynote speaker, City of Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, highlighted the city's rapid growth and emphasized the pivotal role the business community could play in the future. Noting Surrey's projected status as British Columbia's most populated city by 2042, she stressed collaboration for sustainable development. Locke outlined plans to attract investment, optimize industrial lands, and expand sectors like tech and manufacturing. Our panel on 'Building our industrial and production bases' brought together Mike Davies, Mike Leclair and Natasha Westover in conversation with Hayley Woodin Hastings to explore a growth-focused agenda for the essential services and infrastructure that shape our regions’ bases. The panel discussed major and mega projects within a growth-focused agenda, highlighting their significance for community growth and economic prosperity and emphasizing their potential to drive economic growth while addressing environmental challenges. The mayor of the Township of Langley, Eric Woodward, discussed the significance of major projects with Jas Johal. The discussion extended to industrial land expansion, regional governance models, and ways to improve federal and provincial housing policies. The mayor expressed concerns about fairness in funding allocation and called for better collaboration between municipalities for efficient governance. Our panel discussion on 'Building sustainable foundations' brought together James Harvey, Cheryl Nelms, Chris Sainsbury, and Peter Hatcher, who shared trends and insights on navigating projects at a time when we rely on keeping up with the pace of growth. The discussion covered infrastructure challenges like regulatory processes and climate adaptation alongside innovations such as digital tools and collaborative procurement models. Optimism prevailed for innovative solutions that would drive infrastructure development forward. Photos by MATT BORCK, Search + Rescue Marketing Agency Walter Pela, FCPA, FCA Title Sponsor: KPMG Canada Supporting Sponsor: WSP in Canada Community Sponsors: Enbridge and TC Energy Preferred Venue Partner: Fairmont Waterfront Preferred Media Partner: BIV News

Discover how Cathy Travers champions equality, diversity, and inclusivity in our latest feature with Building Magazine. Learn about our digital transformation and strategic growth plans.

We had a fantastic turn out at our shareholder and participant forum. This event is an important forum for us and brings together senior leaders across the public and private sector operating in the south west of Scotland. Here are our key takeaways ⬇ 👉 The forum allowed us to understand what challenges our participants and construction partners are facing and helps us ensure we are best positioned to deliver solutions to these challenges. 👉 We celebrated the fact hub South West Scotland has positioned itself as a partner, helping participants deliver solutions to key strategies and areas of focus on everything from net zero and placemaking to affordable housing heating strategies. 👉 Demonstrating our ability to be a partner is not just about delivering first class projects and social value outcomes, but also enabling policy outcomes for our participants. 👉 Never has our partnering approach been needed more and it was agreed the ability to bring the public sector together to collaborate and operate at a programme level to derive real joined up solutions is a USP of the hub business. 👉 We also took the opportunity to launch our statement of ambition document that sets out our strategic vision and areas of focus, available here: https://lnkd.in/e86CctNw. hub South West Scotland - original and best public sector procurement, development and strategic partner for: South Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY, Police Scotland, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Blue Triangle , South of Scotland Enterprise, Wheatley Group, Scottish Enterprise

Adoption of Corporate Plan Sets Goals for Next Five Years in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. 📣 We are pleased to announce the adoption of our Corporate Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for the county's future. The Plan was developed following extensive consultation with the public, community groups, local citizen interest organisations, business groups, council staff, Councillors, and other stakeholders. The aim was to gather a wide range of views on the aspirations people had for their County, which were then incorporated into the Plan after considering existing council plans, public consultation views, and relevant legislation. With over 233,000 residents and over 85,878 employees in the county, dlr plays a crucial role as a service provider and facilitator/provider of infrastructure, regulator, and enabler of economic and community development. The Corporate Plan outlines high-level objectives for the range of services provided by dlr, with a focus on attracting and retaining the skills and competencies necessary for successful service delivery. Corporate goals include: ◾ Housing, Infrastructure & Planning: Community well-being will be underpinned by inclusive strategic planning, provision of adequate high-quality housing and supported by essential infrastructure development. ◾ Connected Communities & Culture: A sense of belonging and stimulating cultural and recreational experiences will encourage inclusivity and collective pride. ◾ Climate Action: A county that is climate-resilient, biodiversity rich and environmentally sustainable. ◾ Economic Development & Tourism: A dynamic, competitive business environment will support enterprise and leverage our potential as an attractive tourist destination. ◾ Operational Excellence: A culture of continuous improvement underpins staff development and service delivery, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency, quality, and innovation. Read our full press release here https://lnkd.in/eyinY6Hk   The finalised Adopted Corporate Plan 2025-2029 will be available shortly.