Speakers:

Jeremy Field - Senior Sustainability Advisor, Introba

Passionate and thoughtful, Jeremy specializes in finding alignment between a project's goals and available solutions. With a background in energy modelling, Jeremy has led many building life cycle assessments (LCA) to identify cost-effective embodied carbon reduction opportunities. He works to advance embodied carbon analysis beyond structural and enclosure systems, having led the analysis of the impacts of refrigerants, mechanical and electrical systems, product finishes, and more. Jeremy is an advocate for resilient, low-carbon buildings that marry the ideas of passive design and fundamental sustainability and stays at the forefront of policy conversations on embodied carbon through his involvement in CaGBC’s Embodied Carbon Technical Advisory Group. Jeremy advised on the embodied carbon requirements for Version 3 of the CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Standard and is past Co-Chair of CLF Vancouver (now CLF BC).

Sharon McGeorge - Senior Mechanical and BIM Designer, Introba

Sharon has been with Introba since 2015 and brings unique hands-on experience to the mechanical engineer team. She has an excellent track record of navigating complicated renovation projects through the design and construction administration process. Sharon has developed her BIM and 3D modelling skills to become an exceptional resource for our team (and those who work with us) bringing diligent design coordination and excellent presentation of building systems to our drawings. Sharon’s interests in energy efficiency, healthy spaces, usability, and affordability inform her design values and make her an invaluable member of Introba’s mechanical team. Sharon also leads a team in the design of rainwater, and well water treatment for potable water systems serving homes and small commercial sites.

Ben Checkwitch - Principal, Checkwitch Poiron Architects

Ben’s fascination with architecture began while working on construction sites and as a draftsman for a naval architect, which led him to pursue degrees in Architecture from the University of Manitoba and Dalhousie University. He then further honed his construction skills while building an off-grid home on an isolated Gulf Island before completing his apprenticeship at the Oslo-based firm of Narud Stokke Wiig. Ben then relocated to New York to practice with renowned architectural firms Rafael Viñoly Architects and Gluckman Mayner Architects before founding Ben Checkwitch Design, a Manhattan-based design firm that earned distinction in I.D. Magazine’s Annual Design Review and recognition from the Architectural League of New York, where he has lectured and exhibited as a winner of the Young Architects Forum.

In 2008 he began collaborating with David Poiron on various projects which led to the formation of Checkwitch Poiron Architects in 2012. Since then, Ben has led the firm through many projects including single-family homes, masterplans and terminal building designs for multiple BC Ferry terminals, an Indigenous artist’s studio, multi-family and mixed-use projects of various scales, the development and implementation of a volumetric modular building system, and a low-carbon Montessori school.