Contacts

To fulfill its mandate the Institute has a Council of 15 members consisting of 10 elected members of the profession, the Director of the School of Architecture at the University of British Columbia and 4 lay members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council. The Institute also supports 24 boards, committees and task forces to carry out the programs and functions of the Institute.

Staff of the Institute can be reached at:

Architectural Institute of B.C.
100 - 440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia  V6B  2N5
Canada

Tel: (604) 683-8588  toll free in BC 1-800-667-0753
Fax: (604) 683-8568 or toll free in BC 1-800-661-2955
Email: Contacts

Click here to view the staff organization chart.


AIBC Staff Contacts

michael ernestMichael Ernest MAIBC
Executive Director
E-mail: mernest@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 304

Born in Montreal, Michael received his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from McGill University in 1968. He later acquired his MS in Architecture from Cornell University. He joined the AIBC as a member in 1974, and from 1970 to 1990 was a visiting faculty member at the University of British Columbia School of Architecture.

Michael's architectural career includes work with architectural firms in Montreal and New York state. In 1972, he joined the Vancouver firm of Rhone and Iredale before moving to Thompson, Berwick Pratt & Partners in 1974. He became a principal at Watson-Donald + Ernest in 1978 prior to establishing his own firm in 1982, which continues today.

Michael's AIBC involvement began as an oral examiner in 1976. That year he also joined the institute's Intern Architect Program Committee and Examining Board. From 1978 to 1982, he was a member of AIBC Council including terms as vice-president and registrar. Michael became the institute's Director of Professional Practice on a part-time basis in 1983. In 1993, it was made a full-time role, a position held until his current appointment. From 1999 to 2005 he also served as the AIBC's Director of Professional Development.

As part of his AIBC work, Michael has served as a member of the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (1995-2007), the British Columbia Provincial Government Modernization Strategy working groups and the Public Construction Council of B.C.

Michael is married to Katherine (Mahood) and has three children: Heidi, Lisa and Robert.

Paul Becker MAIBC P.Eng.
Director of Professional Services
E-mail: pbecker@aibc.ca
Phone: 604-683-8588, ext. 307

Paul practised both Engineering and Architecture for 25 years  in Montreal.  Since moving to Vancouver in 1995, he has acted as an owner’s representative, providing guidance to owners in the process of development, design and construction of real estate projects.

At the AIBC, Paul has served as a volunteer on several committees, including those which deal with building envelope issues and standards of practice. He joined the institute in 2009 as a part-time practice advisor. In September 2011, he became Director of Professional Services with general oversight and responsibility for the AIBC’s professional development and practices advice service centres.

Jackie Buchan, Paralegal
Illegal Practice & Professional Conduct Coordinator
E-mail: jbuchan@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 316

Jackie reports to the Director of Professional Conduct & Illegal Practice. As a paralegal, she provides assistance throughout the investigation stage, drafting consensual resolution agreements, scheduling disciplinary inquiries where necessary, conducting legal research and coordinating the activities of the Consensual Resolution Review Panel. Jackie also works closely with the Professional Conduct Coordinator and provides back-up support for the Investigations Committee and the Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice Board.

As Illegal Practice Coordinator, she works with the Illegal Practice Committee and assists in the review of allegations of misrepresentation or illegal practice received by the AIBC. Jackie is a member of the BC Paralegal Association.

Aleta Cho
Professional Development Coordinator
E-mail: acho@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 318

Aleta provides administrative support to the Professional Development Department and its activities. This includes processing faculty contracts, course registrations, venues, materials, evaluations, and self-report forms, and issuing course receipts.

Lisa Christensen MA
Senior Communications Specialist
E-mail: lchristensen@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 331

Lisa has primary responsibility for developing and sustaining strategic relationships across numerous stakeholder categories with the objectives of fostering sponsorships and raising public awareness of the AIBC and the architectural profession. She is also significantly involved in the planning and delivery of the AIBC Annual Conference, the Annual AIBC Architectural Awards, the AIBC Gallery, and numerous written communication pieces.

Ryan Dinh
Practice Coordinator
E-mail: 
rdinh@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 314

Michelle Fenton  MAIBC
Practice Advisor
E-mail: mfenton@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 333

Michelle joined the AIBC staff in September 2011 as a part-time Practice Advisor. In this capacity she shares advice with practitioners and the public on a range of architectural practice matters. She also contributes to programs related to the institute’s Professional Development Program. Michelle’s architectural experience includes working within an architectural firm as well as establishing her own practice.

Maura Gatensby MAIBC
Practice Advisor
E-mail: mgatensby@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext.334

Maura is a registered architect with many years’ experience in private practice. In 2011, she returned to private practice from her former position as the AIBC’s Director of Professional Services while maintaining a part-time role as Practice Advisor through which she shares professional advice to both practitioners and the general public on a range of architectural practice matters.

Linus Lam MRAIC
Communications Specialist
E-mail: llam@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 311 

Linus is a designer and an intern architect. He provides creative support for Communications Department activities with an emphasis on web-based communications, digital media, print production and the new Architecture BC journal.

Thomas Lutes, Barrister & Solicitor
Director of Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice
E-mail: tlutes@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 321

Thomas is responsible for the AIBC’s Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice Department, including working with the Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice Board and its committees. Reporting to the Executive Director, he manages the complaint, investigations, and consensual resolution process as well as the investigations and resolutions or prosecutions of Illegal Practice matters. He works closely with the Director of Professional Practice to help advise AIBC members and the general public on the requirements and interpretations of various aspects of the Architects Act, AIBC Bylaws, Code of Ethics and rulings of Council that affect architectural practice and the public interest.

Jerome Marburg LL.B. MBA
Deputy Executive Director, General Counsel
E-mail: jmarburg@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 305

Jerome Marburg was born and raised in South Africa, immigrating to Northern Alberta as a teenager. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Classical History from the University of Alberta, his Law Degree from Dalhousie University, and his MBA from Simon Fraser University. Jerome has extensive experience as a regulator, executive manager, and general counsel for professional regulatory bodies, first fulfilling these roles in 1994.

As Deputy Executive Director, Jerome’s responsibilities at the AIBC include oversight of the Registration & Licensing and Finance & Administration service centres. He also serves as General Counsel to the AIBC, advising council and staff on a broad range of legal matters ranging from governance and policy to regulation of professions.

When not at the office, Jerome actively participates in his community, serving on a variety of boards and committees as well as coaching youth hockey and soccer. He is also an avid cyclist and rugby fan.

Karen Morris, CGA
Manager of Finance & Administration
E-mail: kmorris@aibc.ca
Tel: 604.683.8588, ext 317

Karen Morris joined the AIBC in April 2010 as Manager of Finance and Administration. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, she looks after the AIBC payroll, finances, and many of the other administrative functions required to keep the organization running.

Having held her Certified General Accountant designation for 10 years, Karen brings extensive experience in financial accounting, analysis, tax, and supervisory experience.

Karen is yet another native of the Lower Mainland.  She is a fan of auto racing, a BMW enthusiast, and an avid gardener.

Linda Nielsen
Professional Services Co-ordinator
E-mail: lnielsen@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 312

Roisin O'Neill
Manager of Registration and Licensing
E-mail: registration@aibc.ca or roneill@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 313

Roisin manages and supervises all areas and functions within the Registration & Licensing Department, including: registration enquiries; applications; maintenance of records; database; the Intern Architect Program; the Alternative Qualifications process; certificates of practice; and temporary licenses. She also is the liaison for the Registration Board and its committees.

Katherine Rau
Executive Assistant
E-mail: krau@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 335

Katherine provides support to the Executive Director and, on behalf of the Executive Director, helps coordinate all AIBC Council activities, including the preparation and administration of regular meetings, the AIBC Annual Meeting, planning sessions and various council initiatives.

Gayle Roberts
Professional Conduct Coordinator
E-mail: groberts@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 310

Gayle is usually the first person contacted regarding ethical complaints about a member’s practice.  The general public and members of the AIBC are invited to contact Gayle to discuss concerns and to find out more about the Professional Conduct Process.  Gayle can also provide an inquirer a referral to other AIBC resources or agencies if the Conduct department is not the appropriate venue for the concerns

Gayle reports to the Director of Professional Conduct & Illegal Practice. She coordinates case administration and activities for the Investigations Committee and the Professional Conduct and Illegal Practice Board. Gayle also works closely with the Conduct Department’s paralegal and provides back-up support in the area of Illegal Practice.

Emily Tyler
Registration, Licensing and Administrative Assistant
E-mail: etyler@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 324

Through her role as Registration & Licensing Administration Assistant, Emily provides valued support to both the Registration & Licensing and Finance & Administration service centres. Emily is the typically the first contact within the Registration & Licensing Department.  She processes applications for registration and answers registration enquiries; maintains relevant files, records, and resources; organizes oral reviews, monitors exam results; and advises Intern Architects.

Kim Underwood
Licensing Coordinator
E-mail: membership@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 309

Kim is responsible for the maintenance of the AIBC Registers through regular updating of the AIBC member information database. She also receives and processes Certificates of Practice/Changes of Status/Structure forms, and processes applications for Certificates of Practice and Temporary Licences. Kim oversees the Retired Architects Program, and processes applications for Architect's Seals + Stamps and Firm Site Signs.

David Wiebe
Director of Communications
E-mail: dwiebe@aibc.ca
Telephone: 604.683.8588, ext. 308

David manages member and external communications for the AIBC. Reporting to the Executive Director, David is the staff liaison for the Communications Board and its committees, and is responsible for AIBC Communications Department planning, budgeting, and production to fulfill and support Council goals. Regular departmental activities include the AIBC Annual Report; architectureBC magazine; eNews electronic newsletter; the AIBC Annual Conference and Awards; media relations; brochures, catalogues, and special publications; the AIBC Member Directory; and the AIBC Website. AIBC Communications programs and services also include the ‘Ask an Architect’ Advisory Service, member and public events, the Architectural Walking Tours Program, and the AIBC Architecture Gallery.

Marguerite Wood
Front Desk Supervisor
E-mail: mwood@aibc.ca
Phone: 604.683.8588, ext. 306

Marguerite provides support for the Director of Administration and Human Resources, and handles general bookkeeping, reconciliations, and the coordination of premises and equipment maintenance. She also supervises the daily operations of the AIBC Architecture Centre front desk; coordinates annual conference registration; maintains relevant administrative files and resources; and supervises general office management and human resources procedures.