The Business of Architecture: Innovation and Resiliency in Contemporary Practice - REGULAR

The underlying theme of the work at MA+HG Architects (formerly Marianne Amodio Architecture Studio - launched in 2010) is the creation of innovative architecture that is concise and practical, yet poetic and personal to the client. Marianne holds a master's degree in Architecture (honours) from the University of Manitoba, is a registered Architect with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and a LEED Accredited Professional. She is currently the Chair of The City of Vancouver's Creative Advisory Panel for Housing Innovation and a member of the City of Vancouver Mayor's Advisory Committee for Housing and the Mayors' Advisory Committee for Permitting and Process.

Amela joined GBL Architects in 1994 becoming an associate in 1999 and a principal in 2008. She is passionate about the art of architecture and is always questioning and refining the vision and the direction of the firm. Amela also acts as a managing partner of GBL Architects and is responsible for running daily operations of a 75-personarchitectural and interior design studio. In her 25+ years of experience in Canada, Ms. Brudar has been involved in many complex, multi-phase, mixed use projects. Most recently Amela is actively engaged in the redevelopment of Richmond Centre in Richmond BC. This two-phase project spans over 27.5 Ac and includes over two million square feet of residential area in 12 towers and mid-rise buildings, and over 500,000 sf of retail, restaurant and community service space. Amela is actively involved with the AIBC where she is mentoring several intern architects, acts as an oral reviewer and is a member of the Qualifications Committee. She was a member and a Chair of Vancouver’s Design Panel from 2017-2019.

Veronica Gillies, FRAIC, has joined HDR as Managing Principal for HDR’s 4 offices across Western Canada, working out of the firm’s Vancouver design studio. She brings executive experience, design training, and business education to advance the firm’s goals for growth and value creation through exceptional service and design. Over the last 25 years, she has held significant leadership roles for several noted international firms providing strategic direction, business development and service delivery for large scale complex rezoning & social infrastructure projects procured under P3/Alternative delivery. Veronica is active in a number of industry organisations on a Board or Advisory capacity. She sat as President of the BC Construction Roundtable, Chair of the Architectural Foundation of BC, is a 4 term veteran of the Vancouver Urban Design Panel. She was named fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2013. She is a frequent speaker on a range of topics related to architecture and sustainability and co-authored A Guidebook to Contemporary Architecture in Vancouver (2010).