SKU: CESP20260325
Date: March 25, 2026 @ 1:00pm EST
Registration Fee: FREE for Members Non-Member: $39
Length: 1.5 hours
This webinar is part of the Succession Planning Webinar SeriesLength: 1.5 hours
This session offers a practical roadmap to help firms to plan and execute ownership succession with confidence. Participants will explore legal entity structures, ownership models, valuation methods, financing strategies, and governance considerations that support both internal and external succession. A case study of an ownership transition will illustrate how structured planning, phased ownership, and financing solutions can balance founder exit goals with firm continuity and employee retention.
Key Topics
- Legal entity structures
- Ownership transition models
- Transition strategies
- Valuation methods and mechanics
- Financing options
- Governance and risk management
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify legal and ownership structures available to architectural firms.
- Describe transition strategies that balance founder goals, employee interests, and sustainability.
- Describe valuation and financing frameworks that support succession planning.
- Recognize key governance and risk management considerations in ownership succession.
Presenter
David Mender, General Counsel, Bluwatr
David is General Counsel at Bluwatr, a growth platform investing in architecture and engineering firms in Canada and the U.S. With experience at a Bay Street law firm and as corporate counsel for a publicly traded Canadian A&E firm acquired by a European engineering firm, David specializes in M&A, ownership transitions, corporate governance and advising A&E firms on day to day corporate and commercial matters.
Moderator
Moderator
Elaine Pantel, CPA, CGA, ICD.D
Elaine is a strategic advisor to leaders of architecture and design firms across Canada, with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in helping firms integrate business strategy, financial insight, and long-term succession planning. Elaine works with firms to develop ownership transition models, executive financial dashboards, and firm-specific approaches to leadership evolution and firm value. Based in Toronto, Elaine brings a collaborative and thoughtful lens to helping practices navigate complex transitions.
Elaine has spoken widely in the industry on behalf of the OAA, RAIC, OALA, IDS, and SDA Canada, and has published articles in Canadian Architect magazine.
$59.00
List price: $59.00
Member Price:
$39.00
NOTE:
1. An electronic registration confirmation will be emailed to you, once your registration is complete.
2. Please mark the webinar’s date and time on your calendar.
3. The RAIC will email the Zoom Access Link to you one-day prior the event.
4. The webinars will be delivered via Zoom. Please check this Zoom Test Link or speak with your IT Consultant ahead of time, to ensure your device is compatible with Zoom. For technical concerns, please see the Zoom links for Technical Requirements and also their Download Centre.