Valerie Allen, FRAIC | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Valerie Allen, FRAIC

As an architect with 40 years of experience, I have recently retired from Tiree where I was the Vice President and COO. My role included oversight responsibilities for almost 400 employees, independent consultants and joint venture professionals.

I graduated from Carleton University in 1983. I am certified as a Project Management Professional and have LEED AP credentials.

I began my career with a broad base of experience working with David McRobie, (FRAIC), NAV Canada, BDA Real Estate Development Services on the JDS Uniphase Headquarters.

In 2002 I joined Tiree, a project management consulting group, with a focus on building an exemplary organization that would bring talent solutions to large scale iconic real estate initiatives. From the onset of my time with Tiree, I recognized that the value of a professional services firm resides completely with its people. Several of my strategies facilitated the creation of a unique empowering culture within Tiree which included:

• connecting with employees who were deployed remotely;
• celebrating achievements large and small;
• leveraging knowledge / experience of senior professionals on major programs;
• recognizing talent wherever it can be found, providing opportunities for growth and career advancement.
• Through my leadership as a role model, 60% of employees were female when Tiree passed the 100-person milepost. The industry norm at the time was 17%. The executive team at the time of my retirement was 70% female.

While my career in the practice of architecture has been beyond a more standard ‘path’, my contribution to the delivery of projects by Architects with project management support has been equally unique, particularly in the public sector. I remain steadfast in my passion for Architecture, the profession and all its possibilities.

Given my strength and specialization in the areas of operational management, strategic planning, change management and communications strategies, I believe I could be a valuable asset to the RAIC board of directors.

In 2022 I was nominated to the RAIC College of Fellows, an honour that I highly value.