Thursday, October 20, 11:30 (11:30 pm, in person, 2 hours)
Moderated three-person dialogue on managing the ‘business of design’ practices. Each way has strengths and opportunities.
Learn diverse perspectives on managing design consulting practices. How your firm practises design has strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. We also explore industry challenges facing managers in design practices.
Edel Naughton (DIALOG), Marie-France Venneri (AME Group), and Susan Gushe (Perkins&Will) join Andy Tashiro (WSP).
About your presenters
Edel Naughton
DIALOG Vancouver – Studio Operations Manager
A Business graduate, Edel was always drawn to understanding the inner workings of companies, cultures, and countries. She has lived and worked in Europe, Australia, and North America, and provided design and leadership expertise to Professional Services practices in various sectors. Edel is the Studio Operations Manager at DIALOG Vancouver focused on managing a sustainable business and a culture of pre-eminent design.
Marie-France Venneri
AME Group Vancouver – Principal
Marie moved rapidly from engineering sales into mechanical engineering consulting. Joining the 40-person AME team in 2010, she rose to principal and managed how the firm grew to more than 100 people in 4 offices across Western Canada. She dedicates her time to the industry through the Urban Design Institute, Engineers and Geoscientists of BC, and the Canadian Construction Women. Passionate about green building design and an industry leader in sustainable mechanical design, Marie-France and her team at AME consistently extend our understanding of what is possible with mechanical design; delivering for the client, end user, and environment.
Susan Gushe
Perkins&Will – Managing Director, Principal
Susan’s role evolved from Project Architect and Associate, through Director of Operations to Managing Director. Her strategic, executive and financial leadership contributed to the substantial growth of the Vancouver and Calgary studios, along with making Perkins&Will one of Canada’s leading design practices. Keeping studios true to their legacy of design excellence and environmental stewardship, Susan focuses on fostering a culture of applied research and innovation. Susan has seen the firm grow from 15 people in 1993 to 150 today.
Generously sponsored by:
