TOP 10 AEC LEADERS IN B.C. AND ALBERTA
Tiffany Whitnack at NORR incorporates
collaborative approaches to achieve design
success for large and complex projects
Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature
Always interested in problem solving and understand-
ing how things worked, Tiffany Whitnack set her sights
on architectural technology, gained some experience in
the field and then pursued her designation. She
is now an architect with NORR.

Whitnack came to NORR during her intern-
ship through the University of Calgary’s Master
of Architecture program and after graduation,
was hired as an architectural designer. Over time
she progressively took on more responsibilities
and management duties and, she says, plans to
continuer her advancement with the company.

As an architectural designer in NORR’s Public
Works studio, Whitnack tends to work on large
and complex projects. Her responsibilities often
include project design and co-ordination of the
design and consultation teams, both internal and external
to the office.

“I work closely with the client and often their chosen
construction management team. Once the project pro-
gresses to construction drawings I work with our team
lead and technologist team to ensure that the project vi-
sion and intent are carried through to the completion of
the project.”
As a female in a male dominated industry, Whitnack
says her natural introversion can mean she is overshad-
owed in a group of people and sometimes she finds she
must work twice as hard to have her credibility recog-
nized when meeting with new clients or consultants. “I
look younger than I am as well so often struggle to be
recognized as the authority in a room of men. I feel that I
need to fight harder be recognized as the leader.”
Part of that struggle may be what she describes as her
greatest challenge in her career – her own expectations
and the need she feels to constantly improve and push
herself. 16 – Spring 2018 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report
She is proud to have earned her registration as an ar-
chitect. “It was a dream that I worked hard to achieve. I
did not always have the support of those around me, but I
proved that with determination and hard work that my
dream was achievable. I also see this as a success in the
fact that so few women with a Master
of Architecture follow through on the
process to become registered.”
Despite the challenges she has ex-
perienced, Whitnack says she could
not think of a more rewarding profes-
sion. “Every day we make a difference
in peoples’ lives. Though the impact
can vary - we create labs for those
finding the cure for diseases, we cre-
ate affordable homes for those that
need a helping hand, we create
spaces for people to age in place – we
are always touching the lives around us.”
She says for that reason alone, she would encourage
more women to consider becoming architects. “Every
day presents you with a new challenge and provides new
opportunities to grow as a person and change the life of
someone else, even in a small way.”
Whitnack also believes that women bring a different
type of management skill to the top down leadership
styles of men; a leadership style that is more collabora-
tive and that welcomes others’ point of views with infor-
mation sharing.

Sharing concern for team members and seeking help
from others would have been seen as signs of weakness
or inability in the past. However, this approach fits well
with the current collaborative design philosophies for
construction. “By having more women on the design
teams and in management roles we can find new and
better ways to communicate and collaborate.”
Her advice to women: “I love the adage ‘What does
not kill you only makes you stronger.’ There is no point in
complaining about something that does not go your way.

Pick yourself up and find a way to make something even
better from the experience. There is always something
new to learn.”
When she is not pursuing her career goals, Whitnack is
a member of the Kinette Club of Calgary, an all Canadian
service organization made up of outstanding community
volunteers. “Along with this group of wonderful women
we are enhancing quality of life in our community by pro-
moting service, fellowship, positive values and national
pride.” She also represents tenants on her condo board and
holds a position on the Chinatown Community Associa-
tion.