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.




TOP 10 AEC LEADERS IN B.C. AND ALBERTA
Lori Haywood-Farmer breaks the barriers in
carpentry at Timeless Developments
Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature
Growing up on a farm, working with horses and in-
volved in all kinds of sport, Lori Haywood-Farmer’s path
has included a degree in biology and an apprenticeship in
carpentry. She is now a key member of the team at Kam-
loops, BC-based custom homebuilder, Timeless Develop-
ments. Haywood-Farmer says she originally went to work for
Timeless Developments when the owner, a friend of her
brother, needed labour help. That was in 2003. She has
since acquired her carpentry papers and is now involved
with many different aspects of the custom homebuilding
process. When she was studying carpentry, she says there
were no other women in her program. In the workforce
though, and working for Timeless Developments, she
says she has worked with a few and that really, anyone
who is interested in and willing to work is welcome.

She says there is a certain satisfaction that comes
from taking a home from concept to final product. “When
you work with a client to understand what they want, get
the drawings, and then help create their dream, that is
something special.”
Her favourite role, she says, is the finishing work that
must be done to complete each project. Whether it is the
interior details, the custom furniture or accessory pieces
she crafts to complete the home’s aesthetic, this she
says, provides balance and allows her to be flexible and
creative. “There is a lot of interest in barnwood these days,” she
says. “For me, growing up on the farm, that feels full cir-
cle. I love being able to work with something that is so fa-
miliar and natural to me, and to turn it into something
new, something that will add to a new home’s feel.”
Timeless Developments constructs several custom
homes annually and in 2012, picked up Gold at the Key-
stone Awards in the category of Best Single Family De-
tached Home 2,000 to 2,499 sq. ft. The team specializes
in timber frame homes, built green, Energuide certified
homes and general contractor renovations including bath-
rooms, kitchens and decks.

Haywood-Farmer says she enjoys the work’s variety,
which is one of the reasons she would recommend a ca-
reer in carpentry to women. “There is some work that is
more labour intensive but so many different things open
to you once you get started. If you enjoy making things,
have an eye for detail, or are a hands on person, there is
so much potential.”
5055 Yellowhead HWY
Kamloops, BC V2H 1T5 250-318-1177
www.timelessdevelopments.ca The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Spring 2018 – 17