Modern Methods of Construction

The Modern Construction Methods Webinar Series will showcase construction approaches that are already being used or have strong potential for use in the non-profit housing sector. The goal of the series is to equip providers with potential ideas to build and renew affordable housing faster as well as more sustainable, climate resilient, and cost-effective. Each webinar will pair an industry expert presentation with a non-profit case study to highlight different Modern Methods of Construction and explore the successes, challenges, and lessons learned for each method in the context of the non-profit housing sector. The series is intended to introduce modern methods of construction rather than promote any specific approach. Participants will need to conduct additional investigation to determine whether a particular method is appropriate for their projects and organizational context.

Innovative Canadian Materials

Join us for another session in the Modern Methods of Construction series: Innovative Canadian Materials

Can we deliver more housing while controlling costs, keeping timelines on track, and maintaining quality, all while lowering our environmental impact? New approaches to how we plan, design, and build are making this increasingly possible, and the materials we choose are a big part of it. This session explores how modern methods of construction, including innovative Canadian-made materials, can help non-profit housing providers reduce embodied carbon, improve building performance, and build more resilient developments, while supporting local industries along the way. 

Local Practice Architecture and Design will share their insights on modern approaches to planning, design, and construction, from early project decisions through to delivery. Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation will then share the housing provider’s perspective on bringing modern methods into a real project, including the successes, the challenges, and the lessons learned that could benefit future housing projects.

Meet the Presenters

Michel Labrie: Architect AIBC, MRAIC,  LEEP AP BD+C, ENVISION SP ; Principal, Local Practice Architecture + Design

Michel has over 25 years of experience in architectural design, integrated design process, public consultation, and green building research. As a founding principal of Local Practice, Michel is an acknowledged leader in the field of sustainable construction and has expertise with a broad range of sustainability rating systems. Michel believes that people come first and he is committed to creating buildings that provide utility and delight to their users, integrate with their surroundings, and reduce the impact of our built environment. Michel leads the firm in the delivery of sustainable civic infrastructure, education projects, and high-performance housing, achieving design excellence through multi-disciplinary collaboration and the holistic integration of social, environmental and technical sustainability.

Joanna Kolakowska: Architect AIBC – Housing Construction Manager, Metro Vancouver Housing

Joanna is a Housing Construction Manager with Metro Vancouver Housing and a registered architect with nearly 20 years of experience in affordable housing development, design, and construction. Throughout her career, she has helped deliver more than 500 affordable housing units and has led projects through planning, procurement, construction, and occupancy. With experience spanning architecture, development, and owner-side project delivery, Joanna brings a practical perspective on how modern methods of construction, innovative procurement approaches, and evolving delivery models can improve quality, efficiency, and value while accelerating the delivery of affordable housing.

Manson Leung : Program Manager, Metro Vancouver Housing

Manson is a housing development professional with experience in planning, evaluating, and advancing affordable and mixed-use projects from early concept to delivery. His background spans real estate analysis, valuation, funding oversight, and project coordination. He has worked with government agencies, non-profits, consultants, and development partners across Metro Vancouver. Manson brings strong skills in project planning, financial review, risk assessment, and municipal approvals.

Other Sessions in the Series:

• Mass Timber Construction – October 27, 2028

• Modular and Prefabricated Construction – December 9, 2026

• Digital Design – October 28, 2026

• Climate Resilient Construction Techniques and Innovative Materials – Date to be Announced

• Made in Canada Innovative Construction Materials – November 25, 2026

• Innovative Capital to Fund New Construction and Renewals – November 30th