Directors:
Prof. Mauricio Soto-Rubio
Mauricio Soto-Rubio serves as the Director of the Building Construction Innovation Group. His research spans the intersection of Civil Engineering and Architecture, encompassing a diverse array of topics such as emerging construction materials and fabrication technologies, lightweight structures, affordable housing, and indigeneity.
In addition to his role as Director, Mauricio holds the position of Associate Professor of Architecture at the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL) at the University of Calgary. In this capacity, he imparts knowledge in areas including structures for architects, comprehensive building design studios, building technologies, and seminars related to lightweight structures and robotic fabrication.
Prior to his tenure at the University of Calgary, Mauricio gained extensive experience in both architectural practice and academia. He contributed to various architecture offices and construction companies in the United States, England, Germany, and Switzerland. Additionally, he shared his expertise by teaching architectural design, building technologies, and materials at institutions such as the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, the University of Stuttgart in Germany, and the Technical University of Vienna, Austria.
Directors:
Prof. Chad Connery
Upon graduating with his Master of Architecture from the University of Manitoba in 2012, Connery was honored with the RAIC Student Medal and AIA Certificate of Merit for his design thesis project.
Prior to joining the university, Connery left his architectural imprint on a wide range of projects, from furniture design to multi-family residential development and hydrological infrastructure. He honed his skills over seven years working for distinguished architectural firms such as DIN Projects, AI Coppinger Architect and Bridgman Collaborative Architecture in Winnipeg.
Connery co-found MOTE Projects, and it has been recognized internationally, with exhibitions in Montreal; Winnipeg; Austin, Texas; Cincinnati; and the prestigious Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2012. MOTE Projects also secured numerous awards, including two Canadian Wood Council Wood Design National Building Awards and two Prairie Wood Design Awards in 2018 for its innovative pop-up restaurant projects, RAW: Almond in Winnipeg and RAW: Gimli in Gimli, Man.
Advisory Board:
Ryan Hall. MBA, RPP, MCIP
Ryan Hall is a dedicated professional with passion for community planning and sustainable housing. Hailing from Saskatoon, Ryan earned his undergraduate degree in Community Design with honors in Urban Design from Dalhousie University in 2006, and completed his Master’s of Business Administration from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary in 2024.
As housing manager for Siksika Nation, Ryan spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives to construct energy-efficient and climate-resilient housing. His innovative projects include leading Alberta’s first 3D concrete printed housing endeavor and pioneering energy-efficient housing though cutting-edge cleantech technologies. His current role is Senior Planner with Community Planning with the City of Calgary, where he is working on a development industry engagement project. Ryan also teaches Introduction to Municipal Planning at the University of Alberta.
Before his impactful role with Siksika Nation, Ryan amassed 16 years of experience with the City of Calgary, where he focused on development policy for transit-oriented development and area redevelopment plans. He played a pivotal role in shaping Calgary’s urban landscape, particularly contributing to the Beltline ARP policy aimed at supporting the city’s new arena in the vibrant culture and entertainment district. In his final year with the City, he collaborated with the affordable housing team, shaping new incentives and providing crucial input into local area plan development.
Ahmad Ali Bisati
Gen Haveria
Mustafa Kagdi
Abira Mirza
Fauzan Mirza
Daniel Morley
Godspower
Nwaeke