Event Details

Concept Development is one of nine courses within UDI Capital Region's RaD Management Program, focusing on assessing the market and leading the creation of a winning concept. Led by experienced industry professionals from various regions in British Columbia, this course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the concept development process.


Participants will explore the basic typology of development types, gaining insights into the different categories and their defining characteristics. They will learn how to analyze market trends, demographics, and demand to assess the viability of their development concepts.


The course emphasizes the importance of refining concepts to enhance their feasibility and market appeal. Participants will acquire strategies to optimize designs, layouts, and amenities while considering sustainability, community engagement, and market differentiation.


By completing Concept Development, participants will possess the knowledge and tools to assess the market, refine ideas, and effectively present and sell their vision. This course empowers learners to excel in their careers and drive innovative and impactful real estate projects in a competitive industry.

Three 2-hour modules, held once a week online for three weeks

6 hours in-course time, 2 hours at-home project

Virtual Sessions

November 7, 2024

3:30-530 PM - Live Session


November 14, 2024

3:30-530 PM - Live Session


November 21, 2024

3:30-530 PM - Live Session


*Session recordings are available for those unable to join the live sessions. 

Speakers

  • Andrew Bruce (Fawnrun)

    Andrew Bruce

    Fawnrun

    Andrew Bruce has always called Kelowna home. After completing a BA in Geography at University of Western Ontario in 1992, Andrew returned to Kelowna and found work in the Planning Department at the City of Kelowna. After 14 years with the City, seven of those as Manager of Development Services, Andrew made a shift to the private sector. Andrew has worked as both a developer and consultant since his time with the City. His career in the development industry now spans 31 years.

    Andrew’s strengths lie in development feasibility, regulatory processes, community engagement and consensus building. During his career, he has handled projects starting with land acquisition through feasibility, development approvals, construction and sales. The last 12 years of his career have been mostly focused in residential land development including three master planned communities and delivering several hundred individual lots, parks, trails and open spaces.

    Andrew has been on the local chapter board of UDI Okanagan since 2008, serving as chair for two years during his time on the board. He is currently a member of local UDI executive Committee and member of the Kelowna Liaison Committee.

    “The most rewarding aspect of my job is designing future neighbourhoods from challenging, raw land that will serve as homes for individuals and families for generations. The process often involves conflict resolution, regulatory challenges and continually being creative to get from concept to finished product.”

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  • Kevin Charpentier (Studio531)

    Kevin Charpentier

    Studio531

    Kevin offers 20 years of experience in diverse architectural, interior and planning projects in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands which includes design and documentation for educational, hospitality, residential, healthcare and commercial projects as well as master planning for several multi-urban residential projects. He has carried out projects from sketch design to contract administration. Kevin was the owner and manager of his own Architecture firm in Belgium for 13 years before moving to Canada.

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  • Georgia Desjardins (Vice President, Development at Seacliff Properties)

    Georgia Desjardins

    Vice President, Development at Seacliff Properties

    With nearly 15 years’ experience in the development industry, Georgia has had a diverse range of involvement and experience across multiple asset classes. As Vice President, Development with Seacliff Properties, a privately-owned real estate investment and development company based in Vancouver, her primary focus is managing complex rezoning and large-scale master planned development projects ranging in size from 50 to over 700 acres.

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  • Mark Holland (Principal at Westplan Consulting Group)

    Mark Holland

    Principal at Westplan Consulting Group

    https://www.westplanconsulting.ca/

    Mark Holland RPP FCIP (he/him) is a Principal at Westplan Consulting Group with over thirty years of experience in urban planning and landscape architecture. Mark offers a unique and effective combination of private and public sector skill sets to lead projects from early visioning to policy development, to design and approvals and from financing to construction. A commitment to relentless innovation has driven Mark to challenge and push past the norms in all aspects of his work. He has won numerous awards and is credited with many innovations in Canadian Planning including sustainable communities, Agricultural Urbanism, creating urban vitality through Urban Magnets and many other progressive concepts.

    ​Mark has also made significant contributions as a planning educator. He began as an instructor in the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture in the early 2000s. Since then, Mark has been a frequent speaker on topics related to planning and sustainability at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Perhaps his greatest influence on planning education is the role he played in launching the Master of Community Planning degree at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in 2014. Ever since, he has played an instrumental role in the school, driven by a commitment to ensure that the next generation of planners is prepared to help communities create their future.

    Mark is a Registered Professional Planner with the Canadian Institute of Planners and was inducted into the College of Fellows in 2022.

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Tickets

RaD Program Course Three - Member
Member Price CAD $395
RaD Program Course Three - Non-Member
Standard Price CAD $550