Opening Keynote

Eric Karsh, Founding Principal, Equilibrium

Welcome by Master of Ceremonies

17:00 – 17:15

Eric Karsh is the founding partner of Equilibrium, a globally recognized leader in timber engineering and construction since 1998, with offices in Vancouver, Atlanta, and Paris.

With over 35 years of experience as a structural engineer, Eric has played a pivotal role in shaping the international timber industry. His portfolio includes numerous landmark, award-winning projects, such as the Wood Innovation and Design Centre in British Columbia, Mass Timber One (MT1)—Google’s first mass timber office building, located in Sunnyvale, California, and the Créteil Schoolboard office building in Paris, France.

Renowned for his innovative design approach and dedication to sustainable construction, Eric has received international recognition for advancing environmentally responsible building practices. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) and a part owner of BC Passive House, a leader in the prefabrication of wood-based, high-performance building system.

Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North and BC Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth

Special Guest Speaker

Ravi Kahlon was first elected as the MLA for Delta North in 2017. 

Ravi is the Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. He previously held the role of Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Minister of Housing, and has also served as Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. 

Born and raised in Victoria, Ravi was introduced to field hockey by his father and grandfather. He is a two-time Olympian in the sport for Team Canada and has been inducted into the Delta Sports Hall of Fame. 

Prior to his election as an MLA, Ravi spent seven years in banking, and another six years working with the New Democrat Caucus as Director of Stakeholder Relations. 

Ravi has been active in the North Delta community for many years as a volunteer on the boards of the Delta Parks and Recreation Committee and Men’s High Performance Field Hockey BC. 

He is also a certified coach and mentor to many youth in North Delta, and spends time coaching field hockey and soccer. 

Ravi lives in North Delta with his wife and son.

Michael Sørensen, Partner and Design Director, Henning Larsen

Architecture as Embodied Storytelling

17:40 – 18:05

Michael Sørensen is the Global Market Director at Henning Larsen. Based at the international design studio’s headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, he oversees strategic market development and client engagement. Previously, Michael led Henning Larsen’s New York studio for five years, directing projects across North America.

As Design Director, he leads large-scale initiatives, collaborating with multinational teams to ensure a consistent design vision through all stages of design. His leadership reflects his belief that architecture should create meaningful human connections and positively impact communities. Michael’s portfolio includes notable projects such as the Downsview Framework Plan in Toronto which reimagines the 250-acre former airfield into a human-scale, people-first community.

Known for its holistic approach, Henning Larsen creates environments where transformative ideas flourish. The studio has earned prestigious accolades, including the International Architecture Award, Architizer A+ Awards, Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award, and the Mies van der Rohe European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture.