IAKS Canada Team

Paul Fast

Chair

As a Principal at hcma architecture + design, Paul is interested in bridging the gap between communities and the built environment. He believes transformative change can happen at any scale and has led projects ranging from a children’s playhouse to the award-winning təməsew̓ txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.

Viktors Jaunkalns

Vice-Chair

Viktors is a founding partner of MJMA and has overseen the programming, site analysis, and conceptual design of the firm’s major multi-use recreation facilities, focusing on the programming of in-between spaces to give each project a “social heart” that elevates community interaction. He has dedicated his career to sports and recreation, and has industry-leading expertise in the design of aquatics centres and arenas—the result of 30 years of experience planning facilities that seamlessly integrate complex systems while creating an architectural landmark and civic destination. He is one of the few Canadians to contribute to the UIA Sports & Leisure Working Program, an international group of specialist sports architects drawn from every continent that is dedicated to exploring international innovations and trends in aquatics and recreation architecture. Vik’s big picture design thinking and relentless focus on issues of urbanity and city building is applied for greater civic use as a sitting member of the Toronto Urban Design Review Panel. 

Vik graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Architecture in 1981. He was awarded the Ontario Association of Architects Scholarship to conduct independent research in Switzerland and Italy. He subsequently taught at the University of Waterloo, School of Architecture's Rome Program and the Carleton University's Foreign Study Program.

Conrad Boychuk

Honorary IAKS Member, Past Vice-President

Gary Conrad Boychuk is one of Canada’s foremost designers of multi-purpose mid-size spectator ­venues. He has been involved in over 120 sports and recreation initiatives throughout Canada and the United States. Conrad has extensive experience in the public consultation process and the development of master plans and feasibility studies that reflect broad-based community needs while recognizing and responding to ­financial and economic impact. Conrad is Canada’s national representative on the International Union of Architects’ Sports and Leisure Group.

Doug Wournell

Principal D Wournell Sport Architect

Doug brings over 33 years of architectural experience on hundreds of projects exclusively in the realm of sport and recreation architecture.  His project work runs the gamut of sport and recreation facilities, including stadiums, fieldhouses, ice rinks, gymnasiums, sport medicine centres, recreation centres, gymnastic centres, sport parks, racquet facilities, ball diamonds, aquatic centres, track & field facilities, and sports fields.  Doug spent 10 years competing internationally for the Canadian national track & field team and has participated in a wide variety of other sports including time coaching and as a club administrator.  He understands the interaction between athletes, coaches, and administrators and integrating their needs into sport and recreation facilities.  The combination of Doug’s sport background and his professional experience allows him to move comfortably between the boardroom and the locker room.  Doug has been a member of AIKS for over 20 years and he sits on two IAKS Experts Circles (sport halls and synthetic surfaces).  Doug is also a member of the American Sports Builders Association and the Synthetic Turf Council.

Stewart Burgess 

Stewart is passionate about well-designed recreation, sports and community spaces that help make the world better. He has worked on a variety of award-winning buildings and master plans including community centres, recreation facilities, swimming pools, transit facilities, public art and institutional housing/buildings. He is currently an associate at DIALOG Architecture.

Stewart is active in the community holding leadership positions on several boards of directors including a children’s camp, public space organization and a heritage education society.

Scott Ghomeshi

Scott is a Principal and Government & Culture Sector Lead at Introba, with broad experience in project and stakeholder management across recreation, institutional, civic, and aviation sectors. He champions resilient, regenerative design and prioritizes passive-first mechanical strategies that align with project and client goals. His collaborative approach fosters innovative solutions that boost building performance while maintaining occupant health and comfort.

Ryan Giuricic 

Ryan is a Project Principal at CS&P Architects, and plays a leading role in the office’s community recreation projects. He is a talented designer who has applied his creative problem-solving skills to projects from conceptual design through construction. He has been commended by clients and colleagues for his creativity in solving complex design issues, project organization, and his commitment to project goals and client objectives.

Scott Groves

Scott is a Canadian Professional Engineer with a diverse municipal career spanning consulting, project management, and leadership roles. He is currently Director, Corporate Projects for the Township of Langley (Metro Vancouver), overseeing the planning, design, and delivery of corporate facilities and the Parks Design & Development team. His portfolio includes recreation and community centres, cultural facilities, libraries, fire halls, and major parks and sport amenities.

Previously, Scott held senior roles with the Cities of Coquitlam and Surrey, leading multiple award-winning projects, including the IAKS-recognized Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, Clayton Community Centre, and the Hillcrest Curling Venue delivered for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

With expertise in municipal operations, facilities and parks planning, and large-scale public projects, Scott is committed to advancing sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion in public infrastructure. Scott’s mantra is Better Buildings and Parks, Better Communities, Better Together

Benjamin Ellah

Benjamin has more than 25 years of experience in mechanical design for recreation, aquatic, and ice plant facilities. He has led the mechanical system design for over 40 major projects across Canada and internationally, with a focus on complex, high-performance infrastructure.

He is currently a Mechanical Project Manager at MCW Consultants, where his work includes large-scale recreation and aquatic facilities that prioritize operational reliability, energy performance, and long-term asset management.

Benjamin is a frequent presenter for industry associations and academic institutions in Canada and abroad, sharing practical insight drawn from decades of field experience. His presentations address topics such as energy performance, risk management, and the delivery of durable, cost-effective facilities.

Sabrina Hoeck

Sabrina is an Associate at FaulknerBrowns Architects with extensive experience delivering public projects across sectors including sport and recreation, higher education, and public transit. A key member of the firm’s internationally recognized sports and leisure team, she brings an international perspective shaped by studies and practice in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands before relocating to Canada in 2013.

Her work is detail-oriented and sustainability-focused, emphasizing natural materials and innovative building technologies. Sabrina is a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ Professional, a guest critic at UBC, and a mentor in the AIBC Internship in Architecture Program.

Amelia Hollinghurst

Amelia Hollinghurst is a Senior Associate with Stantec Architecture, and a leader in the Sports and Recreation Sector. Amelia considers both functional and experiential outcomes for each project and believes that creative design solutions are based on understanding the opportunities presented by each individual project, client and region. Amelia's experience in both consulting and representing owners reinforces her understanding of owner challenges such as funding, fiscal requirements, maintenance and operations, durability, functionality, and user comfort. Combining her project management and architectural mindset offers clients innovative design solutions delivered with industry standard tools and innovation

Sarah Iacoe

Sarah is the Director of Strategic Operations with the Board of Parks and Recreation at the City of Vancouver, bringing 20 years of experience in project and program management. She oversees strategic initiatives, service and capital planning, operational performance, and organizational development.

Sarah began her career as a Project Assistant and advanced through roles in project and program management, including work with the commercial real estate portfolio at Public Works and Government Services of BC.

She holds a B.Sc. from the University of Guelph, an MBA from Royal Roads University, and is a certified PMP and PgMP. Passionate about good governance, inclusive teams, and sustainable workplaces, Sarah also advocates for maternal health and closing the gender gap.

She lives in Kitsilano with her husband and sons and enjoys Vancouver’s beaches and parks.

Steve Kellock

Steve is the Director of Recreation for Vancouver and a leader experienced in advancing innovative, inclusive, and community‑focused recreation systems. With senior leadership experience across multiple municipalities as well as Board roles with British Columbia Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA) and past roles with Canadian Parks & Recreation Association (CPRA), he brings a strong strategic lens to sector collaboration, policy, and service excellence. Steve is committed to shaping equitable, future‑ready recreation and sport environments.

Marion LaRue

Marion is an Architect and Partner at DIALOG Design. She was instrumental in the development of the Community Well Being Framework, focuses on sports architecture and is committed to the advancement of women in architecture. She is the lead architect for VIVO for Healthier Generations.

Michael Roma

Michael is the managing partner at RC Strategies, a parks, recreation, trails and tourism planning firm that works across Canada.  Mike has been helping clients develop both strategic plans and feasibility studies for over 20 years and has worn many hats in the Canadian recreation and parks sector.

Michel Veilleux

Michel is a Principal architect and Studio Director at ABCP architecture, where he plays a leading role in the planning, design, and delivery of sports and recreation facilities that serve as true community anchors. His work is driven by a strong belief that athletic environments should go beyond performance and functionality to foster social interaction, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging.

With extensive experience in aquatics centres, arenas, and multi-use recreational facilities, Michel brings a deep understanding of the complex technical systems these buildings require, while maintaining a clear focus on user experience and long-term operational efficiency. He approaches each project with a holistic mindset, carefully integrating programming, circulation, and shared spaces to create welcoming, vibrant environments.

Known for his big-picture thinking and collaborative leadership, Michel combines rigorous project management with attentive listening to ensure that community aspirations are translated into durable, sustainable, and meaningful civic places that support health, wellness, and social life. Over his career, he has received multiple awards and recognitions for the quality, innovation, and community impact of his projects.