Designers’ Council

The DC shall identify, research, and address issues related to the field of Design – both architectural and interior (including specialties within), within the HAVAN membership working on Part 9 buildings. The four pillars of the DC are Advocacy (looking at topics that affect the business of design and advocate for HAVAN designer membership alongside HAVAN’s Director of Government Relations (DGR) as appropriate), Education (for both consumers and industry in the value of good design), Networking (engaging principals of HAVAN Designer Companies in business-related discussions and to offer a community of support), and Mentorship (sharing experiences, challenges, and wisdom within the members of HAVAN, with opportunities to support skill-building, and advancement within the industry.)

Chair

Sarah Gallop

Sarah Gallop Design

Vice Chair

Jamie Banfield

Jamie Banfield Design

Secretary

Cara Hansen

Triple Dot Design Studio

Staff Liaison

Dawn Sondergaard

HAVAN

The Designers Council is currently focused on building the HAVAN Design Community through three key outreach initiatives:

• Designers Crawl – The third annual Crawl explored Technology and Design with a focus on occupant wellness across four locations: Innotech Windows and Doors, Timestyles Motorized Window Fashions, Proxima Lighting & Premier Lighting Solutions, and LaScala. Each stop featured expert presentations on smart home technology, lighting, and wellness-focused, Canadian-made design solutions.
• IDS West – Led by Jamie Banfield Design Inc., the Council showcased at Western Canada’s premier design show, spotlighting HAVAN Awards and the value of the builder–designer relationship with a playful Builder + Designer = Batman + Robin theme. Volunteers engaged industry peers and consumers, with a Trade Day social sponsored by Trail Appliances.
• Home Design + Reno Show – Partnering with the Custom Home Builders and Renovators Council, 25+ exhibitors engaged homeowners through displays and five expert-led panels on topics from multi-unit housing conversions to aging in place. The event drew 140+ paid attendees and was sponsored by Trail Appliances, Western Living Magazine, and Dicks Lumber and Building Supplies.

Designers Crawl 2025

Terms of Reference Link
Committee Minutes Link
Annual Report (Page) Link