If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is that our quality of life really matters. The way we experience the spaces that support us has changed, perhaps forever. This means that the challenges facing society and our communities, and the way our industry anticipates and responds to change, are more interconnected than ever.
Arlene Dedier, who leads Project Management for Avison Young in Canada, is excitedly stepping up to be an influencer on this journey to ‘better’.
With a lifelong interest in design, Arlene began a career in architecture and real estate development following the completion of her architecture degree at Carleton University. Over the past 25 years, she’s directed everything from ground-up construction to fit-out and renovation projects, overseeing multi-million dollar projects seamlessly, always with an eye on the social impact of the work her team does.
“Our team of diverse, talented professionals has a real opportunity to find new ways, together, to transform this country,” says Arlene. “Where do we start? We take on two of the biggest challenges in Canada: an aging population and housing crisis.”
It is this passion for using her platform to make an impact on society that motivates Arlene to serve as a catalyst for change.
“Alongside the valuable work we do in the office and industrial sectors, we can also add value across the board in other sectors that have a positive impact on Canada’s future – like life sciences and healthcare. We’re actively seeking out and taking on projects that support the health of our communities,” explains Arlene.
Having just delivered Avison Young’s brand-new headquarters in Toronto, her team is currently supporting the rollout of a community-based retail presence for a biotech client, helping provide access to hearing support for community members, among other projects in the sector.
“Avison Young has given me the unique opportunity to bring together a group with incredible talent, and we are both excited and energized to be able to do something so impactful for people and for the challenges Canada is facing,” she adds.
For Arlene, her role is so much more than just the day-to-day project transformations and social enterprises she’s well known for influencing - it’s a platform to influence a more diverse and inclusive future for all. She sits on the board of trustees for the Royal Architecture Foundation of Canada, encouraging and supporting architectural engineering talent through grants and funding. In addition to this, Arlene also sits on a shadow board for affordable housing – another critical issue for Canada.
“People talk about affordable housing conceptually but when my parents and I arrived from Trinidad and Tobago, affordable housing was our reality. Being in a position now to share my knowledge and leverage the resources around me to create an impact in this sector is such a privilege,” Arlene says.
“In my role, with the support of Avison Young, I’m able to show up and be heard on these important subjects, pave the way for emerging talent and have meaningful conversations about the face of real estate and the positive impact we can have. As a woman of colour, being able to not only instigate change, but create opportunity for others with skills, ambitions and dreams is a real full circle moment,” she adds.
Arlene is actively involved in the company’s Black Professionals Resource Group and their company-wide mentor program. She currently mentors two colleagues and loves the opportunity to transformational advice and see the real-time impact the program creates.
“Finding and nurturing diverse talent is so important. When we welcome and accept people with different skills and backgrounds, we all benefit from their perspectives. It helps us reach further into our communities, have a greater impact on the issues endangering our future and at the same time ultimately grow our business,” Arlene ends.
