Our Full-Service Architectural Firm Team
When you work with our full-service architectural firm you get access to an entire team of experienced and enthusiastic architects, architectural technologists, specification writers, LEED® professionals, interior designers, facility review specialists, and a full support team to take your project from start to finish. We’re eager not only to get to know your project, but to get to know you.
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Location
George Berry
Registered Architect, CEO, Senior Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, RIBA
George Berry
Registered Architect, CEO, Senior Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, RIBA
AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, RIBA Bachelor of Architecture Degree, Diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, Court Qualified Expert on the Alberta Building Code
George founded Berry Architecture + Associates in 1998 and has since filled the roles of CEO, president, and senior partner. He is in charge of business decisions regarding daily operations to ensure everything advances as per Berry’s business plan.
As an architect and chief designer, George is involved in all Berry projects for design and aspects of the working drawing production. He uses his experience to challenge and motivate the design team to expand design possibilities while working within clients’ programs and striving to enhance the built environment. He is very proud of the Berry team which has positively impacted communities through its many projects.
With decades of accumulated expertise related to seniors’ housing, building envelope, acoustics, sustainable design, environmental issues, and affordable housing, George has shared his knowledge as a speaker and presenter at several conferences across North America. His goal is to challenge the image of architecture and inspire people to be more respectful and responsive to environmental issues and sustainability.
George is a passionate cyclist who enjoys challenging himself to improve his cycling skills and fitness level every season. Other hobbies are camping, golfing, skiing, hiking, and spending time with his family and friends.
Susanne Widdecke
Partner, COO, LEED AP – BD + C
Susanne Widdecke
Partner, COO, LEED AP – BD + C
Diploma in Architectural Technology, Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CSC)
Susanne’s architectural experience started in Germany and spans more than 30 years. After a decade in Europe, she came to Canada to begin working at Berry Architecture + Associates in 1999. In 2004, she became a full partner to manage all production facets of the firm, including architectural and interior design.
In 2005, Susanne achieved her LEED Accreditation; Health Care Construction certification in 2010; Certified Construction Contract Administrator designation in 2014; and Sustainable Building Advisor in 2015. These accomplishments enhance her diverse portfolio and the strengths she applies to commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential applications.
As an organized, task-oriented, positive force in the office, Susanne’s day-to-day includes human resources tasks, accounting, staff scheduling, project management, and ensuring the Berry office runs smoothly. Her specific areas of expertise include construction contract administration and office communications, enabling the team to tackle projects of a wide variety of scope and complexity.
Susanne lives on a farm and has a passion for the rural lifestyle. She is a wife, mother, and foster parent who loves being outdoors. She has a menagerie of horses and dogs, plus a busy life with kids’ activities and volunteering.
Isaac Martinez
Registered Architect, Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP – BD + C
Isaac Martinez
Registered Architect, Partner, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP – BD + C
AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP – BD + C Bachelor of Architecture Degree
Isaac is a partner and senior architect at Berry Architecture + Associates with many duties to oversee with his creative and proactive approach. In addition to managing the architectural team, he coordinates, prepares, and reviews preliminary design concepts. Isaac’s innovative thinking is applied to all his tasks, including design development, construction drawings, proposals, reports, specifications, and reviewing RFPs and RFQs.
Retaining many architectural accreditations and a significant amount of diverse design experience—educational, commercial, seniors’ living, health care, and more—Isaac has the ability to understand the requirements of each unique space he works on with the Berry architectural team.
Isaac is continually learning in his profession as each project brings new learning opportunities and challenges. He enjoys finding the most effective and inventive solutions to each new design. Like many architects and fellow Berry team members, Isaac’s professional motivation comes from taking a project from start to finish–bringing a concept to reality.
During his free time, Isaac likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys camping, snowboarding, playing soccer, and traveling to Mexico to visit family and friends.
Carlos B. Gamez Ruiz
Registered Architect, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED GA, CPHD
Carlos B. Gamez Ruiz
Registered Architect, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, LEED GA, CPHD
Bachelor of Architecture Degree, Master of Environmental Management Degree (Renewable Resources)
Carlos brings extensive architectural expertise to our team at Berry Architecture + Associates. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture with a speciality in architectural design, he holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management. In 2019, Carlos became a Registered Architect in Canada through the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) program.
Carlos is a lifelong learner who is continually broadening his areas of expertise. In the past few years, he has become a Building Envelope Specialist and, in 2020, received certification as a Passive House Designer, which remains in effect until 2025. He delivers Building Envelope and Passive House services to clients in both Alberta and BC.
His solution-first approach, paired with his commitment to clear, upfront communication, helps keep projects moving smoothly and clients well-informed of the project progress. He is motivated by the challenges and ever-changing needs of Berry’s numerous projects and brings passion and expertise to every project he is involved in.
As part of our expanding presence in British Columbia, we have opened a new office in Kelowna. Carlos is the Architect in Residence and Office Manager for this new venture. Exploring the Okanagan region and getting to know Kelowna has been a fun transition for Carlos and his family.
Tracy Graff
Chief Financial Officer, CPA, CMA
Tracy Graff
Chief Financial Officer, CPA, CMA
Bachelor of Commerce Degree
Tracy is our Chief Financial Officer at Berry Architecture. She is a highly experienced CPA, with over 30 years of experience. Tracy is a returning team member who was with Berry in the past and rejoined the team in February of 2022. We are excited to have her back and in charge of all things financial once again!
She brings a number of professional skills to the team–most importantly, her business acumen, financial reporting and analysis, economic analysis, leadership, project management, and IT abilities. Day to day activities include providing the management team with timely and accurate financial information for business decision-making and delivering excellent service to our clients.
Tracy enjoys having the opportunity to apply her finance and business experience in the creative architectural industry. Her favourite aspect of working at Berry is the collaborative and supportive team environment.
Outside the office, Tracy’s many hobbies and interests include skiing (both downhill and cross-country), golf, reading, and spending time with family. As a volunteer, she is a past committee member for the Red Deer Festival of Trees and past Treasurer of the Buffalo Lake Meadows Owners’ Association.
Tracy Wells
Project Manager, Senior Technologist
Tracy Wells
Project Manager, Senior Technologist
Diploma in Architectural Technology
A project manager at Berry Architecture + Associates, Tracy has been with the firm since 2000. Her knowledge and interests are diverse, with a diploma in Technology and another in General Music, but her dedication to increasing her skills is unquestionable. Over the years, Tracy has taken courses in Alberta and National Building Codes, National Energy Code, WHMIS, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam.
When clients, Berry team members, or consultants need questions answered, Tracy is readily available to address their concerns, along with any others they may have throughout a project’s progression. She excels at walking people through the stages of schematic design, design development, working drawings, and construction administration.
A standard day for Tracy may also include ensuring all applicable codes are met, completing existing building evaluations and plan reviews, and helping coordinate architectural and engineering drawings with client requirements. It’s a lot of synchronization.
Berry’s team environment is something Tracy enjoys most about her job. She’s proud to take part in supporting various non-profit agencies through Berry, and she values how the firm strives to be leaders in creating energy efficient, comfortable, exciting spaces for clients and communities.
Tracy’s outside interests include singing in a blues band and in a duo with her better half, “jamming” with her many musical friends, karaoke, and cooking. She is committed to volunteering in the community and supports several ongoing projects.
Angela Flinn
Associate Partner, Project Manager
Angela Flinn
Associate Partner, Project Manager
Diploma in Architectural Technology
For over 15 years, Angela has brought her expertise and enthusiasm to the Berry Architecture team in her role as specifications writer and project manager. Daily, she confidently completes facility audits and reports while also taking on the role of liaison between the Berry team and clients to ensure project goals are met and clients are satisfied with the final product.
Angela adds value to every project she is involved in by drawing on her training as a member of Construction Specifications Canada and through her extensive knowledge of working drawings. She also utilizes her many years of experience completing building assessment reports for the Government of Alberta, helping avoid project pitfalls.
Currently, Angela is pursuing her Specifications Writer Certification and is committed to continuously pursuing further training and expertise.
Angela loves being outdoors as much as possible in the summer—whether she is camping or hiking, working in her flowerbeds and garden, or improving her distance and speed as a runner. In the winter, you may find her in her kitchen baking or curled up by the fireplace reading a good book.
Raymond Rogers
Construction Project Manager
Raymond Rogers
Construction Project Manager
Building Technology Diploma
Raymond is a highly skilled Construction Project Manager/Construction Administrator who joined our team in September of 2021. Ray has a diverse set of skills beginning with Art College and a Building Technology Diploma in the UK, then furthering his skills with specializations in Project Management and Construction Administration here in Canada. He has an extensive technical knowledge acquired from his over 40 years in both the architectural and construction industries.
A typical day for Raymond can include anything from conducting site inspections and monitoring construction to answering questions from clients, contractors, and consultants to coordinating QA/QC on the contract documents associated with each project. He is motivated by seeing that projects are completed on time and meet the project goals and, most of all, ensuring that clients are happy in their new spaces.
He enjoys meeting a wide variety of people through his work and providing a positive outlook to all aspects of the job. Goals are to build on the past successes of the company by contributing his expansive knowledge of construction processes, construction documents, tendering procedures, and coordination between owners, contractors, consultants, and sub-trades.
Ray is passionate about volunteering and has a long history with the Rotary Club of Red Deer and the Red Deer Hospital Foundation, Festival of Trees and Festival of Wines. He enjoys playing golf and coaching Rugby and has been an instructor for the National Coaching Certification Program.
Rebecca Davidson
Designer, Project Manager, LEED AP – BD + C
Rebecca Davidson
Designer, Project Manager, LEED AP – BD + C
Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree, Master of Architecture and Urban Culture Degree
Rebecca joined the Berry team in September of 2021. She is a Designer with a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree and a Master of Architecture and Urban Culture degree. She has an extensive background in sustainability and is a LEED Accredited Professional, an International Living Future Institute Ambassador, and specializes in Net Zero Energy designs.
As an educator and lifelong learner, she is sharing her expert knowledge of BIM technology and processes with the Berry team, helping with modeling and visualization of projects. Her design and project management experience, background in sustainability, and knowledge of modular construction are important assets for us.
Rebecca loves working with clients to transform the way they live and work, bringing beauty and sustainability to the spaces where they spend most of their time. She believes that thoughtful design of these spaces can be transformative for those who inhabit them and for the greater community as well.
Rebecca appreciates Berry’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development across the team. She is excited to undertake projects which span Alberta and BC, encompassing many different typologies—there’s never a dull day at Berry Architecture!
Interests outside the office include a wide variety of DIY and home renovation projects, as well as volunteering with Girl Guides of Canada, which marries well with her love of camping and nature. Outdoor pursuits include cross-country skiing, paddleboarding, and spending time in the mountains.
Benjamin Schindel
Intern Architect, AAA, MRAIC
Benjamin Schindel
Intern Architect, AAA, MRAIC
AAA, MRAIC Diploma in Architectural Technology, Bachelor of Architecture Degree
Benjamin joined Berry’s team in February of 2021 as a senior technologist. Since that time, he has registered as an Intern Architect with the AAA and is now working through the mentorship program to become a Registered Architect.
Benjamin has over ten years of experience as a technologist, with excellent capabilities in Revit, AutoCAD, 3D modeling, and rendering. His strong graphic design and design skills are a good fit for our firm, as is his interest in creating community-based, sustainable architecture that enhances communities and has a positive impact on the local environment.
His day-to-day role is to work alongside our Project Managers to develop projects from the early stages, providing design input, then progressing to drafting, and, finally, completed construction documents. With Berry Architecture, Benjamin has worked on residential, commercial, religious, and industrial projects and will eventually be exposed to all architectural applications.
Motivated by the opportunity to bring his creativity to design, Benjamin’s goal is to grow with the firm, gaining more knowledge on sustainability and how it can be incorporated into designs. He enjoys Berry’s collaborative work environment and being able to work on a wide variety of project types.
Benjamin’s hobbies range from photography, filmmaking, and 3D printing to spending time outdoors, camping with his family, fishing, hiking, and snowboarding.
Cassia Ward
Intern Architect, AIBC, Interior Designer
Cassia Ward
Intern Architect, AIBC, Interior Designer
AIBC, Bachelor of Interior Design Degree, Master of Architecture Degree
Cassia brings extensive interior design and architectural expertise to our team at Berry Architecture + Associates. In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, she holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Melbourne in Australia. As part of our expanding presence in the Okanagan region of BC, Cassia has joined our team in Kelowna and is working closely with Carlos.
Areas of expertise for Cassia include educational, multi-family residential, commercial, and workplace design. Her immediate goal with the firm is to further explore sustainable design and community-based design–key areas of specialization for Berry Architecture.
Although her role is primarily design-focused, she is involved at all project stages in both interior design and architectural support. Cassia’s day to day tasks encompass concept design, coordination with consultants, review of codes and bylaws, construction documentation, and contract administration.
Cassia has a keen interest in digital illustration and has begun learning how to sew. In her spare time, you may find her hiking or cycling, exploring the many trails in the Kelowna region. She is excited to be back home in Canada after living in Australia for almost ten years.
Caitlin Wilson
Certified Interior Designer, NCIDQ, Intern Interior Designer, AAA
Caitlin Wilson
Certified Interior Designer, NCIDQ, Intern Interior Designer, AAA
AAA, Bachelor of Applied Interior Design Degree
Caitlin is the firm’s Intern Interior Designer. She is a Certified Interior Designer through the Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and is currently working to become a Registered Interior Designer with the AAA.
Caitlin’s passion for interior design unexpectedly came from her experience working as a childhood educator. Working with children, she noticed how much the built environment fostered relationships, learning, and the independence of its users. This awareness led Caitlin to attend Mount Royal University and earn a Bachelor of Applied Interior Design degree.
At Berry Architecture, Caitlin helps develop design concepts, plans, and solutions that convey a client’s brand and intended use. She also collaborates with internal and external professionals to produce working drawings and specifications that transfer the design concepts into functioning spaces. Her main professional motivator is the influence she has on the way people live, work, and play. Through her designs, she can help clients be safe, healthy, and fully enjoy their spaces.
Caitlin has recently rediscovered her interest in ceramics and is building her technical skills and exploring new techniques. She loves being in a studio environment surrounded by other artists. She finds it inspiring to collaborate with creative people—another reason that she chose to work in a creative field.
Jherlyn C. Esguerra
Intern Architect, AAA, MRAIC
Jherlyn C. Esguerra
Intern Architect, AAA, MRAIC
AAA, MRAIC, Bachelor of Science Degree (Architecture)
Jherlyn has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from Holy Angel University in the Philippines. In 2018, she began working at Berry Architecture full time immediately after completing a 12-week training course with us that was offered through the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA).
In the intervening years, Jherlyn has developed her expertise in construction documents, schematic design and design development, 3D modelling, and 3D rendering to a high level of skill. She has now entered the internship program with the Alberta Association of Architects and is working to fulfill her internship hours in the required architectural categories.
Her day-to-day tasks are to provide conceptual schematic design and design development through working drawings. She works alongside our Project Architects and Project Managers to develop projects from the early stages through to completion.
Her goals are to become a Registered Architect with the Alberta Association of Architects and to continue to expand her knowledge of the construction industry and sustainable design. She is motivated to create pleasant and functional environments for clients with a wide variety of needs and wants.
Jherlyn enjoys playing badminton and hiking in her free time and hopes to have more opportunities to pursue her hobbies and interests as she explores her new home.
Noémie Llaurency
Intern Architect, AIBC, MRAIC
Noémie Llaurency
Intern Architect, AIBC, MRAIC
AIBC, MRAIC Bachelor of Architecture Degree, Master of Architecture Degree
Working out of our Cranbrook office, Noémie is an Intern Architect who joined our team in September of 2021. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree in her native France and her Master’s degree from Laval University in Quebec. As a new graduate, she is learning from the other architects and team members about the steps of a project, the roles of everyone on the team, and what an architect does in the professional world.
Day to day tasks include working drawing production using Revit, schematic design, design development and product research, learning to interpret the building code and land-use bylaws, and participation in all team BIM training and standards development. Noémie works closely with the Cranbrook team, assisting wherever and whenever she is needed.
Noémie enjoys the multi-cultural nature of the team at Berry. Our team members come from many different countries and cultural backgrounds, but we all work together with the common goal to create great architecture. Her personal goals are to become a Registered Architect with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and also to pursue a LEED Green Associate designation.
Noémie practices yoga and mindfulness meditation daily. She loves horseback riding and rides as often as she can. Other pastimes are photography, walking in the mountains, and spending time with family and friends.
Aidan Wong
Intermediate Technologist
Aidan Wong
Intermediate Technologist
Architectural Technology Diploma, Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
Aidan is an Intermediate Technologist who works in our Kelowna office. He has extensive experience working in the Okanagan region and is a great asset to both our Kelowna team and our team as a whole. In addition to a Diploma in Architectural Technology, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree—this background has fostered his interest in building design, particularly building exteriors.
Aidan finds that there is something very satisfying about creating a good-looking building that is functional and meets client goals while also ensuring the safety of all occupants. This satisfaction is what he strives for in his work as a technologist.
Day to day tasks for Aidan include working closely with our architects and technologists to produce construction documents for all phases of project completion. He enjoys working on multiple projects concurrently and being exposed to a wide variety of project types with Berry Architecture.
As an artist and sculptor, Aidan has an interest in making functional objects out of found items. He also has a small mill and lathe and can build small functional machines. He enjoys paddleboarding and is currently developing an app that is a social experiment/game/art project.
Tracey Evans
Technologist
Tracey Evans
Technologist
Diploma in Architectural Technology
Tracey is a technologist who joined our team immediately after graduating from SAIT. She had worked for Berry Architecture the previous summer as an architectural technology student, so she was fully up to speed with Berry Architecture’s methods and culture.
She enjoys the variety of tasks she is able to undertake with the firm which include drafting, Revit and BIM coordination, reviewing drawings, assisting with construction administration paperwork and specifications, conducting facility audits, monitoring and overseeing Berry Architecture’s social media pages, and helping with administration and proposals. Tracey appreciates having so many opportunities to learn about different aspects of the job.
Tracey is motivated by her passion for the job; she loves what she does and wants to build her portfolio by learning and growing every day.
Tracey loves to keep herself busy and enjoys challenging herself with new things. She likes to keep her mind active and continually expand her knowledge base. Her current hobbies include reading, cooking, baking, crafting, fitness, hiking, and singing.
Alvin Lam
Technologist
Alvin Lam
Technologist
Bachelor of Science Degree (Electrical Engineering); Diploma in Architectural Technology
Alvin joined our team as a full-time summer student in 2021 and then worked part-time with us throughout his final year at SAIT. He graduated in April, 2022 with a Diploma in Architectural Technology. Alvin brings another layer of skills to the team since he also has a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Nano-engineering) from the University of Alberta.
As an important member of our production team, he works primarily in the production of working drawings using Revit. Other duties include assisting with code reviews, reports, site visits, and administration. He works closely with our team, helping out wherever and whenever he is needed.
Alvin enjoys his wide range of day to day tasks and the variety of projects that he is able to work on. As part of the Berry team, he is exposed to many different architectural applications—commercial, retail, educational, residential, health care, institutional—which is great experience for his future in the industry.
Outside interests include training and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and playing the guitar. He was the co-president of the Architectural Technologies Student Association at SAIT.
Shylia Brassard
Office Manager
Shylia Brassard
Office Manager
Administrative Assistant Certificate
Shylia is a Certified Administrative Assistant who joined Berry Architecture team in 2009. With such extensive experience, Shylia’s role as office manager helps the entire team remain organized and able to consistently meet deadlines.
Her days are full and can vary significantly depending on if new staff have been recently hired or a large proposal needs to be submitted. Shylia’s tasks include providing new employee orientations, IT support, social media updates for the office, shipping, answering phones, upkeep of the plants on the green roof, accounting support, data entry, research, and ordering office supplies.
Her secondary role is as the firm’s Health and Safety Officer, with the responsibility of ensuring team members receive the safety training they need to do their jobs.
Shylia has strong communication skills and a self-starter attitude, keeping Berry clients and co-workers content. Her attention to detail, punctuality, and reliability are all crucial to maintaining the great team atmosphere at Berry.
Much of Shylia’s free time is spent focusing on her family and friends, especially her husband, children, and grandchildren. Hobbies include camping, crocheting, painting, and gardening.
Laura Watson
Editor/Writer
Laura Watson
Editor/Writer
Bachelor of Arts Degree (English); Master of Arts Degree (English)
Laura has a long history with Berry Architecture + Associates, first as a consultant, and then for the past several years as the on-staff writer and editor.
With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Literature, Laura is well-equipped to write and edit the Berry team’s proposals, reports, and marketing materials. Laura’s attention to detail enhances the accomplishments she has in her role as well as the team’s success in creating winning project proposals.
Energized by the fact that each day looks a little different for her, Laura is motivated to increase the reach of Berry’s newsletter and website as vehicles for staying in touch with clients. She is proud of Berry’s role in environmental architecture and her part in helping prepare the written documents for the firm’s LEED Gold accreditation process and for their recent Green Roof Award of Excellence.
Laura has become an “outdoorsy” person whose hobbies include hiking, walking, camping, kayaking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. She enjoys spending free time with her family and friends and maintains her lifelong love of reading, especially 19th century English literature.