The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is pleased to share that Dr. Guido Wimmers has been appointed Dean of the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment (SOCE). In this role, Guido will lead the talented team of faculty and staff across the School’s full-time and Flexible Learning programs, while also providing critical support in ensuring academic excellence and innovating to build an agile workforce.
Dr. Wimmers earned his Ph.D. from the Doctoral Program in Engineering Science and a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Leopold Franzens University in Innsbruck, Austria. He brings extensive industry leadership in the field of sustainable construction practices.
Prior to moving to Canada in 2007, Guido collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams across Austria, Germany, and Italy, focusing on energy-efficient and sustainable building projects. In BC, he played an instrumental role in the implementation of the International Passive House Standards in BC and across Canada.
Guido’s distinguished career led him to a tenured professorship at the University of Northern British Columbia where, in 2014, he assumed the role of inaugural Chair of a novel Master of Engineering Program in Timber Engineering. Under his leadership, an interdisciplinary curriculum emerged that seamlessly integrated modern timber engineering, building physics, prefabrication principles, and practical project experience. In addition, Guido was pivotal in the design and construction of the Wood Innovation Research Laboratory, which allowed for the testing of large-scale integrated wood structures using engineered wood products.
In addition to his academic contributions, Guido previously served as a consultant for the City of Vancouver, and the BC Energy Step Code Committee. BCIT is thrilled that Guido will be joining the Institute and continuing to connect industry and academia in advancing sustainable practices in the building environment.
Guido begins his new role as Dean of the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment on August 28, 2023. Sincere thanks to Wayne Hand for his leadership and incredible contributions in advancing the School over the years. BCIT wishes Wayne all the best as he begins his retirement on September 2.
-BCIT
Congratulations Guido!! This is very good news for the BC economy and better ways forward in reshaping the ways buildings and cities of the world are planned, developed and constructed – better, cleaner, safer and fairer and passing on a legacy of Forests Forever.
Excellent role for you Guido, Congratulations on your new endeavour to move BCIT School of Construction forward.