Whether federal, provincial, or municipal, every public architectural project starts with procurement—the bureaucratic process that sets the values, priorities, and requirements of commissioning public works and that ends with awarding the job. It is at this phase, long before the first sketch is drawn or a shovel hits the ground, when much of the project’s underpinning principles and elements are set. When done right, procurement practices can help attract top talent, leading to innovative designs that not only address immediate needs but become cherished and lasting landmarks. When flawed, these processes can make it difficult, if not impossible, to fully live up to the project’s full potential.
Join us for this special virtual forum as we take a look at the procurement practices and project delivery models of three North American cities—Montréal, New York, and Edmonton—where design is leading the way. While diverse in their approaches, from competitions to Quality Based Selection, all these cities share in common a commitment to design excellence that has consistently delivered landmark projects that have become references not only in their region but across the globe.
Our forum will include presentations by representatives of all three cities, followed by an extended moderated discussion and Q&A. Our speakers will include:
- Becky Yurek, Chief Strategy Officer, NYC Department of Design & Construction
- Carol Belanger, City Architect, City of Edmonton
- Patrick Marmen, Design Commissioner, Chief of Staff, Design Montreal
Learn more about the speakers on the TSA website.
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM EST
Where: Online via Zoom
ConEd: 1.5 Structured Learning Hours
Price: Free