Legends of Housing Presented by Fortis BC

May 29, 2025 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM (PDT)

Description

LEGENDS OF HOUSING PRESENTED BY

Legends of Housing is an annual event featuring three influential industry leaders who have significantly impacted the residential construction industry in the Central Okanagan. 

Join us on May 29th at Bernie's Supper Club and Cinema for a panel discussion offering a retrospective into how residential construction has evolved over the last decades, and where the industry may be heading in the years ahead. Sit back as we pull back the curtain on their careers in the industry and share their personal stories of success and lessons learned along the way.

Your ticket will include a welcome glass of bubbly and light canapes from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm in the restaurant. The panel presentation will begin at 6:00 pm and run until 7:30 pm upstairs in the cinema. 

INTRODUCING THE LEGENDS

	PETER RAJA President, Norelco Cabinets Peter began his career in residential construction in 1978, quickly rising to management roles in Northern BC. In 1994, he and his wife moved to Kelowna, where he became District Sales Manager for Nelson Homes, later expanding into the export market for engineered panelized homes.     Recognizing Norelco Cabinets' exceptional quality, Peter and two partners acquired the company after years as loyal customers. Since 2002, he has led Norelco as President, growing it from a small manufacturer into a 60,000 sq. ft. facility employing over 150 people. Under his leadership, Norelco expanded internationally, delivering cabinetry for high-end luxury projects across Western USA, including the Hawaiian Islands, where Peter oversees export sales.     An active industry leader, Peter has served on the boards of CHBA, the Chamber of Commerce, and currently, BC Wood. He believes in fostering a strong company culture, stating, “We're all one family.”     Beyond work, Peter enjoys boating, camping, skiing, and cheering for the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Seahawks. His leadership philosophy centers on innovation, relationship-building, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
NICOLE BEGRAND-FAST Founder and Creative Director, Begrand Fast Design Nicole's career spans over twenty years in the design world that began in the Prairies and became a thriving design studio in the Okanagan. She was raised in an environment of art, travel, language and entrepreneurship which formed her love of culture, architecture, and art from around the world. Her wealth of experience, her business acumen and the fact that she's just so likeable, gives her the exceptional capacity to build long lasting relationships wit her clients and the building community.  With a never-ending interest in exploring new directions in design, Nicole approaches every project with a new vision and ideas. This has cultivated a culture of creativity, innovation and collaboration, bringing the very best of her and her team's ideas forward.  Nicole's ability to create inviting, sophisticated spaces while diligently handling projects makes her and the BFD studio highly sought after.
	MO BAYAT Director of Development Services, City of Kelowna  Mo has 39 years of experience in the Development Industry in a variety of roles, including as an Architect, Senior Design Planner, Consultant, Chief Building Official, and his current role as the Director of Development Services for the City of Kelowna. As department Director, Mo oversees Compliance Monitoring Services of developments including but not limited in issuing Business License, building & occupancy permits, and inspections throughout the City.  Before working for the City of Kelowna, where he has remained for the past 21 years, Mo worked in the position of Chief Building Inspector for the City of Prince George for more than eight years.   He holds a master’s degree in architecture and is a Level 3 Registered Building Official in both British Columbia and Alberta. As a voting member, he held a seat on the National Research Council in Ottawa where he was part of the Standing Committee that developed and adapted the first edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings.   Mo has also volunteered his time on several boards, including holding a position as the Vice President of the Building Official Association of BC and as Chair of the Examination Committee. Currently, Mo is a board member with the International Accreditation Service (IAS), after he served as a member of the Technical Advisory Council of IAS.

Time

4:30 pm - doors open
4:30 - 5:45 pm - welcome glass of bubbly and light appies in the restaurant
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - panel starts in the cinema
7:00 pm - 7:30 pm - question period for panellists
8:00 pm - event ends