AVI FRIEDMAN, PhD

Avi Friedman, a Full Professor, has been teaching at McGill School of Architecture where he co-founded the Affordable Homes Program which he directs. His research interests focus on factors that influence the design and implementation of affordable and sustainable building practices at the unit and community levels, including market acceptance, innovation, prefabrication, construction, and resource efficiency. Avi is also a practicing architect and the principal of Avi Friedman Consultants, Inc. Over the years, he has led teams that designed projects ranging from custom-design dwellings to entire communities for private sector developers as well as non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity. He is the recipient of the World Habitat Award and an author of 35 books on housing.

BAICHI CHAKI, M. Arch

Baichi Chaki is a trained Architect and researcher specializing in humanitarian architecture, affordable housing, multifamily residential and recreation centre design. She holds a B.Arch from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and an M.Arch in Urban Design and Housing from McGill University. She is also a LEED AP BD+C. Her professional journey spans architectural practices in Bangladesh and Canada. Baichi's work has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Prime Minister Fellowship Award Bangladesh, the Cornelia and Peter Oberlander Prize in Urban Design, and the Alvaro Ortega Award from McGill University. Her passion lies in creating innovative, sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities worldwide. She is also dedicated to giving back to her community as a member of the United Way GenNext Cabinet.