Heather Kembel
B.E.S., B. ARCH., OAA, LEED AP BD + C
Retired, Founding Partner
Heather grew up in Calgary and studied Architecture at the Universities of Manitoba and British Columbia. In 1995, Heather started her own firm which merged with Todd Colbourne to create Colbourne & Kembel, Architects Inc.
As one of the firm's two Principal Architects, Heather is jointly responsible for all aspects of management of the business including human resources, continuing education, and staff supervision. Heather leads the Sustainable Design Team, as she has pursued advanced education and training in Green Design and was one of the first architects in Eastern Ontario to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accreditation.
Heather's work has encompassed many building types, with a particular emphasis on educational facilities. She has been the Project Architect on more than 100 school projects, including elementary, secondary, college & university facilities.
Heather's favourite projects have had a social purpose, such as schools and affordable housing.
As a current member and Past-President of the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston, Heather is regularly involved in community services fundraising projects. As a supporter of the club's international projects, she has been involved in the Youth Exchange Program, hosting international students from France, Venezuela, India, Ecuador, Italy and Brazil. She loves to travel and has recently visited her 44th country.
Heather is a member and Past-Chair of the St. Lawrence Valley Society of Architects, a volunteer society devoted to furthering recognition and appreciation of architecture in the community.
In 2006, Heather received a Paul Harris Fellow Award for her distinguished community service. Her contribution to the Kingston area has also been featured in Kingston Life magazine (Spring 2006). Heather was also selected and featured as the Kingston Whig-Standard`s Women in Business Cover Profile Award Winner in 2006.