Richard Lyall brings construction advocacy and insight to AECO Board of Advisors
TORONTO, Ontario, Nov. 6, 2020
Richard Lyall, a progressive executive who has represented the residential construction industry in Ontario since 1991, has officially joined the Board of Advisors (BoA) at AECO Innovation Lab (AECO). Richard is an admired leader and strategist with significant board experience, and a track record of advocating for research-based change to benefit the construction sector.
Richard is an admired leader and strategist with significant board experience, and a track record of advocating for research-based change to benefit the construction sector.
Leading future-proof residential construction
With more than 35 years of industry experience, Richard is well positioned to help lead the change that the AECO BoA is championing to prepare the architecture, engineering and construction sectors for the impending digital revolution. He has served as President of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) for nearly 20 years, and in this capacity has supported significant research into the benefits of modernization and digitization of the development and building approvals process.
A trusted advisor, Richard is regularly called upon by the media and all levels of government to provide commentary and guidance on policy issues. Most recently, he was appointed to the Construction Advisory Panel by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Richard’s extensive volunteer and philanthropic work has earned him many accolades, including a Canadian Lifetime Achievement Award (2019) from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
“I am passionate about initiatives that have the potential to improve people's lives and the economy,” says Richard. “For example, reducing the development approval process by just six months could have a tremendous impact: thousands more homes built and jobs created, and billions of dollars contributed to Ontario's economy. Through the work that AECO is doing, we will be able to bring together the necessary stakeholders to make this a reality.”
Facilitating digital transformation
Richard is a key member of the BoA, which brings together industry leaders from the public, private and academic sectors. In addition to construction, Board member specialties include architecture, engineering, real estate, business, finance, change strategy and policy. Together, the BoA cultivates relationships with industry, government and financial partners to facilitate the impending digital transformation of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sectors.
Arash Shahi, CEO of AECO says, “Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated tremendous insight and advocated for meaningful change to better the entire AEC value chain. He was one of the first to recognize the enormous potential of the One Ontario initiative – which aims to streamline the development approval process in Ontario – bringing RESCON on as an early sponsor of the project. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with Richard on many research projects. I’m grateful to have him on the AECO Board of Advisors, where we will continue to champion initiatives in the digital AEC space.”
About AECO Innovation Lab
AECO Research and Development unites business expertise, research talent and financial resources to build innovative standards and technology driving digital transformation across all AEC industries and government. AECO Start-Up Studio and Consulting Services strive to transform the best ideas into disruptive technology solutions applicable across the entire AEC value chain.
For more information:
Katrina Maheu
Director of Marketing & Communications
AECO Innovation Lab
katrina.maheu@aecoinnovationlab.com
