Lisa Capener-Hunt

Chief Building Official and Director of Building Services, City of Kingston

For as long as I can remember, architecture has been a passion of mine, so it is with little surprise that I’ve gravitated to a career in the building industry. Before I became a building official, I started my own home design business and eventually became a project manager for a construction company.

In 2004, I was the first female building official hired by the City of Kingston. On a daily basis, I love the diversity that each day offers. My days can include reviewing different types of building design, construction techniques and enforcement to ensure life and fire safety, accessibility, and environmental impacts under the Ontario Building Code. Working directly with residents, developers and trades allows me to overcome challenges and balance the needs of the community with regulatory requirements and coordinated public safety.

When I first started as a building official there were very few women in this profession.  Over the past ten years we have seen a greater influx of women selecting this as a career choice and the City of Kingston continues to hire women in Building Services and support women in this career.

The industry is constantly evolving, and the fast-paced nature of our business requires building officials to adapt our processes to suit changing legislation and work together as a group to support one another’s efforts.  We also need more building officials as housing projects increase. It’s a rewarding career and I encourage more women to consider being part of this industry.