Program: Office to Residential Conversions - The Clyne - Panel Discussion
Description: Hear from the general contractor, mechanical contractor, and mechanical designer for The Clyne building in Ottawa. Together, they have completed an Office to Apartment conversion which they will discuss with us.
Presented by:
Jarrett Adams, Construction Manager and Partner at Optimum Mechanical
Jarrett Adams is the Construction Manager and Partner at Optimum Mechanical, with 17 years of experience in the mechanical and HVAC industry. He began his career at Optimum as an apprentice in the 313A trade, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic, and worked his way up to a licensed journeyman. Then to leading the company's HVAC team.
He later revitalized Optimum's small projects division, building it into the thriving part of the business it is today, before taking on the Construction Manager role. Jarrett now oversees project costing, subcontractor coordination, and the scoping of mechanical projects from bid through delivery.
Having worked every step from the field to management, Jarrett brings a practical, field-informed approach to planning and delivering projects. He is committed to clear scopes, strong coordination with design and construction partners, and work that is delivered on budget and on schedule.
Bjorn Fries, MBA, B.Eng, Vice-President Construction at RECL
Bjorn Fries graduated from HWTG-Konstanz University in Germany with a Bachelor of Engineering, with a major in Project Management, in 2015. Björn has completed training in First Aid (Canada) and Health and Safety Coordination (Germany). Björn worked for 4 years as a Project Manager in Germany with the Lindner Group, in the international General Planning Department.
He joined the team at RECL in April 2019 and has brought his international knowledge and experience with him. Björn has been involved in a wide range of national and international construction projects including tenant fit-ups, building renovations and new building construction.
He has experience developing and maintaining project schedules, design and coordination, site supervision, cost management, quality assurance, project reporting, general project administration, contract preparation, purchase orders, change orders and invoicing, developing and executing project tenders, and creating, maintaining budgets and tracking costs.
Mark Sarasin, P.Eng, ing., Direction and Senior Mechanical Engineer at GWAL
Mark Sarasin, P.Eng. has more than 19 years of experience in building engineering and sustainable building design. A graduate of the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, Mark leads multidisciplinary teams in the planning, design, and
construction of complex residential, commercial, institutional, mixed -use, and redevelopment projects across Ontario.
Throughout his career, Mark has delivered mechanical engineering solutions for large -scale post -secondary, community, residential, mixed -use, and heritage developments, ranging from high -rise residential towers and affordable housing communities to academi c facilities, laboratories, and award -winning sustainable buildings. His expertise includes HVAC systems, plumbing and utilities, fire protection, building controls, energy conservation, renewable energy systems, and low -carbon building design. He has extensive experience integrating innovative technologies such as geothermal systems, heat recovery, high -efficiency central plants, air -source heat pumps, Passive House and Net Zero -ready solutions.
Mark is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, a member of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), and an active member of ASHRAE since 2007. Recognized for his collaborative leadership and practical approach to complex building projects, he is passion ate about developing high -performance, energy -efficient facilities that balance sustainability, occupant comfort, operational performance, and long -term value.
Technical Session (4:30 to 5:30): Review of ASHRAE Standard 62.1 with Mahdiyar Khalilzade, M.A.Sc, LEED Green Associate, Designer at Smith + Andersen
David Eckel
Treasurer, ASHRAE Ottawa Valley Chapter
[email protected]
Meeting registration which includes dinner.
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Meeting registration which includes dinner.
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Refunds requested by October 15th, 2026 will be issued.