Meet Cion’s Kevin Shaw, B.Tech. (Arch.Sc.), Principal – Building Science

With the continued growth of the condominium market in Ontario, Cion Corp. would like to spotlight Kevin Shaw, B.Tech. (Arch.Sc.), Principal – Building Science.

As Principal, Kevin is responsible for all operational aspects of the firm’s building science services to its condominium clients. Kevin has 25 years of experience working with condominiums to resolve issues in long term capital planning, building evaluation, and building rehabilitation. His areas of specialty include condition assessments, failure investigations, contract administration of building rehabilitation projects, performance audits, and reserve fund studies.

How long has Cion been involved in providing engineering services to the condominium industry? What is the most interesting aspect of working in the condominium industry?

Cion has been working with condominiums right from the very first day we started providing building science services as an engineering firm. It was an industry I was very familiar with having worked on condos from my very first day in consulting engineering (starting in the mid-nineties). The most interesting aspect of the condominium industry, in my opinion, is the problem-solving aspects of what we do in consulting engineering. A large part of our work is conducting forensic “CSI” type investigations to solve all kinds of condominium problems including water leak issues, odour transfer issues, cladding deterioration, etc.

What do you believe is the most important issue that condos are facing today?

The biggest issue at the moment is inflation and how it is affecting every aspect of condominium budgets, from operations to capital/reserve spending. Our Business Partners Committee presented two webinars on this very issue over the last 6 months and inflation has continued to rise following each one.

When did you first become a Director on the Board with CCI – Golden Horseshoe?

I was elected to the Board in 2018 and have served as a Director ever since. I also sit on the Business Partners Committee and act as the liaison for them to the Board.

How did you first get involved in the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI)? What aspects of being involved in CCI are most important to you?

My first exposure to CCI was attending the Level 100 courses when I joined Coulter Building Consultants in 1999. Our firm was heavily involved in condos and we regularly sent staff to attend the courses to gain a better understanding of the industry.

The most important service that CCI provides is educating condominium owners and directors on all aspects of condominium living. This includes property management, financials, insurance, legal, and maintenance/repair. To assist in that regard, I have been involved in lecturing for a variety of educational courses presented by our Education Committee as well as the Business Partners Committee. I have also written articles for industry publications such as CCI Condo News magazine and Condominium Manager, the magazine for the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario.

Is there a charitable cause you support? Why?

My wife and I have been long time supporters of the Claddagh Fund, which is the charitable organization run by the Celtic punk band the Dropkick Murphys. The fund supports charitable organizations that work with the needs of children, veterans, and individuals suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. Supporting the fund helps with many community causes and comes with the additional benefit of getting to meet the band members, which gave us the opportunity to attend many special concert events over the years.

On a more personal note: what person, living or dead, would you most want to have dinner with?

I am a huge fan of Henry Rollins, who is a (living) musician, author, actor, spoken word artist and in his words, “an aging cultural punk icon.” I have seen him perform with his band, attended many of his spoken word shows, watched his movies and TV shows, and read many of his books. He is a never-ending reservoir of fascinating stories as he is both an artist and a fan boy. I think dinner with him would be an experience.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take your time with growing up. There will be plenty of opportunity for working and paying bills later on.