Our People: Meet Libby Rowe

Putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). We’re proud to be a people-first organization, where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive, both personally and professionally.

Through the Our People series on BCIT News, we celebrate the passion, expertise, and impact of individuals who help shape a better future at BCIT and beyond.

Meet Libby Rowe, P.Eng, MASc, LEED AP BD+C, Program Head, Bachelor of Technology Construction Management degree program. Libby has been working at BCIT for three years working with the School of Construction and the Environment. Libby teaches and works with instructors and industry collaborators, while supporting students through their educational journey.

Can you tell us about your professional journey and how your experience in the construction industry led you to BCIT?

I am an Engineer by training and have 20 years of experience as a Construction Manager/General Contractor through my work at both PCL and Turner Construction. I have worn many hats and often at the same time and one of these hats has been teaching, which I have always done in one way or another alongside running projects.

My initial connection with BCIT was when I was in Business Development and I was trying to figure out how to be the successful proponent to build a project for BCIT. I didn’t end up building a project, but I did end up having a great conversation that led to becoming a part-time instructor and then three years later the Program Head.

What do you enjoy the most about working in post-secondary education?

My motivation is the students. While I miss the feeling of working with a team to bring a design to realization, I get a similar sense of achievement when I hear that I have been able to positively impact someone’s life. I have a deep-set belief that education opens up possibilities and opportunities. For the students that want to grow, it gives me great joy to support them.

What excites you most about stepping into your role as Program Head of the Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management?

I have always felt that a professional construction industry is fundamental – a construction industry that is equitable, ethical, efficient, technically-forward and deeply human. I’m excited that BCIT reaches across the industry and provides a wider platform to support this. In the past, outside of my work with Canadian Construction Women, my reach was often limited by either project or corporate boundaries.

Are there any new initiatives, projects, or areas of focus you’re hoping to introduce or strengthen within the Construction Management degree program?

This is such an exciting time to be involved in the program. Technological advances are moving quickly and the industry is looking to our students to lead their companies forward. The jobs that existed a few years ago don’t exist anymore and our students need new skills to navigate this new landscape. More than ever, we need to understand technology, efficient uses, integration into management practices but even more we need to have strong analytical abilities and judgement and deeply human skills. As such, here are a few of my key goals:

• Deeper integration of AI, digital technology and modern construction methods instructed in a practical and applied manner;
• Maintain construction fundamentals and frameworks to ensure students have a solid foundation;
• Support more human-centric and situational learning: focusing on the human factor in construction;
• Embrace cross-program and cross-department collaboration: it’s really exciting that the School of Construction and the Environment has also developed a Construction Management Diploma as an entrance path into the Degree;
• Enhanced industry engagement.

Do you have a favourite spot or activity at the BCIT campuses that you enjoy spending your time?

My favourite spot is the Health Sciences Centre. I have a passion for design and construction. I have built many buildings and am deeply inspired (and equally uninspired) by space. Space has the power to transform. When I have had the occasional opportunity to teach in this building I feel like I am part of something meaningful and I can feel that the students feel the same way. Also, when I was a Business Development Manager, the Health Sciences Centre Request for Proposals was my first big loss – it humbled me and I learned from it.\

Share with us how what you are passionate about outside of work.

• My children, I have three school age children so supporting their interests is probably where most of my “free time” goes.
• Designing + Building: It is no accident that I went into construction. I always have at least one project on the go! The most current one is designing a sauna.
• People + Perspective: I am fascinated by how people live and the motivation behind why people do the things they do – I am always exploring, traveling, reading or meeting people.
• Active + Outdoors: I love anything outdoors and active – running, soccer, gardening, kayaking, hiking, and skiing.