Cultures at Risk Presenter Biographies

Bill Semple

The impact of global change on traditional Tibetan architecture

Bill Semple is an architect with a background in design, building science, construction, and environmental planning. As a builder and consultant, Bill operated a business specializing in timber frame construction, energy efficient buildings, and building research. As an architect, he has worked domestically in the housing industry and on international development projects. In the field of international development, Bill has worked extensively throughout the Himalayan region on design projects which focus on the preservation of traditional architecture and land use management practices which support traditional building practices. This has included work on projects in Tibet, China, India and Thailand.

Presently Bill is working as a senior researcher with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) promoting the development of innovative building technologies, green building practices, and sustainable development with a focus on projects in the Canadian far north. In addition to his work with CMHC, Bill continues to provide design and consulting input on a variety of international projects which focus on issues of environmental and cultural sustainability. Bill is a member of the board of directors of the Canada Green Building Council and chairman of its’ residential committee.