SPOTLIGHT: Stephen Hunter | Sense Engineering
It was an absolute joy for us to pick the brain of the illustrious and extremely knowledgeable Stephen Hunter, a Building Scientist and long-time condominium advocate, currently working with Sense Engineering:
Q&A with Stephen Hunter:
SJC: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. Let's start with you! Please share a little bit about yourself, and how you got into your industry?
Stephen Hunter: I grew up around construction. My family owned a masonry contracting business in a small town, so my first job was as a laborer, setting up scaffolding, mixing mortar, carrying blocks, etc. My dad also built our family home, which always seemed to be a work in progress, so I was constantly helping him with various projects around the house.
A career in construction felt like a natural choice. I studied building science and technology in school and, after graduation, specialized in building enclosure systems. That’s been my focus ever since, and I continue to learn something new every day.
SJC: Could you help us better understand the role of a Building Scientist
Stephen Hunter: It’s a broad discipline, but many of us specialize in the science and technology of building enclosure systems.
For existing buildings, we investigate issues such as condensation and water leakage, assess the condition of building enclosure systems for capital planning, and provide design, tendering, construction review, and contract administration services for repair, restoration, and renewal projects.
For new construction, we’re often called upon to advise on building enclosure design and construction. We conduct drawing and field reviews and offer recommendations to ensure the building performs as intended.
SJC: Do you work primarily in Calgary, all over Alberta, nationwide?
Stephen Hunter: I primarily work in Calgary and the surrounding area but also have projects in nearby communities. We recently opened an office in Edmonton, and I’m excited about expanding our work there. I also support our other offices across Canada, from coast to coast, as needed. Fortunately, we have great teams across the country, so I don't often need to get involved outside of Alberta.
SJC: I had no idea about the Edmonton office, that’s exciting!
SJC: You've dedicated two or so decades to your field, can you share with us any prominent lessons you've learned?
Stephen Hunter: Thanks for reminding me of my age! [laughs]
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that, whether it's a condition assessment or a restoration project, understanding the client’s priorities is key. There are many ways to maintain or repair a building enclosure, and knowing what matters most to the client allows me to tailor solutions to meet their needs. If the solution doesn’t align with the client’s expectations, everything that follows can quickly go off track.
Of course, this takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it to ensure the success of the project. It’s also rewarding to build deeper connections with the people we work with. Over the years, I’ve developed many strong professional relationships, and even some lasting friendships, as a result..
“Understanding the client’s priorities is key. If the solution doesn’t align with the client’s expectations, everything that follows can quickly go off track.”
SJC: What advise would you give to Condo Boards that might be looking to improve the performance/longevity of their buildings?
Stephen Hunter: Planning and regular maintenance should be a high priority. Building enclosure systems simply last longer and perform better when they are regularly maintained.
Roofing, cladding, and window/door replacement projects also offer opportunities to enhance the thermal performance of the building enclosure.
These upgrades can reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve thermal and acoustical comfort. With modern software tools, we can also quickly assess the cost-benefit of various options, enabling clients to evaluate the return on investment for these projects effectively.
SJC: We've had the pleasure of working on all sorts of Condo projects over the years. Can you think of any projects that stand out to you for what they did right?
Stephen Hunter: I’ve come to learn that communication and trust can determine whether a project succeeds or fails. If the team communicates well and trusts each other, the chances of success are significantly better, and it’s significantly easier to get back on track if the project is set back or complicated somehow. One project I took over many years ago comes to mind. When I stepped in, there was a general lack of trust between the condominium board, the contractor, and my predecessor due to some unfortunate events. There were concerns about transparency, and even claims of intentional deceit.
We turned the situation around by meeting regularly to discuss the project openly and transparently. Initially, these meetings felt forced, but over time, they built trust and improved communication. It became clear that no one was acting with dishonesty, and our goals for the project were well aligned. This trust became self-reinforcing, and by the end of the project (which took several years to complete), we were able to go out for lunch as friends.
SJC: Conversely, what are some of the more common mistakes you see made when it comes to condo projects? Any easy misses that Boards/Managers could do better?
Stephen Hunter: While not specifically a project-related problem, I often work with condominiums that require extensive work but lack the funds to address everything. This can lead to projects being deferred or canceled, resulting in stopgap measures that ultimately add to the overall cost.
For new condominiums with construction deficiencies, such situations are almost unavoidable. However, for older buildings with predictable repair or replacement needs, this is entirely preventable. It’s crucial to allocate sufficient funds for necessary work, even if it feels like a distant concern. Doing so ensures that condo fees remain reasonable, work is completed on time, and future owners are not unfairly burdened with unexpected costs.
“Preventive maintenance is far easier and more cost-effective than addressing issues after they arise. It’s crucial to allocate sufficient funds for necessary work, even if it feels like a distant concern.”
SJC: In your opinion, when would be the best time for a Condo Manager to recommend your services to their Board?
Stephen Hunter: Often, by the time water-related issues are investigated, some level of deterioration has already occurred that could have been prevented. Catching problems early allows for preventive measures to be implemented over time, avoiding costly repairs and further damage.
I’m a strong believer that building enclosures should have a regular condition assessment, like a check-up with your doctor. These assessments can identify potential issues—such as leaks, condensation, or other problems—that can be addressed before they escalate into more significant concerns like structural deterioration.
SJC: Thank you! Do you have a standard list of services that you provide Condo Boards? Reserve Fund Studies, BEVA/BECA Evaluations, etc.?
Stephen Hunter: The services our building enclosure specialists provide for condominiums include:
Building enclosure condition assessments (BECA);
Investigation of building enclosure failures (including leaks, condensation, and other issues);
Exterior hazard assessments (like the City of Calgary BEVA’s); and,
Design, tender, construction review, and contract administration of building enclosure repair, restoration, and renewal projects.
I also work with a great team of people who complete reserve fund studies, and services similar to those listed above for structures, parking garages, and mechanical system
SJC: If you could identify just three things you would suggest every Condo Owner in Alberta keep an eye on, what would they be?
Stephen Hunter: Absolutely, I’d suggest:
High Humidity: Most buildings are not designed to handle high humidity levels. During winter, elevated humidity can lead to significant condensation issues, even in well-constructed buildings. When temperatures drop below -10⁰C, indoor humidity should be kept at or below 30%.
Low Condo Fees: Low condo fees aren’t always a good thing. Many reserve fund studies show insufficient funds set aside for predictable building enclosure repairs and replacements. A good condominium document reviewer can identify this risk. A better approach is to aim for moderate condo fees that provide adequate funding without being excessive.
Regular Maintenance: As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true for building enclosures. Preventive maintenance is far easier and more cost-effective than addressing issues after they arise.
SJC: Great tips, thank you! Lastly for us, is there anything clients should know (or have prepared) before they contact you, to help make the process smoother?
Stephen Hunter: It’s worth talking to a consultant about what you might need before soliciting proposals.
A brief conversation helps us to understand what the concerns are and how to start taking steps to address them. For example, sometimes we’ll receive a request for proposal for engineering services to replace something like a roof or windows because the reserve fund study said they needed to be replaced. In this case, a condition assessment would be a better first step to determine what is required. The building may only require some preventive maintenance or restoration, or there may be something else that is higher priority
SJC: This last ones for you, anything final thoughts you'd like to share before we wrap up?
Stephen Hunter: I want to take a moment to thank all the wonderful board members and property managers who work tirelessly to keep condominiums running smoothly.
It’s a challenging job, and I truly appreciate everything you do!
Have a question for Stephen?
Thanks so much to Stephen for taking the time to answer all our questions! Looking for an experienced building scientist, or just have your own questions? Contact Stephen directly:
Name: Stephen Hunter | Sense Engineering
Job Title: Senior Project Manager
Phone#: (403) 519-7649
Email: shunter@senseengineering.com
Website: https://senseengineering.com/
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Until next time!
Shaun Coles
Owner | SJC Reviews
