RHFAC Professional, Charles Choo, creates relationship with property manager to build a more accessible world
In 2017, Charles Choo attended the Interior Design Show in Toronto. As an engineer, learning about leading developments in the architecture field was important to Choo. At this conference, Rick Hansen was the keynote speaker – the topic of the conversation: Removing Barriers and Unleashing Potential
"I attended Rick’s presentation, where he mentioned RHFAC Training” Choo explained. “I realized how meaningful breaking down barriers was, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue.”
The RHFAC Training course teaches individuals how to use the RHFAC methodology to rate buildings on their level of meaningful access. Upon successful completion and passing the subsequent RHFAC Professional exam, individuals will obtain their RHFAC Professional designation, qualifying them to conduct RHFAC ratings for existing buildings and pre-construction plans.
When the course was finally offered through George Brown College in Toronto, Choo enrolled, took the exam and became a professional, beginning his career in accessibility and inclusion. Choo then completed several RHFAC ratings supported by the Government of Ontario in 2019, gaining experience in rating sites and helping create spaces for everyone.
Building Golden Relationships
In 2023, Choo began working on a property at 1929 Bayview Ave in Toronto. This site is professionally managed by Avison Young and owned by Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd.
In October 2023, this Crestpoint building achieved RHFAC Gold, scoring 85.5% on its rating.
Ken Trinh, Senior Property Manager for Avison Young, met with Choo and explained that he envisions this building to achieve RHFAC Gold.
“Ken and his staff were a client that was eager to make the access better,” Choo said of Trinh. “We worked together to achieve success.”
Choo explained that it was a natural partnership, working with Trinh because his approach to property management was to create a sense of freedom for the users – something that RHFAC values in its method.
“One of the things that I wanted to create for this building, no matter what people are dealing with in their lives – whether physical, mental, or emotional – the moment they step onto the property, they experience joy, freedom and beauty in terms of excellence in the experience of the building,” Trinh explained.
Voices of those with Lived Experience
This building is unique because it is home to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) headquarter, and Sunnybrook Hospital.
Trinh explained that he met with some of the lead individuals at Sunnybrook Hospital who oversee the Dialysis department, and learned what users need from the building and how often they use it.
“Many of the people coming to the building are patients that come several times a week. They prefer a less sterile, office experience,” Trinh explained. “I initially planned to create a similar experience as the hospital i.e. similar signages. However, I changed my approach after the meeting. I wanted to look at what would make a difference for the people who come to our building, creating an experience, not just a space.”
Choo came to the site before his formal review to get a better understanding of the property and Trinh’s vision and expectation. Trinh spoke of how prepared and thorough Choo was when making his measurements and observations, to ensure he had everything he needed to rate the building and suggest the improvements that would make the biggest difference.
“I knew the vision Ken had, and I wanted to facilitate that, by ranking my suggestions by what would improve the accessibility the most, and create the space he was aiming for,” Choo said.
“Charles helped us focus on solutions that align with our vision,” Trinh said. “He supported us at each step, which made a huge difference.”
Avison Young Commits Further to Accessibility
Because of the strong relationship that Choo facilitated, and the positive experience that was had, Trinh said that they plan to certify three more buildings immediately with Choo as the RHFAC Professional.
Avison Young has also pledged buildings as a part of the RHF Buildings Without Barriers Challenge and wants to host the Accessibility & Inclusion Training for their property management staff across the country, seeking to continue their accessibility journey.
“Our intention is to keep going. We learn and grow together,” Trinh said. “We want to share the knowledge and be a catalyst for others so they can see what’s possible and create that freedom in their spaces.”
