Rebecca Beatty (OAA, BES, BArch, MA, Leed AP) graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, followed by a Bachelor of Architecture. Upon graduation Rebecca worked with a practice in Italy for two years. After returning to Canada, she worked and practised as an architect and partner in established firms, leading numerous projects within the practice sectors of healthcare, housing, and culture. More recently Rebecca completed her MA in Heritage and Conservation at the University of Leicester in the UK, with a research focus on the adaptive re-use of industrial heritage architecture.
Rebecca has received several awards for her architectural work, including most recently a 2023 City of Hamilton Urban Design and Architecture Award. As an instructor at Mohawk College since 2015, Rebecca has focused her efforts on broadening the student learning experience to encourage critical thinking and the importance of examining the impact of architectural projects - from both an environmental and social perspective.
Rebecca leads the 3rd year students in the Design Stream jury project, during which visiting professionals are a regular part of the learning experience. She was instrumental in creating the Design Lab, a space where students can access new technology in a studio-like environment.
In addition, Rebecca advocates for the importance and integration of design excellence into the technology-driven industry of building and construction science.
Rebecca is engaged in her community, having been a past director of several charities and non-profits organizations, including Glanbrook Non-Profit Housing and an executive member of the Hamilton Burlington Society of Architects. Rebecca regularly encourages students to get involved in community activism and advocacy and to lifelong learning beyond the classroom.