Rimkus Taps New Leaders for Canadian Built Environment Boom

HOUSTON, TX – April 21, 2026 – Global engineering and technical consulting firm Rimkus has announced two strategic leadership appointments aimed at capturing a larger share of Canada's rapidly expanding built environment sector. The appointments of Walter Gaudet as Vice President of Built Environment Solutions (BES) Canada and Michael Hensen as Vice President of Technical Excellence for North America signal a significant push to reinforce the company's presence in a market fueled by massive investments in infrastructure, housing, and climate-resilient construction.

These hires are part of a deliberate strategy to “invest ahead of demand,” as the company positions itself to service a nation grappling with unprecedented growth and complex new building standards. The move comes as Canada works to address a severe housing shortfall, modernize its infrastructure, and adapt its buildings to the realities of a changing climate.

“These leadership appointments reflect our strategy to invest ahead of demand and ensure Rimkus is well positioned to support clients navigating increasingly complex built environment challenges,” said Chris Rayasam, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rimkus, in a recent statement. “Canada represents a critical growth market for our firm.”

A Market in Transformation

Canada's built environment is undergoing a profound transformation. The federal government, along with provincial and private sector partners, is channeling billions into infrastructure projects. Simultaneously, the country is facing a housing crisis, with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimating a need for nearly six million new homes by 2030 to restore affordability. This has spurred a construction boom, particularly in multi-family rental units, which saw record starts in 2025.

Compounding this activity is a critical shift in regulatory and environmental standards. The newly released 2025 National Model Codes, for instance, are set to revolutionize construction by incorporating forward-looking climate data and introducing stringent energy efficiency requirements for both new and existing buildings. These codes mandate that structures be built not just for today's weather, but for the more extreme conditions anticipated in the coming decades, driving demand for specialized expertise in energy, resilience, and sustainable design.

This confluence of factors—infrastructure spending, a housing boom, and a sweeping regulatory overhaul—has created a fertile ground for technical consulting firms. Developers and property owners are under immense pressure to deliver projects that are not only faster and more efficient but also compliant with a complex web of new standards for sustainability, accessibility, and structural resilience.

Strategic Reinforcements

To navigate this dynamic landscape, Rimkus has brought in seasoned leadership with deep roots in the Canadian market. Walter Gaudet, the new Vice President of BES Canada, is a LEED-certified registered architect who previously led the Canadian Buildings and Places business for industry giant AECOM. His experience managing large, multidisciplinary infrastructure teams across Canada positions him to oversee the expansion of Rimkus' capabilities in its numerous offices, from Vancouver to Newfoundland.

In his new role, Gaudet is tasked with helping owners, operators, and investors maximize the performance and longevity of their assets—a critical need as buildings become more technologically advanced and subject to stricter performance metrics. His background in architecture and engineering provides a holistic perspective on the entire project lifecycle.

Complementing Gaudet's market-facing role is Michael Hensen, who steps into the newly created position of Vice President of Technical Excellence for North America. A professional engineer with over four decades of experience, Hensen is a renowned expert in building envelope design, roofing, and forensic investigations. His promotion from within the firm underscores a commitment to technical rigor. Hensen will focus on strengthening the firm’s technical capabilities, adopting new technologies, and developing the skills of its consultants across both the U.S. and Canada. His expertise is particularly relevant given the increased focus on building envelope performance and the expansion of Rimkus’ forensic services, which investigate construction defects and building failures.

“Walter’s deep market knowledge and Michael’s focus on technical excellence will help us deliver consistent, high-quality solutions for our clients,” Rayasam noted.

Investing Ahead of the Curve

Rimkus' strategy of investing “ahead of demand” is a calculated gambit in a competitive field that includes major players like WSP, Stantec, and AECOM. By strengthening its leadership and technical backbone before the market reaches its peak, the firm aims to establish itself as a go-to partner for complex projects. This proactive approach allows the company to build capacity, refine its service offerings, and solidify client relationships as the wave of new construction and retrofitting projects crests.

The approach is not without risk. The Canadian economy, while projected to lead G7 growth, is still subject to global volatility and the lingering effects of high interest rates. However, the non-discretionary nature of much of the projected spending—driven by population growth, housing needs, and climate mandates—provides a strong underlying momentum that is likely to weather short-term economic fluctuations.

The firm's extensive existing footprint, with offices in nearly every major Canadian market, provides a solid foundation for this expansion. Rimkus already manages over 110 million square feet of roofing nationally and offers a wide array of services, from property condition assessments to construction advisory. The new leadership is expected to integrate and scale these services to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of the market.

“Owners and developers across Canada are facing unprecedented pressure to deliver projects that are faster, more resilient, and compliant with evolving standards,” Rayasam concluded. “Rimkus’ depth of technical expertise and practical, solutions-oriented approach uniquely position us to support those goals, and I’m excited for Walter and Michael to help lead this phase of growth.” By placing its new leaders at the intersection of market growth and technical complexity, Rimkus is making a clear statement about its ambitions to help build the future of Canada.