Growing up surrounded by the construction trade in the United Kingdom sparked Chris Lane’s lifelong fascination with building and project delivery. He earned a Construction Management degree from Sheffield Hallam University and completed a co-op with Miller Construction, later returning to Miller and advancing from Field Engineer to Superintendent and Project Manager over a 12-year period. In 2014 he emigrated to Canada and joined EllisDon; his blend of site experience, technical knowledge and client focus now guides EllisDon’s Edmonton team as Senior Vice President and Area Manager, delivering projects that aim to leave a meaningful legacy.
How did you start out in this industry and how has it brought you to where you are today?
I grew up in the United Kingdom surrounded by family members who worked in the construction industry, so it was only natural that I became fascinated by building sites from a young age. That early interest led me to study Construction Management at Sheffield Hallam University, where I completed a co-op placement with Miller Construction, the largest privately owned construction firm in the UK at the time.
After graduating, I returned to Miller Construction as a Field Engineer. From there, I worked my way up to Superintendent and eventually Project Manager. Over the course of twelve years, I had the privilege of contributing to some incredible projects, each one strengthening my knowledge, skills, and appreciation for the industry. Those experiences shaped not only my career but also confirmed where my true passion lies—building meaningful projects that leave a lasting impact.
What is your role at your organization today?
In 2014 I emigrated to Canada and joined EllisDon Corporation as a Project Manager. Today I am currently the Senior Vice President, Area Manager of our Edmonton, Alberta division.
What was your most challenging moment?
One of the most challenging transitions in my career was moving from the United Kingdom to Canada. Almost everything felt different—the climate alone was an adjustment, as nothing can truly prepare you for -30°C weather. Beyond that, I had to adapt to the way the construction industry operates in Canada. While the fundamentals of building remain the same, the processes, procedures, and even the materials used were different.
Despite bringing twelve years of experience from the UK, it often felt as though I was starting over. That period tested my adaptability and resilience, but it also broadened my perspective and ultimately made me grow my career to new heights.
What was your A-HA moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader, tell us that story.
When I made the decision to build a life in Canada, I began reaching out to several construction companies to explore opportunities. My first meeting was with a contractor in Calgary, Alberta. At the end of our conversation, they asked where I was heading next. When I mentioned I was meeting with EllisDon in Edmonton, their advice was simple: don’t bother meeting anyone else and besides, nobody really wants to live in Edmonton.
Despite that, I travelled to Edmonton the next day and met with the EllisDon team. At the end of our meeting, they asked me the same question: who else was I speaking with? When I told them, their response couldn’t have been more different. They spoke highly of the other companies and even acknowledged that many people prefer Calgary, offering to make room for me there if that was truly where I wanted to be.
That humility and openness spoke volumes. It filled in all the blanks for me and made it clear that EllisDon, specifically the Edmonton team, was where I wanted to belong. Moving continents is a life-changing decision, but the authenticity and values I saw in that moment made the choice remarkably easier.
What is the one thing that has you most fired up today?
When I think about the state of the world, I can’t help but reflect on how much energy is drawn into global conflicts and tensions. The ongoing struggles in Eastern Europe, the challenges in the Middle East, and even the economic pressures we face from our closest neighbour all serve as reminders of how fragile our connections can be. I often wonder how different things might look if the time and resources spent on these struggles were instead directed toward creating good in the world, rather than adding to the hardship so many already endure.
What is the best advice you received?
When I was a Project Manager, my Operational Leader told me, always make a decision. Even if that decision later proves to be wrong, it was my responsibility to set the direction on a job site. I was reminded that indecision has great potential to create uncertainty and delays that can ripple across an entire project.
In construction, there is never a shortage of innovative ideas and solutions. If a decision doesn’t turn out as expected, the team can always adapt and correct course. What matters most is keeping momentum, providing clarity, and ensuring the project continues to move forward. That lesson has shaped the way I approach leadership to this day.
What is a habit that contributes to your success?
I’ve found that simply being available to my team can make a meaningful difference. I ensure I make time to listen, offer support, or just be present, it helps build trust and encourages open communication. Being approachable allows us to work through challenges together resulting in success for the whole business not just myself.
What is your parting piece of advice?
Remain humble, work hard, and always support the people around you.
What people or organizations do you believe best embody the innovation mindset? (does not have to relate to the defence & security industry, can be related to your every day life)
The private sector construction groups. Construction timelines have steadily grown shorter and with a diminishing workforce there has been an increased need for private sector construction groups to innovate new approaches for project delivery. A recent project we had in Edmonton illustrates this point well. Faced with the challenge of completing work during the height of winter, where temperatures can reach -30°C, and with a firm deadline of July 1, our team collaborated with subcontractor partners to implement a unique solution. For the first time, a full tent enclosure was erected over the construction site, effectively transforming an outdoor project into an indoor environment. This approach allowed us to mitigate the harsh winter conditions, maintain productivity, and deliver the project on schedule.
How is your organization changing the game within your industry sector?
EllisDon is redefining construction through its innovative cradle-to-grave strategy, which ensures seamless integration across every phase of a project’s lifecycle. From initial concept, financing, and design, through to construction, operations, and eventual decommissioning. This approach enables EllisDon to deliver smarter, more sustainable infrastructure by leveraging advanced technologies, data-driven decision-making, and long-term management. By maintaining continuity and accountability throughout the entire process, EllisDon not only enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also sets a new benchmark for excellence in construction.
What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your industry sector?
One of the most significant barriers to innovation in the construction industry is the persistence of legacy contract models that discourage deep collaboration between project stakeholders. These traditional frameworks often contain siloed responsibilities and rigid risk allocation, which stifle creativity and slow progress. EllisDon challenges this status quo by putting the client first and building innovation on a foundation of strong relationships and trust. Through collaborative delivery models like Modified Design-Build and Integrated Project Delivery, EllisDon ensures that architects, consultants, trades, and clients work together from the earliest stages, enabling transparent communication, shared goals, and agile problem-solving.
How has innovation become engrained in your organization’s culture and how is it being optimized?
Innovation is deeply woven into EllisDon’s culture through its foundational values of entrepreneurial enthusiasm and mutual accountability, which empower every employee to challenge convention, seize new opportunities, and take ownership of bold ideas. This spirit is actively optimized through initiatives like the ConTech Accelerator Program, which partners with cutting-edge startups to pilot transformative technologies directly with EllisDon. The company’s fast, fluid, and flexible approach, combined with transparent collaboration and shared responsibility, creates an environment where innovation thrives and continuously evolves to meet the ever-changing demands of construction.
What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years?
Over the next two years, the biggest shifts in our industry will come from how we work together and how we use technology. Collaborative delivery models like Integrated Project Delivery and Modified Design-Build are gaining momentum because they break down silos and align everyone around shared goals from day one. At EllisDon, we’re leaning into that shift, building strong partnerships and mutual accountability into every project. Deep integration of AI and BIM is changing how we plan, build, and manage infrastructure. It’s all about delivering smarter, faster, and more resilient outcomes by combining great relationships with cutting-edge technology.
