Meet the Young Professionals Program Alumni: Scott Bailey
Rooftops Canada’s Communications Officer, Maisha Timmerman, spoke with Young Professional program alumni Scott Bailey about his experience in South Africa and how it continues to shape his perspective and career path today. From navigating culture shock to gaining a deeper understanding of inequality and resilience, Scott reflects on the lasting personal and professional impacts of the program.
How did working with international and local partners shape your current perspective on affordable housing, urban development, gender equality or social justice?
Scott: I worked with the Built Environment Support Group in South Africa back in 2001, and it was incredibly meaningful to see such a diverse team working collaboratively—people from different racial and cultural backgrounds coming together with a shared purpose.
This was not long after Apartheid had ended, so while its impacts were still visible, it was encouraging to see people working together equitably toward a goal. That experience gave me a sense of hope that meaningful collaboration across differences is possible.
Looking back, what were some of the most memorable or impactful moments from your time in the program that you will always remember?
Scott: One moment that really stayed with me was the first time I drove into a Township. I knew I would see poverty, but I wasn't fully prepared for what that meant before I experienced it. The scale was overwhelming—homes stretching as far as the eye could see, built with very basic materials. It was a profound reality check.
At the same time, I was struck by the contrast in living conditions: on the one hand, Townships, and in more affluent areas, gated communities with guards, walls and other security. It highlighted the level of disparity, but also the lack of security in peoples daily lives.
Where are you now in your professional journey?
Scott: I’m currently a Senior Architect at a firm in Kingston, Ontario. Over the years, I’ve also run my own practice and taught architecture at the college level.
The program didn’t necessarily change my career path in a direct way, but it definitely broadened my perspective. Like many architecture graduates, I started out wanting to “change the world” through design, but the reality is that much of architectural work in North America is tied to clients with financial means.
That said, I’ve stayed connected to more socially minded work where possible, including serving on the board of a non-profit housing organization.
How do you continue to apply the lessons or values you gained from the program in your current work or community life?
Scott: One of the biggest things I took away was the recognition of things that I took for granted – I didn’t really understand what I had. In the Townships (for example) people had very little in terms of material resources, but they took immense pride in the things that they could control—like their personal appearance and how they presented themselves.
That really stuck with me. Even when people have very little control over their circumstances, they still find ways to maintain dignity and pride. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience and perspective.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals considering the program?
Scott: If you have the opportunity—do it. It’s an eye-opening experience, and also amazingly enriching.
You may not feel like you’re making a huge impact in the grand scheme of things, but even small contributions matter. And more importantly, it will change how you see the world. That kind of perspective is something you carry with you long after the program ends.