Moneca Kaiser, Apprenticeship Award

Owner/Founder and Lead Designer, Moneca Kaiser Design Build
Carpenter, Class of 1996

Moneca Kaiser is receiving the Alumni of Distinction Award from Algonquin College in recognition of her trailblazing innovation, leadership, and excellence in the skilled trades as a proud apprenticeship graduate.

In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions as a pioneer in carpentry, Ms. Kaiser was honored with the prestigious YMCA Women of Distinction Award in 2009.

“It was hard for me to learn carpentry; I wasn’t a natural like most women who go into non-traditional fields. The men at school were good to me, but there was an ingrained sexism at the time that was very challenging for all of us. We were not used to seeing women working on construction sites. I knew from the start that I would need to carve out a place for myself by having my own company.”

An artist at heart, Ms. Kaiser was encouraged by her Tai Chi teacher to work with her hands. She first picked up a hammer while helping to build a retreat house in the Gatineau Hills. The experience sparked her love for the creative process of designing and building homes, leading her to pursue a formal carpentry apprenticeship through Algonquin College.

In 1994, Ms. Kaiser founded Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB), an award-winning, full-service home design and renovation company renowned for its innovative designs, exceptional service, and strong commitment to community and environmental values.

Rooted in Ms. Kaiser’s philosophy of HomEcology, the company’s mission is to demonstrate that care and compassion are the true foundations of our homes, with the goal of inspiring the creation of ideal living spaces for everyone.

In 2020, the company pivoted to focus solely on Wise Home Design, recognizing this as the most effective way to create meaningful, positive change in the industry.

Ms. Kaiser’s apprenticeship at Algonquin College, “was the first time I learned things I could actually use—everything was applied, and I loved it. This created a solid foundation for my philosophy of HomEcology to evolve.”

After more than 25 years of designing and building homes, Ms. Kaiser is now focusing on passing her knowledge to future generations by teaching HomEcology and the principles of Wise Home Design.

When asked to give advice to people regarding their career, Ms. Kaiser said, “I’m so glad I followed my heart and chose work that I love. I discovered that grace paves the way when there is passion—eventually. It was bumpy for a while. The world needs each of our unique gifts, and I trust the road will rise up to meet us when we lead with our heart.”

Today, Ms. Kaiser continues to be a pillar of the community, having served as the founder and chair of the Green Home Building Committee for the Ottawa Carleton Home Builders Association and the Ottawa Committee for Sustainable Community. She is also an educator and curriculum designer at Yestermorrow Design Build School and has contributed to the Ottawa Association for Bright Children and Compass Academy. She also serves as a Mentor with Path Makers and participates as an advisor to the University of Ottawa/Ontario Women’s Directorate regarding the Women Into Non-Traditional Occupations program. Ms. Kaiser now turns her focus to propagating HomEcology and sharing her art and memoirs.