Cliff Feng is an Associate Project Manager with VIU's Facilities department.
As an Associate Project Manager in VIU’s Facilities Management and Development department, Cliff Feng plays a key role in shaping how the campus looks, feels and functions. From capital project delivery to long-term campus planning, his work helps create spaces that are accessible, welcoming and thoughtfully designed. He shares how he got here, what his day-to-day looks like and what keeps him inspired beyond the office.
What brought you to VIU?
I came to VIU in 2018 as a student in the Master of Community Planning program. During the summer between my two years of study, I had the opportunity of joining the accessibility mapping team, where we developed a first-of-its-kind campus accessibility map, which later became VIU’s new official campus map. After graduation, I joined the Universal Access Team led by Dr. Linda Derksen as one of its first members.
What’s your job title and what does a typical day at work look like for you?
I’m currently an Associate Project Manager with the Planning, Design and Delivery unit in the Facilities Management and Development department. A lot of my work involves delivering capital projects and helping with campus planning. I also get to bring my passion for universal access into projects focused on accessibility, wayfinding and signage.
I have the privilege of serving as a technical committee member with both Accessibility Standards Canada and the International Organization for Standardization. It’s been exciting to share VIU’s successes in accessible wayfinding and signage at these levels, and to help shape new standards nationally and internationally.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy biking and road trips in the summer and skiing in the winter. I spend almost every weekend on the mountain during ski season. At home, I’ve recently adopted a four-month-old kitten, so a lot of my spare time is spent with him. I also enjoy the quiet focus of practising calligraphy when I want to slow things down … until my kitten decides it’s time to play with the paper!
What do you like best about living and working on Vancouver Island?
The nature here is absolutely stunning, from the beaches to the forests and mountains. Whether I’m out for a gentle walk or a full-day adventure, there’s always a perfect spot to explore. I knew this was the right place to live when I saw Florida licence plates on the Island Highway this summer.
Living on Vancouver Island is also convenient. It has everything you need without being crowded. This is especially important for someone like me, who comes from a metropolitan area of more than 24 million people and is tired of the congestion.
What is something your coworkers would be surprised to learn about you?
I love maps and I have collected more than 500 paper maps from around the world. Show me any national flag and I can tell you which country it belongs to and point it out on a world map in under three seconds.
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