The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization dedicated to representing architects and architecture since 1907. The RAIC is the only national voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada focused on providing Canada’s architectural community with the tools, resources, and education to elevate their practice. The RAIC is committed to showcasing how design enhances quality of life, while advocating for important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s purpose is to create a better world for all by empowering Canada’s architectural community. Through our work, the organization envisions a strong architectural community that is valued and empowered to create change. The RAIC’s national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
A strong architectural community that is valued and empowered to create change.
The RAIC’s purpose is to create a better world for all by empowering Canada’s architectural community.
Integrity – Being accountable, transparent, and acting with high ethical standards in all our work.
Climate Action – Counteracting climate change and mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis on people and communities.
Reconciliation – Building, rebuilding and strengthening our relationship with indigenous peoples.
Social Justice – Creating a just culture that strives for social and spatial equity, embraces and respects inclusivity, fosters diversity and is accessible to all.
Innovation – Using creativity and design excellence to create thoughtful change in the architectural profession and the built environment.
In the beginningAt the turn of the 20th century, there was a growing awareness of the need for closer professional ties between provincial groups of architects in Canada. A series of meetings were held over a period of about 12 months between Mr. D. Ewart, Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works in Ottawa; Edmund Burke, President of the Ontario Association of Architects in Toronto; and Alcide Chaussé, President of the Province of Quebec Association of Architects, who decided that the time was opportune for the formation of a national organization.Read MoreThe First ConventionThe provisional board of organization proposed that a congress or convention of Canadian architects be held in Montreal from August 19th to 23rd, 1907, so that the draft of the Act could be discussed in detail.Read MoreIncorporation of The Architectural Institute of CanadaOn Wednesday, November 20th, 1907, the draft of the proposed Bill, or Act to Incorporate the Institute of Architects of Canada was deposited with the Clerk of the House of Commons.Read MoreBecoming RoyalOn May 15, 1909, an alliance with the Royal Institute of British Architects was completed. In a letter from the Governor General dated June 2nd, 1909, Royal assent to the adoption of the prefix “Royal” to its corporate name was granted.Read MoreThe Charter – 1929The RAIC Charter was amended by a special Act of Parliament on April 1st, 1912, and again on June 10th, 1929, and included three classes of members.Read MoreBy-Laws 1929 – FellowsThe RAIC bylaws adopted December 28th, 1929, and subsequently amended in 1932 and 1934 included the establishment of an “original body of Fellows” and the procedures for subsequent nomination and election.Read More
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