On January 19, 2024, winners of the Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence gathered at Massey College at the University of Toronto to celebrate. In the congenial setting of Ron Thom’s 1963 masterwork, we raised a glass to the winners of our awards program from 2023.

Special thanks to event sponsors Blackwell and Bulthaup Toronto.

Photos by Harry Choi Photography

See all the 2023 Awards of Excellence winners

Read the Jury Comments: 2023 Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence

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The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) have announced a Call for Submissions for the 2022 National Urban Design Awards.

The National Urban Design Awards program encourages the submission of multidisciplinary projects involving planners, landscape architects, architects, students, and other disciplines. The program recognizes the importance and impact of inter and multidisciplinary teams in enhancing the quality of life in Canadian communities.

There are six different categories of urban design projects: urban design plans, Urban Architecture, Urban Fragments, Civic Design Projects, Community Initiatives, and Student Projects. One award will be bestowed for each category.  The jury has the discretion to change the category in which a project is submitted.

Submission deadlines is 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, December 17, 2021. Comprehensive information on submission requirements is available here.

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The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) has announced the recipients of its Awards of Excellence.

This year, 15 projects received a national award. One project—Rooted in Clay, WY Garden (Winnipeg, MB) by Straub Thurmayr Landscape Architects—was selected for the jury’s Award of Excellence, which is given to one  project annually which best demonstrates the CSLA’s vision of advancing the art, science and practice of landscape architecture.

These award-winning projects are preeminent examples of Canadian landscape architecture. They illustrate the range of what landscape architects do and how landscape architects are helping to reshape our communities by defining the places where we  live, work and play.

According to the jury, “This year’s awards demonstrate that project excellence doesn’t always have to come from big bucks and  be of huge scale to make an  impact. Projects such as the Jury’s Award of Excellence, Rooted in Clay, or the outdoor play  space of Winnipeg’s Casa  Montessori, or the simplicity of  the wayfinding tools of Escales decouvertes (large scale) clearly demonstrate that in many cases, simple approaches can  be extremely effective.“

The  2019  National Award recipients are:

Grange Park Revitalization  (Toronto, ON) by PFS  Studio

Foot of Lonsdale Plaza (North Vancouver, BC) by Hapa Collaborative Landscape

Toronto Ravine Strategy (Toronto, ON) by City of Toronto

The Bentway (Toronto, ON) by PUBLIC WORK office for urban design & landscape architecture

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design­ University of Toronto (Toronto, ON) by PUBLIC WORK office for urban design & landscape architecture

TOcore: Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan (Toronto, ON) by PUBLIC WORK office for urban design & landscape architecture

Toronto Green Streets Technical Guidelines (Toronto, ON) by Schollen &  Company Inc.

Hunting Valley Residence: Classical Stewardship (Chagrin Falls, OH) by Virginia Burt Designs, Inc.

Vibrant Daring Ephemeral Wild – Casa Montessori & Orff School (Winnipeg, MB) by Straub Thurmayr Landscape Architects

High Level Line (Edmonton, AB) by High Level Line Society

Site Development of the Central Islands of the Bonaventure Project (Montreal, QC) by Groupe Rousseau Lefebvre

Escales decouvertes (Montreal, QC) by civiliti +julie margot design with Vlan paysages and LN Paysages

Breakwater Park (Kingston, ON) by Claude Cormier et Associés

and Plan directeur du parc La Fontaine (Montreal, QC) by Ville de Montreal—Service des grands parcs, du Mont-Royal et des sports (VdM)

The awards will be presented at a gala during the CSLA Congress to be held in Vancouver on May 7th,  2019.

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Inspired architecture and innovative structural engineering using wood in a remarkable diversity of building types, sizes and purposes were in the spotlight tonight at the 15th annual 2019 Wood Design Awards in BC, sponsored by Wood WORKS! BC.

More than 400 distinguished architects, structural engineers, developers, project teams together with industry sponsors and guests, gathered this evening to celebrate excellence in contemporary wood design and building. The annual awards event at the Vancouver Convention Centre recognizes innovation and leadership in advancing wood use in design and building while honoring structural and architectural achievement using wood.  There were 103 nominations in 14 categories from many locations in BC as well as the US and Asia, with international projects in China, Korea and Tajikistan.

“Over the last 15 years of the Wood Design Awards, and through involvement in hundreds of projects, Wood WORKS! BC has been privileged to observe remarkable leaps forward in wood building and design in BC. The advances have been truly transformative,” said Lynn Embury-Williams, executive director of Wood WORKS! BC. “We’re seeing much larger, taller and more complex structures and new building types that have been made possible with wood product research and development, advanced engineering and construction practices. The bold visionaries and early adopters in the BC design community have made BC a global leader in wood design and construction.”

“The leading designers and builders with us here this evening are the agents of change needed to meet the challenges of the 21^st century in our urban built environment,” she continued. “They are using wood to enhance speed of construction, reduce costs and deliver improved building performance with a lower carbon impact. Their passion and ingenuity with wood is evident, and every year they amaze us by exploring new frontiers in building and design using wood.”

Jury members for the 2019 Wood Design Awards in BC:

Ethan Martin, PE, Northwest Regional Director – WoodWorks, Portland, OR
Kimberly Johnston, Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP, Principal, Johnston Davidson Architecture + Planning, Vancouver, BC
Angelique Pilon, Director, Urban Innovation Research, UBC Sustainability Initiative, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Trevor Hedstrom, Design Manager, Winton Homes & Cottages, Prince George, BC

The 2019 Wood Champion Award was presented to Shelley Craig, principal at Urban Arts Architecture in Vancouver, BC. Ms. Craig’s many years of dedication to sustainable wood design, her commitment to innovative wood solutions and her ongoing contributions to wood advancement and advocacy make her a stand-out in her field. Her seminal work includes the UBC Engineering Student Centre and the Radium Hot Springs Community Hall and Library.

A champion and leader in wood construction for four decades, Darryl Bowers, principal at Weiler Smith Bowers Structural Engineers in Burnaby, BC is the 2019 Engineer Award winner. Mr. Bowers is recognized for his considerable contributions to the development and advancement of five- and six-storey mid-rise construction. Award-winning projects such as Sail and Remy Richmond are prime examples of Mr. Bowers’ skills and dedication to wood construction.

An eye for detail and a commitment to using wood as a structural and design element is apparent in the varied portfolio of the 2019 Architect Award winner James Tuer, principal of JWT Architecture and Planning on Bowen Island, BC. Mr. Tuer embraces the warmth of wood in his architectural and landscape designs while drawing inspiration from the surroundings, cultural heritage and client’s vision. He has garnered various awards for his residential projects but his work also includes commercial and institutional projects including the Buddhist International Society Retreat.

The Wood Innovation Award recognizes creative and innovative approaches in the use of wood in building design, product design and/or processes. The winner of this category was Patkau Architects, Vancouver, BC for Temple of Light, Kootenay Bay, BC. Calling it an “experience out of wood”, the jury noted the project’s complex, curvilinear geometry, and the diversity and flexibility of using wood.

The Environmental Performance Award winner demonstrates a significant contribution to improving the overall environmental performance of all buildings. The 2019 award went to Stantec Architecture Ltd., Vancouver, BC for the UNBC Wood Innovation Research Laboratory, Prince George, BC. The Passive House-certified building features wood throughout the interior as both structural and cladding material. The jury noted the building is a showcase for using wood in an industrial setting in a highly efficient way.

Winners in the wood design categories include:

• Residential Wood Design: Measured Architecture, Vancouver, BC – Shift House, Vancouver, BC
• Multi-Unit Residential Wood Design: Adera Development Corporation, Vancouver, BC – Virtuoso, Vancouver, BC
• Commercial Wood Design: Asher deGroot, MOTIV Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC – Swallowfield Barn, Langley, BC
• Interior Beauty Design: Unison Architecture Ltd., Vancouver, BC – Ts‘kw’aylaxw Cultural and Community Health Centre, Lillooet, BC
• Institutional Wood Design – Small: Formline Architecture, West Vancouver, BC – Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, Vancouver, BC
• Institutional Wood Design – Large: DIALOG, Vancouver, BC – UBC Campus Energy Centre, Vancouver, BC
• Western Red Cedar: Lubor Trubka Architects, Vancouver, BC – Kwakiutl Wagalus School, Port Hardy, BC
• Prefabricated Structural Wood: Evan Williams, Victoria Truss 2007 Ltd., Cobble Hill, BC – Curved Trusses for Tyron Road, Victoria, BC
• International Wood Design: Jie Lee, Challenge Design Pte. Ltd., Shanghai, China – Chongqing Yuanlu Community Center, Chongqing, China

The Jury’s Choice award was presented to UBC Vancouver for Wander Wood at UBC in Vancouver. The jury gave the project high accolades, observing that it invokes movement, detail and texture.

A long-time BCIT civil and structural engineering faculty member and distinguished leader in wood engineering and construction curriculum development, Thomas Abbuhl was the recipient of the prestigious Technologist Award.

A Special Recognition Award was presented this evening to Surrey fire chief, Len Garis. As a former president of the Fire Chiefs Association of BC and an adjunct professor at the University of the Fraser Valley – Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research, he has been a leader in fire safety research in wood buildings, and an advocate of evidence-based decision making and innovation, which has advanced acceptance of wood in new building types in BC and Canada.

“Wood WORKS! BC congratulates the winners for their extraordinary achievements in wood design and building, as well as the world-class wood product manufacturers whose high quality products make these spectacular buildings possible. By using wood, we are celebrating our heritage, building economic prosperity in our communities and creating sustainable and beautiful environments where people live, work and play,” concluded Ms. Embury-Williams.

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Arata Isozaki, distinguished Japanese architect, city planner and theorist, has been selected as the 2019 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the award that is known internationally as architecture’s highest honour.

Lauded as a visionary amongst his international contemporaries, Isozaki’s forward-thinking approach, deep commitment to the “art of space,” and transnational methodology have been evidenced since the 1960s. The prolific architect has been credited with facilitating dialogue between East and West, reinterpreting global influences within architecture, and supporting the development of younger generations in the field. His precision and dexterity are demonstrated through his mastery of an intercontinental range of building techniques, interpretation of site and context, and intentionality of details.

The 2019 Jury Citation states, in part, “Possessing a profound knowledge of architectural history and theory, and embracing the avant-garde, he never merely replicated the status quo, but his search for meaningful architecture was reflected in his buildings that to this day, defy stylistic categorizations, are constantly evolving, and always fresh in their approach.”

Isozaki’s early successes in architecture transpired during the era following the Allied occupation of Japan, when the country sought to rebuild itself after the ruins of the Second World War. “I wanted to see the world through my own eyes, so I traveled around the globe at least ten times before I turned thirty. I wanted to feel the life of people in different places and visited extensively inside Japan, but also to the Islamic world, villages in the deep mountains of China, South East Asia, and metropolitan cities in the U.S. I was trying to find any opportunities to do so, and through this, I kept questioning, ‘what is architecture?’,” recalls the Laureate.

Not only did he extend efforts to physically reconstruct his native hometown with buildings including Ōita Medical Hall (1959-60) and Annex (1970-1972 Ōita, Japan), and the Ōita Prefectural Library (1962-1966 Ōita, Japan, renamed Ōita Art Plaza in 1996), but also redefined mutual exchange between eastern and western societies, allowing Japanese vision to inform European and American design, particularly in the 1980s.

“Isozaki was one of the first Japanese architects to build outside of Japan during a time when western civilizations traditionally influenced the East, making his architecture—which was distinctively influenced by his global citizenry—truly international,” comments Tom Pritzker, Chairman of Hyatt Foundation. “In a global world, architecture needs that communication.”

His buildings appear geometrically simple, but are infused with theory and purpose. The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (1981-1986 Los Angeles, United States) was the architect’s first international commission. Though controversial and geographically challenging, the red Indian sandstone building was resolved by Isozaki’s eloquent awareness of scale through an assemblage of volumes, while employing the golden ratio and yin yang theory throughout, evoking the complementary nature of western and eastern relationships.

Isozaki’s avant-garde approach is fluid, adjusting in response to the needs and influences of each environment through a concept of interrelated time and form called “ma.” Thoughtful connectivity between global universality and local identity is made apparent through his comprehensive cross-cultural and interdisciplinary solutions that reflect deep sensitivity to specific contextual, environmental and societal needs. Ceramic Park Mino (1996-2002 Gifu, Japan), a ceramics museum situated in a cascading valley, preserves surrounding vegetation while serving as an extension of the topography through outdoor terraces, observation decks and overlooks, detailed with regional stoneware bricks and ceramic. Palau Sant Jordi (1983-1990 Barcelona, Spain), designed for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, is positioned partially below ground to minimize the profile of the 17,000-person facility and instead highlight the surrounding Montjuïc hillside. The domed roof was built referencing Catalan vault techniques, while the sloped forms were inspired by those of Buddhist temples, and local materials including brick, tile, zinc and travertine were used as finishes.

“Isozaki is a pioneer in understanding that the need for architecture is both global and local—that those two forces are part of a single challenge,” says Justice Stephen Breyer, Jury Chair. “For many years, he has been trying to make certain that areas of the world that have long traditions in architecture are not limited to that tradition, but help spread those traditions while simultaneously learning from the rest of the world.”

The Jury also notes the Laureate’s spirit of generosity, as he has, and continues, to promote architects at the onsets of their careers who have since gone on to become distinguished figures within the discipline.

Isozaki’s work has thus far surpassed six decades and over one hundred built works throughout Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia. Other prominent works include the Kitakyushu City Museum of Art (1972-1974 Fukuoka, Japan), Tsukuba Center Building, (1979-1983 Ibaraki, Japan), Art Tower Mito (1986-1990 Ibaraki, Japan), Nara Centennial Hall (1992-1998 Nara, Japan), Pala Alpitour (2002-2006 Torino, Italy), Himalayas Center (2003-2013 Shanghai, China), Allianz Tower (2003-2014 Milan, Italy), Qatar National Convention Center (2004-2011 Doha, Qatar), and Shanghai Symphony Hall (2008-2014 Shanghai, China).

Isozaki is the 46th Laureate of the Pritzker Prize, and the eighth to hail from Japan. The 2019 Pritzker Prize ceremony will take place in France this May, accompanied by a public lecture in Paris.

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The Civic Trust Awards in the UK has presented Diamond Schmitt Architects with a Commendation Award for the National Arts Centre rejuvenation in Ottawa. The international event is the longest-running built environment awards program in Europe, now in its 60th year. This is Diamond Schmitt’s fourth Civic Trust Award.

The project transforms Canada’s premier performing arts centre while honouring the elegance of its concrete brutalism. New interior public gathering space creates transparency and connection with the city. The original geometry is extended on the footprint of former terraces with a palette of Canadian Douglas Fir, Owen Sound Ledgerock, bronze and bespoke glass curtainwall to expose and celebrate the creative activity inside.

The jury said the Civic Trust Award acknowledges projects that offer a positive social, cultural, environmental or economic benefit to their local communities.

“We’re honoured to be recognized once again by the Civic Trust,” said Donald Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects. “The intent of the NAC rejuvenation is to enliven the streetscape, engage the surroundings, and enhance the centre’s visibility and identity while preserving its architectural heritage.”

The renewal enhances acoustics, sightlines and accessibility in the main Southam Hall and animates the street presence of the Fourth Stage, an incubator for theatre and music. New interior spaces frame and enhance views to Parliament Hill, to monuments, and the greenery of the Rideau Canal parkland in the heart of the capital city.

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The Moriyama RAIC International Prize is unique in Canada, and indeed the world, for its emphasis on how great architecture transforms society.

It was launched in 2013 by celebrated architect Raymond Moriyama FRAIC CM, in collaboration with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the RAIC Foundation. The RAIC will soon launch a call for submissions for the third edition of the prize.

The award is unique for its size – $100,000 for a single work of architecture – but above all for its intention. The building must have a transformative impact, demonstrating humanistic values of respect and inclusivity and creating environments for the well-being of all people. (Full criteria and requirements can be found at moriyama.raic.org.)

“This award, hopefully, will be about more than beautiful architecture,” Moriyama explained in 2014. “I want it to recognize qualities of inclusion, equality, true democracy.”

Brian MacKay-Lyons (MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, Halifax) was on the jury for the first Moriyama RAIC International Prize and was a finalist for the second. “The award has succeeded and gained credibility,” he says, “by focusing on strong architectural design. On the 2014 jury, we wanted to make sure that the prize recognized great architecture coupled with social purpose.”

Li Xiaodong of China was the first winner, for a modest library in Beijing’s periphery that had a tremendous impact on tourism and development of its community. The jury praised the elegance of Liyuan Library’s siting, its contemplative spaces, and its environmental design.

The 2017 winner was the Tokyo firm Tezuka Architects, founded by Takaharu and Yui Tezuka, for its Fuji Kindergarten. The project won against submissions from 17 countries across six continents.

The oval-shaped Fuji Kindergarten, with a large rooftop play area built around trees, restores a connection with nature and creates an environment where children can follow their instincts for play and movement. The design encourages calmness and focus in students.

Previous shortlist nominees and winners agree that the Moriyama RAIC International Prize plays an important role.

Takaharu Tezuka reflects: “I think it will take time for the public to understand the meaning of the Moriyama RAIC International Prize, but someday it will be very important in the world. The criteria are very genuine and unique. This prize will help us to understand the true meaning of architecture.”

Katherine Faulkner is a partner in the Boston-based architecture and urban design firm NADAAA, shortlisted in 2017 for the Melbourne School of Design (in collaboration with John Wardle Architects).

She was impressed by the Fuji Kindergarten and its contribution to society, “demonstrating that architecture can inspire happiness,” as well as by the fact that jurors travel to every finalist project, no matter how far away: “One of the many lessons of the Moriyama RAIC International Prize was the reminder that excellence in architecture can only be appreciated upon visiting a building.”

“I can think of few other awards so committed to recognizing merit in our global profession,” says Faulkner. “In this time of hyper-media saturation, it’s worth emphasizing the power of experience and an architect’s obligation to the greater good.”

The 2019 Moriyama RAIC International Prize Gala will be held in October in Toronto. We welcome you to review our sponsorship opportunities at moriyama.raic.org and hope we can count on your support.

Le Prix international Moriyama IRAC est unique au Canada, et en fait dans le monde entier, car il insiste sur la façon dont la grande architecture transforme la société.

Il a été lancé en 2013 par l’architecte de renom Raymond Moriyama, FRAIC, CM, en collaboration avec l’Institut royal d’architecture du Canada (IRAC) et la Fondation de l’IRAC. L’IRAC lancera bientôt l’appel de candidatures pour sa troisième édition.

Le prix se distingue par son ampleur – 100 000 $ pour une réalisation architecturale – mais surtout par sa finalité. Le bâtiment doit avoir un impact transformateur, illustrer les valeurs humanistes de respect et d’inclusion et créer des milieux qui assurent le bien-être de tous. (Les critères et les exigences du prix sont affichés à moriyama.raic.org.)

« Ce prix, je l’espère, ira au-delà de la beauté architecturale », disait Moriyama en 2014. « Je veux qu’il reconnaisse les qualités d’inclusion, d’égalité et de réelle démocratie. »

Brian MacKay-Lyons (MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, Halifax) a fait partie du jury de la première édition du Prix international Moriyama IRAC et a compté parmi les finalistes de la deuxième édition. « Le prix a remporté un vif succès et a gagné en crédibilité en insistant sur la force du design architectural », souligne-t-il. « Le jury de 2014 voulait s’assurer de décerner le prix à un projet d’une architecture remarquable associée à un but social. »

Li Xiaodong, de la Chine, a été le premier lauréat, pour une modeste bibliothèque en banlieue de Beijing qui a eu un énorme impact sur le tourisme et le développement de sa collectivité. Le jury a loué l’élégance de l’emplacement de la bibliothèque Liyuan, ses espaces contemplatifs et son design de l’environnement.

En 2017, le prix a été décerné à la firme tokyoïte Tezuka Architects fondée par Takaharu et Yui Tezuka, pour l’école maternelle Fuji. Le projet s’est démarqué parmi les candidatures provenant de 17 pays sur six continents. 

L’école de forme ovale comporte une grande aire de jeu en toiture, construite autour des arbres existants. Elle rétablit un lien avec la nature et crée un milieu dans lequel les enfants peuvent suivre leurs instincts pour jouer et bouger. Le design favorise également le calme et la concentration chez les élèves.

Les lauréats et les finalistes des éditions antérieures s’entendent pour dire que le Prix international Moriyama IRAC joue un rôle important, ce que confirme Takaharu Tezuka : « Je crois qu’il faudra un certain temps avant que le public comprenne le sens profond du Prix international Moriyama IRAC, mais un jour viendra où ce prix sera très important dans le monde. Les critères sont vraiment originaux et particuliers. Le prix nous aidera à comprendre le vrai sens de l’architecture. »

Katherine Faulkner est quant à elle une associée du cabinet d’architecture et de design urbain de Boston, NADAAA, finaliste en 2017 pour l’École de design de Melbourne (en collaboration avec John Wardle Architects).

Elle s’est dite impressionnée par l’école maternelle Fuji et sa contribution à la société. « Ce projet démontre que l’architecture peut inspirer le bonheur », at-elle dit. Par ailleurs, elle se réjouit du fait que les jurés visitent tous les projets finalistes, peu importe où ils sont situés dans le monde. « Le Prix international Moriyama IRAC nous enseigne, parmi ses nombreuses leçons, qu’on ne peut apprécier l’excellence en architecture qu’en visitant un bâtiment. »

« Je ne connais pas d’autre prix aussi déterminé à reconnaître le mérite dans notre profession à l’échelle mondiale », conclut-elle. « En cette époque de saturation médiatique, il vaut la peine d’insister sur le pouvoir de l’expérience et sur l’obligation des architectes par rapport au plus grand bien de tous. »

Le gala du Prix international Moriyama IRAC 2019 aura lieu en octobre, à Toronto. Nous vous invitons à examiner les possibilités de commandites sur le site moriyama.raic.org et nous espérons  pouvoir compter sur votre appui.

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The Canada Council for the Arts is now accepting submissions for the Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture, as well as the J.B.C. Watkins Award. Entries for both architecture awards will remain open until March 1.

The Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture is awarded to a young practitioner of architecture or an architectural firm that has completed their first built works and has demonstrated exceptional artistic potential. The Prix de Rome offers $50,000 for the work program, travel and public presentation.

Inspired by the Prix de Rome in architecture, which was created in the 18th century and helped young architects train in Italy, the Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture was established in Canada in 1987 in pursuit of a vision of a more outward-looking vision towards the world.

Alongside the marquee Prix de Rome, the Canada Council is also now accepting submissions for the J.B.C. Watkins Award. The annual $5,000 award is offered to a Canadian professional architect wishing to pursue postgraduate studies outside Canada, ideally in Denmark, Norway, Sweden or Iceland.

In addition to the above awards, the Canada Council also offers the biannual Ronald J. Thom Award for Early Design Achievement, with entries for the next award closing in March of 2020. The professional Prix de Rome in Architecture is also complemented by an award for emerging practitioners. Entries for the $34,000 Prix de Rome in Architecture for Emerging Practitioners will open again this fall.

More information about the Canada Council’s Professional Prix de Rome is available here. Submissions for the J.B.C. Watkins Award: Architecture, can also be found at this link.

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As the national association advocating for the interior design profession in Canada, the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) has established an awards program to promote the value of interior design across the country. IDC’s Value of Design Awards (VODA) shine a spotlight on Canadian interior designers by providing a forum to showcase the benefits of design thinking: an empathetic, inventive and iterative process focused on the human experience within interior spaces.

The Value of Design Awards take into consideration the design process including framing (and re-framing) of the design challenge, the research used to identify deep-seated human needs and business drivers, the inspiration for the resultant design direction, and the steps for implementation towards a realized solution. To be recognized the solution must address a business and/or human challenge and demonstrate how the design provides a benefit to the client’s organization or to the people experiencing the designed space.

PURPOSE

• To demonstrate the value inherent in design for the client
• To illustrate the positive impact of design on the users of the spaces
• To collect and publish evidence-based case studies to support the above two goals
• To provide a national platform for Canadian interior design projects within Canada and around the
  world

SUBMISSIONS

• Submitted projects must have one or more IDC member(s) as the lead designer(s)
• All categories are open to IDC Members
• IDC Student members may only enter Innovation in Design Thinking category. Winners will be selected
  by an independent panel of judges

Each submission will include:

• Brief on the project including the original client brief (if possible); approach to understanding human
  reframing; and how the resultant design was inspired by the design thinking process.
• Client statement(s) and/or evidence following the completion of the strategic initiative or completed
  project that demonstrates the value of the design thinking process (quantitative or qualitative).
• Minimum of four (4) to a maximum of (6) high-resolution photos/images/schematic models.

VODA seeks to demonstrate the positive human and business impact of design thinking for the people and companies who hire a professional interior designer.

More information about the IDC’s VODA program is available here.

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The $100,000 RAIC International Prize for transformative architecture is inviting submissions for its third edition, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is pleased to announce. This unique international award, formerly known as the Moriyama RAIC International Prize, recognizes the power of great architecture to transform society. In keeping with a focus on the social relevance of architecture, jurors will visit all finalist projects to see the buildings in use and appreciate their impact on society and human well-being.

The RAIC is accepting entries from architects anywhere in the world, of any nationality, until April 26, 2019. The buildings should be “inspired as well as inspiring” and reflect humanistic values of equality, respect, and inclusiveness. Projects should have been completed and in use for at least two years.

The two previous winners, in 2014 and 2017, were a library near Beijing and a kindergarten in Tokyo, Japan. The most recent competition garnered submissions from 17 countries across six continents, and organizers hope for entries from even more countries.

The library by Li Xiaodong of China, who received the 2014 prize, provides a hub for the local community and has stimulated economic development. The construction budget for the modest 175-square-metre library was CAD$185,000. Jurors praised the elegance of Liyuan Library’s sitting, its contemplative spaces, and its environmental design.

The 2017 winner was the Tokyo firm Tezuka Architects, founded by Takaharu and Yui Tezuka, for its Fuji Kindergarten. The oval-shaped school, with a large rooftop play area built around trees, restores a connection with nature and creates an environment where children can follow their instincts for play and movement.

The RAIC, the RAIC Foundation and distinguished Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama created the prize in 2013. Their goal was to share Canadian architectural values with an international audience and to celebrate architecture that is socially transformative.

The prize includes a monetary award of CAD $100,000 and a handcrafted sculpture designed by Canadian designer Wei Yew. Each edition of the prize features a new piece by Wei Yew based on a unique interpretation of the Canadian landscape.

In addition to the main Prize, three students from a Canadian university architecture program will each receive scholarships of CAD $5,000. They will be chosen on the basis of a written essay.

More information about RAIC International Prize is available via the RAIC website, linked here.

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The Phyllis Lambert Prize is a biennial award presented by the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (SSAC) to a PhD candidate or recent graduate with the best doctoral dissertation on the subject of the built environment (architecture, architectural history, theory, critic or conservation) in Canada.

The Prize consists of a certificate of recognition and a $1,500 scholarship and will be awarded during a special ceremony included in the program of the Society’s annual conference. The recipient will be invited to present a public lecture related to the subject of the dissertation at the conference; travel and accommodations costs will be covered by the Society, up to $1,500.

The prize honours Phyllis Lambert, architect and tutelary figure of architectural history and conservation, and founder of the Canadian Centre for Architecture, an internationally renowned institution with the goal of increasing public awareness and scholarly research of the role played by architecture in contemporary society. The institution collects, archives, documents, supports research, fosters and broadcasts knowledge.

The SSAC is soliciting submissions of doctoral theses completed within the past two years (2016 or 2017) and a letter of support from the supervisor of the dissertation of doctoral candidates and recent graduates studying either within or outside of Canada.

The winner will be selected through a blind, jury review process undertaken by a national panel of experts appointed by the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada’s Vice-President of Awards.

Manuscripts and letters of support must be sent by March 15, 2019 to the following address:

Société pour l’étude de l’architecture au Canada / Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada
Prix Phyllis-Lambert / Phyllis Lambert Prize
Dr. Daniel Millette
SÉAC Vice-Président (Prix) / SSAC Vice-President of Awards

More information about the Phyllis Lambert Prize is available via the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (SSAC) website, at this link.

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In December, our 51st annual Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence once again celebrated the country’s best new architecture, recognizing leading design from across Canada. The city of Montreal — and the province of Quebec — were once again well-represented at the 51st awards. This week, our editor Elsa Lam invited to discuss Montreal’s best new architectural highlights on Breakfast Television Montreal in an engaging segment that aired on February 4.

Lam joined the Breakfast Television Montreal crew to discuss the three Montreal projects that were highlighted in the Awards of Excellence; the new paddock for  F1 Grand Prix du Canada by Les Architectes FABG (Award of Excellence), the “Aménagement du musée et du dôme de la basilique de l’oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mount-Royal” by Atelier TAG and Architecture49 in consortium (Award of Merit), and the new  Insectarium de Montréal by Kuehn Malvezzi, Pelletier de Fontenay, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte with Atelier le Balto (Award of Merit).

Lam was also joined by Architecture49’s Principal Senior Architect James Bridger and  Les Architectes FABG’s Associate Éric Gauthier. The trio discussed the award-winning projects, as well as the evolving design culture of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada.

The 2018 Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence showcased three Montreal projects.
Full interview: https://t.co/ZhXzglSxni

— Breakfast Television & CityNews Montreal (@BTCityNewsMTL) February 4, 2019

You can view the full Breakfast Television Montreal segment above, or via this link. All 13 winning projects from our 51st annual Awards of Excellence are all featured in our December 2018 edition, which can be found at this link. Additional information about the Awards of Excellence program is also available here.

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Entries for the 2019 North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) Awards program are now being accepted through January 31, 2019. Architects and contractors are encouraged to submit unique and innovative projects that feature a significant amount of architectural copper and show their mastery of the metal.

Architectural copper has been used for centuries for its durability and aesthetics. The Copper Development Association (CDA) and the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association (CCBDA) established the NACIA awards program in 2008 to highlight these characteristics among others including copper’s versatility, longevity and sustainability.

In order to be eligible, projects must be located in the United States or Canada and completed within the past three years. Previous NACIA winners include government buildings, museums, educational facilities, religious structures and private residences. For a complete list, visit the awards section on copper.org.

Submissions are judged and evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on overall building design, integration of copper, craft of copper installation and excellence in innovation or renovation. Winners will receive a copper plaque featuring their award-winning project. Additionally, projects will be featured on CDA’s website and promoted in various publications.

More information about the 2019 North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) Awards program is available via the official NACIA website, linked here. The deadline for submissions to the 2019 North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) Awards program is January 31, 2019.

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The Canada Council for the Arts is now accepting submissions for the Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture, as well as the J.B.C. Watkins Award. Entries for both architecture awards will remain open until March 1.

The Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture is awarded to a young practitioner of architecture or an architectural firm that has completed their first built works and has demonstrated exceptional artistic potential. The Prix de Rome offers $50,000 for the work program, travel and public presentation.

Inspired by the Prix de Rome in architecture, which was created in the 18th century and helped young architects train in Italy, the Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture was established in Canada in 1987 in pursuit of a vision of a more outward-looking vision towards the world.

Alongside the marquee Prix de Rome, the Canada Council is also now accepting submissions for the J.B.C. Watkins Award. The annual $5,000 award is offered to a Canadian professional architect wishing to pursue postgraduate studies outside Canada, ideally in Denmark, Norway, Sweden or Iceland.

In addition to the above awards, the Canada Council also offers the biannual Ronald J. Thom Award for Early Design Achievement, with entries for the next award closing in March of 2020. The professional Prix de Rome in Architecture is also complemented by an award for emerging practitioners. Entries for the $34,000 Prix de Rome in Architecture for Emerging Practitioners will open again this fall.

More information about the Canada Council’s Professional Prix de Rome is available here. Submissions for the J.B.C. Watkins Award: Architecture, can also be found at this link.

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The LIT Design Awards was created to recognize the efforts of talented international lighting product designers and lighting implementers. The organizers believe that lighting is an art and a science, and it is one of the most important elements of design. LIT was envisioned to celebrate the creativity and innovation in the fields of lighting products and application. The deadline to apply for this year’s LIT Design Awards is January 31.

“Light in Theory” (LIT) was derived from the theory of light on an abstract, more encompassing level. Without this electromagnetic spectrum of waves that brings colour and illumination to the world, we would not have lighting products or implementation of those products. Thus, we draw attention to lighting, designers, and the theory of light that keeps our homes and communities lit.

LIT is open to submissions on a global level, accepting entries from lighting manufacturers, designers and practices from all around the world. Selected by our esteemed jury of designers and leaders in the lighting, interior design and architectural fields, the 2nd annual winners will receive the LIT trophy, extensive publicity showcasing their designs and products to an international audience, and more.

Farmani Group assembled The LIT Design Awards to bring attention to achievements in lighting product design and to promote the winning designers and implementers to the prominent audience worldwide. Farmani Group, established in 1985, is the organizer of International Design Awards (IDA), Prix de la Photographie in Paris, London International Creative Awards, and The Lucie Awards for Photography, which has emerged as one of the world’s most prestigious annual photography awards.

The selected 2018 student and professional winners will be featured in the 2nd Annual LIT Awards Lighting Exhibition in the Spring of 2019 and will be honoured at a cocktail event hosted in partnership with L+D Magazine at the next LEDforum in São Paulo, Brazil.

More information about the LIT Design Awards is available here.

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The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is now accepting nominations for the following Service Awards — G. Randy Roberts Service Award and the Honour Roll.

G. Randy Robert Service Award

The G. Randy Robert Service Award recognizes an OAA member for extraordinary service to the membership and the Honour Roll recognizes prominent members of the architectural profession who are now deceased.

The qualities or actions which may be recognized by the award include:

• Responsiveness to and communication with OAA members on behalf of the OAA
• Grassroots involvement with members
• Care, compassion, integrity, enthusiasm and a sense of humour
• Examples – Society leadership, councillor, committee member, spearheading or engaging in an activity (in or outside of the OAA & Societies) that benefited the members of the profession, such as effective lobbying for the profession, public representation, etc.

Honour Roll

Recognizing prominent members of the architectural profession who are now deceased; a record of achievement is presented to a relative and displayed at the OAA.

The nominee must be an Ontario architect, now deceased, that meets at least one of the following criteria:

the quality of the architect’s work and contribution to Ontario’s architectural heritage must be significant; or
the architect must have had significant influence on professional colleagues through design, education, professional development, community development, publication or other significant activity.

Help the OAA recognize dedicated, talented individuals who demonstrate or have demonstrated exceptional leadership / service to the profession or the community.

More information about the G. Randy Robert Service Award and the 2019 Honour Roll are available via the OAA’s official website, linked here. Entry forms for both service awards are also available via the link.

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