Who We Are
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 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.
Land Acknowledgement
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada acknowledges that we live, learn and benefit on the traditional and unceded territories of many Indigenous Nations across what is now known as Canada. We recognize the enduring presence, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from coast to coast to coast.
As a national organization, we are committed to forging meaningful partnerships, supporting Indigenous-led projects and taking action toward reconciliation in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Strategic Plan 2025 to 2027
The RAIC Strategic Plan is designed to be flexible and adaptive to our dynamic profession while remaining anchored in our core values, including a strong commitment to reconciliation. It represents the collective vision of our board and staff to build a brighter, more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future. This plan is not merely a roadmap; it is a bold vision for the future of our profession, a commitment to excellence, and a promise to advocate for the integral role of architecture in shaping a sustainable and equitable world, while actively supporting reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To build a better world for all by empowering a strong culture of design excellence in Canada.
The RAIC uses its leading voice to advocate, engage and elevate Canada’s design and architectural community, which will cultivate a better environment for people and the planet.
Our Vision
To establish Canada as a global leader in design and architecture.
The RAIC is confident that Canada can ignite, influence and enable significant transformations within the global built environment. Through this growth, we aspire to be the foremost organization associated with design in Canada to extend beneficial resources and contributions to the world at large.
Our Values
Integrity – Being accountable, transparent and acting with high ethical standards in all our work.
Agility – Fostering organizational resilience, proactive collaboration with key partners and continuous knowledge sharing to adapt to emerging designs trends and environmental challenges
Design Excellence – Using creativity and innovation to create a sustainable, resilient, inclusive and diverse architectural profession and built environment.
Social Equity – Creating a just culture that strives for social and spatial equity and prosperity, embraces and respects inclusivity and belonging, fosters diversity, and is accessible to all.
Reconciliation – Building, rebuilding and strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples, reconciliation, and connecting Indigenous designers globally.
Environmental Responsibility – Mitigating impacts of the climate crises on people and communities, as well as the impacts of the built environment on the climate.
Shaping What's Next For Architecture
The RAIC moves the profession forward by engaging in meaningful advocacy, delivering cutting-edge education, and connecting the architects from coast to coast to coast
