Our History
A National Vision for Architecture in Canada
In the early 1900s, Canadian architects began to see the value in forming a national organization to unite professionals across the country. Over the course of a year, key figures like D. Ewart in Ottawa, Edmund Burke in Toronto, and Alcide Chaussé in Montreal met to lay the groundwork for what would become a national institute.
In April 1907, a letter was sent to 500 architects across Canada, inviting them to join a new national organization for a $10 fee. The goal was to strengthen the profession’s dignity, support architects in areas without local associations, and bring unity to the field.
A provisional board, made up of leaders from across the provinces, was formed to guide the process. Legal support came from J.C. Walsh, an MP from Montreal, who helped draft the act needed to formally incorporate the Institute of Architects of Canada.
This proposed act aimed to regulate the use of the title “Architect,” set clear professional standards, and establish a board of examiners. Future members would be tested on subjects like structural design, building health and safety, and architectural history.
The Institute’s membership would include various levels, from students to honorary members based on qualifications defined in its by-laws.
Canada’s First National Architecture Convention
In August 1907, architects from across Canada gathered in Montreal for the first national convention. The goal was to discuss the proposed Act that would officially establish a national architectural organization.
The invitation to the congress carried an inspiring message: “Forward always, banded together for the protection of our fellow citizens and the advancement of our art.”
Edmund Burke, President of the Ontario Association of Architects, highlighted the historic nature of the event—bringing together English- and French-speaking architects and emphasized the importance of strong education and high professional standards.
Incorporation of The Architectural Institute of Canada
On 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. The Bill had a stormy passage through Parliament and was strongly opposed by those who saw in it an attempt to create a closed corporation to the disadvantage of building contractors, engineers, manufacturers and others who wished also to function as architects.
However, after much revision, a Bill was finally approved by a special act of the Dominion Parliament on June 16th, 1908, and incorporated under the name changed to “The Architectural Institute of Canada.”
Becoming Royal
On 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.
The RAIC Seal
Archival information suggests that the current RAIC seal represents Vitruvius, a Roman architect and writer who lived in the first century BC. Vitruvius believed that good architecture should embody three qualities: firmitatis (strength), utilitatis (functionality), and venostasis (beauty). In the image, Vitruvius is being given a bouquet of flowers by an angel.
The RAIC Charter
The RAIC’s official Charter was updated by Parliament in 1912 and again in 1929. These changes formally recognized three types of membership:
- Members
- Fellows
- Honorary Fellows
The Charter also outlined the RAIC’s purpose: to help members share and grow their professional knowledge, especially in areas unique to architecture and to encourage exploration and learning across all aspects of the field.
RAIC Fellowship
In 1929, the RAIC created a special group called “Fellows” to recognize architects who had made outstanding contributions to the profession. Past presidents of provincial associations and those named Fellows before 1913 were invited to become the first members.
After that, nominations became more formal. Candidates had to be over 35, long-time RAIC members, and experienced leaders in the field. They needed to be nominated by one Fellow and supported by two others, with the nomination outlining their professional achievements and impact.
Fellows were meant to serve as an advisory group, offering insight to the RAIC Council and membership.
The Institute also created a category for Honorary Fellows—those retired from practice or recognized for contributions through research, public service, or professional leadership.
During the Great Depression, many Fellows struggled to pay their dues, so the RAIC emphasized the importance of understanding the financial commitment before accepting the honour.