College of Fellows Mission
Established in 1941, the College of Fellows supports the RAIC in its mission to strengthen and advance the architectural profession.
The College formally recognizes members—and occasionally distinguished non-members—who have made exceptional contributions to architecture. Fellowship is one of the highest honours the RAIC bestows, celebrating individuals for their achievements in areas such as research, scholarship, public service, or professional excellence in Canada or abroad.
History of the RAIC College of Fellows
The College of Fellows was established by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Council on January 17, 1941. At that same meeting, the Council selected the titles for the College’s leadership: Chancellor, Dean, and Registrar. The first Convocation and Investiture took place on February 21, 1941, at Toronto’s Arts and Letters Club.
The Ritual of Installation
The ritual was carefully designed by A.J. Hazelgrove and G. McL. Pitts. During the ceremony, each new Fellow received a red watered silk collar with gold braid, from which hung the RAIC medallion. Fellows in good standing were authorized to wear the medallion not only at Convocation but also at other formal RAIC functions.
Detailed elements of the ceremony—including the gowns for the Chancellor, Dean, and Registrar, seating arrangements, and scripted procedures—were all formalized early on.
While the ritual has evolved over time, its core principles remain intact. Changes began in 1948, and in 1951, a significant update allowed “ladies and visitors” to attend the installation ceremony. The first woman was granted Fellowship in 1973.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the ceremony became shorter and more streamlined. Today, detailed printed citations are included in commemorative booklets distributed to new Fellows at Convocation.