Professional Consultation Report

Beginning in the fall of 2014, a group of architects began meeting informally to consider the question of the future of the profession of architecture in light of what we perceived to be dramatic shifts in the nature of professional practice and the demands being placed on the design of the built world. Out of these conversations grew a set of values as a framework for a broad public conversation about the potential and power of Architecture as an agent for positive social and environmental change.

From 2018 to 2020, Rise for Architecture crisscrossed the country talking with architects from east to west and north to south about this new vision for Architecture in Canada. The overwhelming response was that the delivery of buildings and community spaces needs to change and the time for that change is now! Rise for Architecture challenged architects to reimagine the practice of architecture and the built world that Canadians inhabit.

Without exception, the vast majority of participants agreed that when looked at through the lenses of People, Place, Prosperity and Potential, the design of the built world has enormous untapped potential to drive positive and necessary social and environmental change.

We asked participants to consider what we could do differently

We asked participants to consider what individual architects, the profession and public policy and decision-makers do differently to achieve the full potential of architecture for the betterment of the Canadian built world.

We heard that change is urgently needed

There was enthusiastic support for a focus on People, Place, Prosperity and Potential as a framework for defining a renewed set of expectations for Canadian architecture and the design of our communities. We heard that change is urgently needed if we are to realize the full potential of architecture as an agent of positive social and environmental change.

We also heard that the very structure of professional practice needs to be reconsidered so that it can be more nimble and responsive to the compelling challenges of our time, achieving social and climate justice, reflecting more diverse, equitable and inclusive communities and the health and well-being of people and the planet. The way that architects are educated, trained, licensed and regulated needs to be rethought so that it can respond to a greatly enlarged definition of what is in the public interest and so it can be more fully served and protected through design leadership.

We heard very plainly that the time for change is NOW, and that the need for change is compelling.

Click here to read the Professional Consultation Report.