Award

by JONATHAN BISSON, firac RAIC President D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 5 DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 38 | NUMBER 4 PUBLISHER Dan Chapman dchapman@canadawide.com 604.473.0316 EDITOR Natalie Bruckner nbruckner@canadawide.com SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Scott Laurie slaurie@canadawide.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robin Brunet Laurie Jones Jessica Kirby Christina Morrissey SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES 604.299.2116 1.800.663.0518 subscriptions@canadawide.com CEO & GROUP PUBLISHER Ryan Benn GROUP VP, PUBLISHING & OPERATIONS Nina Wagner GROUP VP, FINANCE Conroy Ing, cpa, cma VP OF FINANCE Sonia Roxburgh, cpa, cga GROUP VP, EDUCATION & ADMINISTRATION Jane Griffiths VP OF SALES Anna Lee GROUP DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Devin Steinberg DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Tracy McRitchie ACCOUNTING Eileen Gajowski Terri Mason CIRCULATION Kelly Kalirai AD TECHNICIAN Kim McLane MANAGER, HR & ADMINISTRATION Ava Pashmchi EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Hanna Dewar Award magazine is published four times a year by Canada Wide Media Limited. Head of fice: 130, 4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6S7. Phone 604.299.7311, Fax 604.299.9188. Send covers of undeliverable copies to address above. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065475. © 2024. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Award is distributed to architects, interior designers, landscape architects, consulting engineers, specification writers, development companies and major construction companies throughout Western Canada and Ontario. For subscription information call 604.299.2116 or email: subscriptions@ canadawide.com. National Library No. ISSN 1202-5925. Printed in Canada by Mitchell Press. Award magazine welcomes your letters, corporate announcements or company information. The statements, opinions and points of view expressed in articles published in this magazine are those of the authors and publication shall not be deemed to mean that they are necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Canada Wide Media Limited. The acceptance and publication of advertisement of products and services does not indicate endorsement of such products or services. The publishers cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. P E R S P EC T I V E S tepping into the role of chairman of the board is an honour, and a responsibility I embrace with the utmost seriousness. Especially now, as the landscape of our profession shifts, this role has taken on a new urgency. By the end of this mandate, I will have dedicated 30 years to architectural practice and involvement in various professional organizations. Over these years, I have witnessed – and actively contrib- uted to – a profound transformation within our century-old institution. This shift, characterized by growth, adaptation, and a reimagined mission, fills me with a deep optimism. It is with this spirit that I am com- mitted to implementing our 2025-2027 strategic plan – an effort that has been a truly collective endeavour, uniting diverse voices and visions. As an architect, I see our profession at a pivotal moment. The eco- logical challenges we face today are more than just another design consideration – they are a fundamental necessity that demands a rethinking of how we work. Adapting our practices to these new reali- ties is essential. As a community, we have the power to tackle challenges at a national scale while honouring the regional and cultural nuances that shape our work. Our past achievements provide a foundation, but it's our adaptability and creativity that will ensure architecture remains a dynamic and integral part of broader societal conversations. This moment is about more than simply keeping up with change – it's about embracing a bold new direction. With our dedicated team and valued partners, I aim to foster a culture where creativity and diverse excellence drive us forward. As we navigate an era of rapid technologi- cal advancement, this culture will help our community elevate design to new heights, solidifying our role as thought leaders and innovators. A critical part of this journey is making sure our message resonates. To ensure that our voice is heard, we must communicate clearly about the value of our work. Building a compelling value proposition is key to promoting our profession, elevating our brand, and increasing our visibility in the market. We need to engage with a broad range of stake- holders – our members, policymakers, academics, and professional peers. Most importantly, we must connect with the public and our indus- try partners, who trust in our expertise and vision. WE ARE THOUGHT LEADERS I firmly believe that all together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. By fostering a confident design culture, we elevate the architectural commu- nity to cultivate innovation and diversity, enhancing the appreciation of design across all sectors. In embracing our evolving role as thought lead- ers, we contribute not only to the built environment but to broader societal conversations that shape our collective future. Through our creativity and shared vision, we have the power to address today's challenges and to redefine the impact of architecture across Canada. The opportunity before us is immense, and I am eager to see how we will rise to meet it. Thinking differently to shape the future

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