In the progressive struggle to build equality and opportunity into the architectural profession, Camille Mitchell is a standout leader. An architect with the Toronto office of the global design firm Gensler, Camille leverages her achievements in architecture to advocate for the involvement of under-represented groups in the design of their built environments. The Service Award Jury unanimously identified Camille as deserving of the 2022 G. Randy Roberts Service Award.

Camille is a founding member of Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT), and of Black Architects + Interior Designer Association (BAIDA). These independent organizations support the mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities within the architecture profession for women and visible minorities, respectively.

Camille received both her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Waterloo. Now a prominent figure in the academic community, Camille is an advisor to several institutions of higher learning. She sits on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at Ryerson University and contributes to the Advisory Board for the University of Waterloo School of Architecture’s Racial Equity and Environmental Justice program, providing guidance and oversight to the review and new initiatives within the current curriculum. Camille is also a founding supporter of OCAD University’s Black Spark Initiative, a fundraising campaign to support Black artists and designers.

In 2021, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) selected Camille to become an advisor for its Promoting Justice and Equity Committee. She was also nominated to join the Urban land Institute’s Women in Leadership Initiative Championship Team, whose mandate is to advance women in the real estate and construction industry. Additional community engagements include the 2020 Interior Design Show Contract Curatorial Team and an official Ambassador of the DesignTO Festival. Camille’s involvement in these various support groups, organizations, and advisory councils extends far beyond mere membership: she is a driving force within them, helping shape the narrative of the architecture and design industry.

A powerful mentor, advocate, equity-seeker, architect, and ambassador for the profession, Camille exemplifies all the qualities embodied by the G. Randy Roberts Service Award. In the words of co-nominator Betsy Williamson, OAA, of Wiliamson Williamson Architects: “Because of her work, a diverse, equitable profession will have a more powerful voice, and a greater ability to create built environments that are beautiful, functional, and enhance the human experience.” Camille is a tireless positive force in the community and the profession, and her three nominations demonstrate an outpouring of support from her peers and colleagues.

Publish Date : 2022/Jul/18