Award Categories

Recognizing the contribution of young firms that have been in practice for five years or less and that demonstrate a clear vision, well-articulated goals and proven effective strategies that provide a competitive advantage.

Eligibility

OAA Practice that has been in practice for five years or less.

Award Criteria

Considerations may include such practice-building tools as:

• Unique client services;
  
• Innovative resources for clients;
  
• Savvy use of media and marketing; and
  
• Creative approaches to skill development and professional development.

Recognizing the innovative skills of Ontario architects in creating spaces, buildings and communities that respect and enhance the environment and enrich human activity.

Eligibility

All projects created by members of the OAA, located anywhere in the world, completed since January 1, 2015 and currently in use are eligible. Projects may represent any form of built architecture, including single buildings, groups of buildings, additions, interiors, conversions, restorations and renovations.

Architects, intern architects, owners, users, builders and members of the public are welcome to submit, provided the work was undertaken by a member of the OAA.

If the submitted project’s credit of authorship is:

    An architectural practice – The architectural practice must have an OAA Certificate of Practice, and one of the following must be met:

    a) the work must be done by a  practice located in Ontario; or
    b) the project must be located in Ontario.

    An individual – The individual must be affiliated with the Association, and one of the following must be met:

    a) they must reside in Ontario;or
    b) the project must be located in Ontario.

Note:  Previous Design Excellence Award Finalists are not eligible.

It is the submittor’s responsibility to ensure they have provided the correct credit of authorship conforming to Section 42, subsection 31 and 34 of the Regulations under the Architects Act.  Refer to OAA Regulatory Notice R.5 V.1.0.

The complete requirements/Task List for each Award Category is outlined on the Online submission Website launched in the fall.

 

Recognizing an OAA member for extraordinary service to the membership, for ‘behind-the-scenes’ dedication and action, as well as employing the skills and the energy to get things done.

Eligibility

The nominee must be a member of the OAA (Architect, Licensed Technologist OAA, Intern, Retired, Life, Honorary or Student Associate).

The nominator and seconder must be members of the OAA.

Service Award submissions will not be accepted if made by a member of the OAA Communications Committee, OAA Staff or a member of OAA Council. 

Award Considerations

The qualities or actions recognized by the award include:

• Responsiveness to and communication with OAA members on behalf of the OAA;
  
• Grassroots involvement with members; and
• Care, compassion, integrity, enthusiasm and a sense of humour.

Examples: Society leadership, councillor or committee member, that engaged in an activity (in or outside of the OAA & Societies) that benefited the members of the profession, such as effective lobbying for the profession, public representation, etc.

Requirements

• Letter of Recommendation submitted by nominator & seconded (both must be OAA members)
  
• Citation or CV outlining nominee's accomplishments.
  

The complete requirements/Task List for each Award Category is outlined on the Online submission Website launched in the fall.

Recognizing prominent members of the architectural profession who are now deceased; a record of achievement is presented to a relative and displayed at the OAA.

Eligibility

The nominee must be an Ontario architect, now deceased, who meets at least one of the following criteria:

• The quality of the architect’s work and contribution to Ontario’s architectural heritage is significant; or
  
• The architect had significant influence on professional colleagues through design, education, professional development, community development, publication or other significant activity.
  

Service Award submissions will also not be accepted if made by a member of the OAA Communications Committee, OAA Staff or a member of OAA Council

Requirement

• Letter of Recommendation that includes the criteria under which the architect is being recommended.

The complete requirements/Task List for each Award Category is outlined on the Online submission Website launched in the fall.

Recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the profession, education and/or in the community.

Eligibility

The nominee must be a resident of Ontario. 

Service Award submissions will not be accepted if made by a member of the OAA Communications Committee, OAA Staff or a member of OAA Council.

Requirements

• Letter of Recommendation submitted by nominator & seconded (both must be OAA members).
  
  
• Citation or CV outlining nominee's accomplishments.

The complete requirements/Task List for each Award Category is outlined on the Online submission Website launched in the fall.

Recognizing an architect's career-long commitment to the promotion and achievement of architectural design excellence.

This award celebrates the outstanding contribution of architects whose body of work reflects a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation.

Requirements

• Letter of Recommendation submitted by nominator & seconded (both must be OAA members)
  
• Citation or CV outlining nominee's accomplishments.
  

The complete requirements/Task List for each Award Category is outlined on the Online submission Website launched in the fall.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence in Architecture is presented annually to recognize completed projects constructed in Ontario within the preceding five years. The award winner is selected from among the finalists of the Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence Awards, and is considered by an expert jury to have shown excellence in creativity, context, sustainability, good business, and legacy.

Eligibility

Same as Design Excellence. All Design Excellence submissions that meet the Eligibility criteria are automatically eligible.

Honouring architectural excellence for projects in Ontario that cost no more than $8 million.
 

Eligibility

All submitted projects eligible for the Design Excellence Awards that have a construction cost of no more than $8 million will automatically be considered. If there is not an eligible project within the 10 Design Excellence winners, the next highest-ranking project from the finalists can be awarded.

Recognizing the public's favourite project, selected by online voting from the Design Excellence Winners.

Eligibility

All Design Excellence Winners are automatically eligible.

Awards Process

After the winners of the Design Excellence category have been announced, the public is invited to vote online for their favourite project. The online public voting page will include images/background of each project and will be available on the OAA Website. The project that receives the most votes will be declared the People's Choice Award winner.