OAA Council serves as the board of directors for the Ontario Association of Architects. With election season kicking off later this fall, the OAA asked Councillors what made them want to run in the first place.

Kristiana Schuhmann is an Architect, the associate director of campus planning & asset management for the University of Guelph, and a past Vice President of the OAA. She currently holds one of the Province of Ontario seats on Council. 

1. Why did you first decide to run for Council? 

I decided to run for OAA Council in 2019 after volunteering on various committees for five years. I felt I had gained a real understanding of the profession from my fellow volunteers and was ready for the challenge, and responsibility that a Council position would bring. Even though I was just recently licensed (FYI I am still the youngest person on Council!), I had a good understanding of the OAA’s current mandates and future objectives because I had been involved for so long with the Association. 

I did not win the election that year (which was a bit of a dissapointment considering my experience), but I put myself out there again the next year and was successful. I’m currently in my second three-year term. I decided to run for re-election to continue all the productive work that had been undertaken, and because I found a great joy and sense of accomplishment in serving the architectural community. 

2. What do you enjoy or appreciate about the experience? 

I appreciate being a part of a select body of Architects that represent the regulatory arm of the profession. First and foremost, we’re here to protect the public interest and we are reminded of that each time we receive our meeting packages to review or we step into the OAA boardroom. 

I really enjoy meeting both the like-minded and different-thinking people who come together with one shared goal. I learn a lot from actively listening to other people’s perspectives and have gained insight I otherwise would not have gotten had I not acted on this opportunity to join Council. 

This experience has given me tools to help me develop professionally and gain values as a leader, such as commitment, time management, patience, teamwork, and respect. I enjoy that everyone on staff at the OAA is very committed to the architecture profession and it shows every time we arrive at the Headquarters. Beyond the Councillors, there’s a huge support team of dedicated professionals who keep the operation functioning and progressing everyday. I’ve met such great people since volunteering, some of which who have become good friends and mentors to me, which wouldn’t have happened had I not taken a chance.  

3. What would you say to someone thinking about pursuing a nomination for the very first time?  

Get out of the office and volunteer! You don’t need to start when you’re near the end of your career and feel like you have “something to offer.” You have insight, lived experience and energy now, so why not share that now? OAA Council would be of interest to you if you’re interested being a leader in our profession. If you have good ideas, can work collaboratively, and are always asking questions, I think you’ll be a good candidate. If Council seems like its too much of a commitment right now in your life, try starting on a Committee like I did, and get your feet wet. You’ll make great connections and your eyes will be open to a whole new side of architecture. 

This year, there are five seats for Architects and one seat for a Licensed Technologist to join Council and guide the Association in regulating the practice of architecture to protect the public interest. To learn more about running or the general processes, visit the Council Elections page.