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. 

Thomas Yeung is an Architect in Ontario and New York with projects throughout North America and China; he is the Senior Project Director with Topfar Developments Ltd. For the OAA, he previously served as a Vice President and now chairs the Building Committee and is the Council Liaison for the Northumberland Durham Society of Architects and the Trent Society of Architects. Thomas holds one of the Central Ontario seats on Council. 

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

I was nominated by my former intern Architect. He convinced me that I would fit well into this role. In all honesty, until that point, I did not spend much time to understand how to become a Council member. I have always been very busy practising architecture. However, after I received the notice of nomination, I started looking into the duties of being an OAA Council member and learned more about the Association’s important regulatory role. 

2. What do you enjoy or appreciate about the experience?  
I have gained a much better vision on how a Council member could support the governance of an Institution like the OAA. As well, by changing my various roles affiliated with Council, I have developed a deeper understanding of the infrastructure and how an Architect fits into a better position in architectural practice.

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

Go for it! There is commitment, of course, but it does not require as much time as I originally feared. It is a lot of fun and learning! 

This year, there are five seats for Architects 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.