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. 

Don Ardiel is an Architect, educator, and project manager. He is involved with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board’s (CACB’s) Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects Program (BEFA) and, during his time with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), served as the editor of A Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect (second edition, 2019) and the Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects or CHOP (third edition, 2020). For the OAA, Don chairs the Experience Requirements Committee (ERC) , is the Council liaison for the London Society of Architects (LSA), and holds one of the Western Ontario seats on Council. 

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

When I first started practising, some decades ago, sitting on OAA Council seemed to be a pastime of principals of the large firms. To me, the operation of OAA and regulation of the profession appeared opaque.  

I first ran for Council in 2016 for the simple reason that I wanted to get a first-hand perspective on how the profession is regulated. Sitting on successive Councils in 2020 and 2025, I have learned much and been given opportunities to contribute much.    

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

Participating on Council entitles you a seat in the arena where ideas are debated and decisions made. You are, so to speak, on the inside. I enjoy knowing why. I enjoy understanding how.  

In addition to regular Council business, I have been able to positively shape continuing education and support those experiencing challenges to enter the profession. I enjoy helping others succeed. 

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

While delivering project management workshops to Architects for more than 20 years, I have heard numerous complaints about the regulation of the profession, the OAA, the complaints process, professional liability insurance, and the dwindling influence that Architects have in client decision-making. Sadly, many of these complaints are based on false information and misunderstanding.  

In a recent OAA members poll, 86% of respondents indicates that they understood the mandate of the OAA. However, in responding to further questions, 75% were, in fact, wrong.  

If I were approached by someone who is considering running for Council, I would ask what motivated their interest. If their response is something like, “I want to wind back the clock to a time when Architects were respected,” I would not advise them to run. If, on the other hand, they enjoy working in the profession, enjoy working with progressive people, and can see opportunities in the changing environment, do it! 

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.