At the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually on May 3, the Association honoured its newest Members of Long Standing—individuals who have reached the milestone of 50 years of membership with the OAA as part of Ontario’s architecture profession. Among recipients this year was John Hackett.


John graduated with honours from the University of Toronto’s School of Architecture in 1967. Two years later, he joined the predecessor firm of Carruthers Shaw and Partners, Architects. After years of dedicated service, he was elevated to the title of principal in 1983, before ultimately retiring from active practice in 2004. Throughout his tenure, he served as principal-in-charge of many educational, recreational, and institutional projects in Ontario, various Canadian provinces, and Bermuda.


In March 2004, John transitioned to Pro-Demnity Insurance Company, which provides mandatory professional liability insurance to Ontario architects. As the Vice President of Practice Risk Management, he shoulders the responsibility of developing and delivering more than 150 loss prevention Risk Education programs specifically designed for Ontario architects. Additionally, he provided valuable assistance to countless individual architects and practices in addressing their unique risk management concerns. His expertise has made him a regular contributor to Pro-Demnity's bulletins and claims avoidance advisories, distributed through its website and The Straight Line.


John is a member of the OAA and a past member of the Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta associations of architects. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, he was awarded the title of Fellow by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2002. Moreover, he has served on the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s (RAIC) Certification Board Committee of Examiners, and the OAA Competition Committee. Notably, John is an honourary life member of the Georgian Bay Association and a founding board member of the Georgian Bay Land Trust.


Beyond his work in architecture, John enjoys travel and quality time at the cottage with Liz (his wife of 54 years), friends, family and his four grandchildren.


To see profiles on other Members of Long Standing, click here.