Elected by the OAA membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), an Honorary Member is a person who has given valuable and distinguished service to the architectural profession or has scrupulously upheld the objects of the Association.

OAA members can suggest an individual for Council’s nomination, providing their name, the reasons for your nomination, and as much background material as possible (see below). Submissions must be received by February 16 for consideration by Council at its March 7 meeting.

To see a complete list of Honorary Members, click here.

Provided for by Section 28 of Regulation 27 under the Architects Act, Honorary Membership is one of the highest honours the OAA can bestow on a person outside the architecture profession (or an individual who was previously licensed). They are a “class of persons whose interests are related to those of the Association [and have] rendered to the architectural profession signal or valuable service or who have scrupulously upheld the objects of the Association[.]”

An Honorary Member is entitled to receive general information issued by the Association and to attend the AGM, but is not entitled to vote at such meetings. If the Honorary Member was previously the holder of a licence, they may use the title “architect (retired).” An Honorary Member is also eligible to serve on non-statutory committees and task groups.

Required Materials for Submission

A nomination package should be sent to the OAA’s Tina Carfa for dissemination among Council. This package must include:

- a letter to Council requesting consideration of an individual for nomination that describes the contribution to the profession which is the basis for the nomination;

- four additional letters of support from members of the profession; and

- a draft citation for the individual that would be read during the Annual Meeting of Members.

All suggestions, including those of Councillors, must be received by the February 16 deadline to allows for the material to be included in the in-camera package for the March meeting of Council. This ensures adequate opportunity for individual Councillors to review and consider the suggestions prior to the meeting.

Guidelines for the Nomination

In making a decision with respect to the nomination of an individual for Honorary Membership, Council will take into consideration the following principles:

1. The award is not intended to recognize an individual’s industry or success within that industry. Care should be taken to avoid awarding Honorary Membership in circumstances that may be perceived as self-interest on the part of the profession or the individuals making the suggestion/nomination for personal advancement.

2. Care should be taken to avoid awarding Honorary Membership to individuals whose contribution to the profession has been primarily motivated by self-interest.

3. The honour is not intended to recognize one-time or short-term activities of an individual related to the architectural profession, but rather recognize and honour contribution and commitment to the architectural profession over a long term.

4. The honour is intended for individuals that will truly appreciate being recognized and honoured by the architectural profession in this manner.

5. Councillors should have regard for conflicts of interest when suggestions for nomination are being considered by Council.

6. There is no requirement that any nominations be made in any given year.

A majority vote of those present is required to carry the nomination.

Preparation for Election at the Annual Meeting

The individual who suggested the nomination is contacted and asked to move the motion for election at the upcoming AGM. One of the individuals who supported the suggestion will be asked to second the motion.

Election at the Annual Meeting

The nomination for election is moved and seconded, the citation is read, and the question is called. A vote of four-fifths of the members present at the meeting is required (Regulation 27 subsection 28(3)).