Submit Your Indication of Interest by October 25
Volunteers are important to the work of the OAA, with a diversity of voices, opinions, skills, and knowledge critical to the decision-making process. The Association is currently welcoming applications for seven committees with vacancies for the 2025–2027 term:
The Association recognizes the inherent benefit of equity, diversity, and inclusion; it encourages the active participation of members in its volunteer opportunities, and commits to having committees and task groups representative of the profession now and in the future.
Those interested in serving on any of the following Committees are encouraged to complete the Indication of Interest form, and email it with a current CV to the appropriate OAA staff member listed no later than Friday, October 25.
Complaints Committee
The Complaints Committee is seeking licensed OAA members to begin a three-year term in January 2025. This statutory body, established under the Architects Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A. 26, s. 29, considers and investigates complaints made by the public or members of the Association regarding the conduct, competency, or actions of any OAA member or holder of a certificate of practice (CoP) or a temporary licence.
The Complaints Committee assembles as required, with the majority of meetings held via the virtual Zoom platform. For each matter under consideration, the committee is divided into panels. All panel members are expected to review the prepared case documents prior to the meeting and actively participate in deliberations. These deliberations determine if the case is to be dismissed, referred to the Discipline Committee, or receive remedial action, as appropriate. All Complaints Committee matters are strictly confidential. A full day of training is provided each year, and attendance at the training is mandatory.
OAA members interested in joining the Committee are invited to follow the instructions above and submit their application to Marian Pollux in the Office of the Registrar. Several years of experience in a broad range of architectural activities is ideal.
Discipline Committee
The Discipline Committee is a statutory committee constituted in accordance with Section 33 of the Architects Act. Its activities are governed by the Architects Act, Regulation 27, and the Statutory Powers Procedure Act. As set out in the Architects Act, the function of the Discipline Committee is to hear and determine allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence against members of the Association, as well as holders of a certificate of practice (CoP) or temporary licence.
A panel of the Committee serves as the tribunal overseeing hearings and determining whether the member and/or practice is guilty of professional misconduct or demonstrated incompetence. The Tribunal is the impartial judge. It is the responsibility of the profession, through the Association, to discipline members who violate ethical and competency standards.
The Act requires that appointed members of the Discipline Committee possess at least 10 years of post-licensure experience in architectural practice with the OAA. The committee is seeking OAA-licensed members to join in January 2025 for a three-year term. The Committee Tribunal meets as needed and does not hold regular meetings. However, training by outside legal counsel is provided to ensure all are well-informed about hearing procedures.
OAA-licensed members interested in joining the Discipline Committee are invited to follow the instructions above and submit their application to Kristina Lam in the Office of the Registrar.
Experience Requirements Committee
The Experience Requirements Committee (ERC) is a statutory body established under Section 13 of the Architects Act. It reviews architectural experience for those applicants who request a review, or that are referred by the Registrar.
The Committee is empowered to determine whether applicants have met the experience requirements prescribed by the Regulations; these legislated requirements are specific to the standards of skill and knowledge considered necessary for the practice of architecture in Ontario.
OAA members interested in joining the Committee are invited to follow the instructions above and submit their application to Camelia Bostan in the Office of the Registrar.
Interns Committee
The Interns Committee reports to the OAA Council about issues of importance regarding the paths to licensure. It meets at least six times throughout the year for approximately two hours.
Current vacancies are open to OAA-licensed members and Intern Architects, as well as Student Associates, to begin their term in January 2025. Committee members serve three-year terms, except for Student Associates who serve for one year.
Individuals interested in volunteering on the Interns Committee are invited to follow the instructions above and submit their application to Lashmi Ollivierre in the Office of the Registrar.
Practice Resource Committee
The Practice Resource Committee (PRC) is a standing committee that reviews regulatory and business-related issues that impact day-to-day architectural practice. This includes material for Regulatory Notices, Practice Tips, and practice matters with a view to “best practices.” The committee also fulfils the role and responsibility of the Practice Review Committee, which is required to oversee the administration of the OAA’s Practice Consultation Services program in accordance with s. 52 of Regulation 27 under the Architects Act.
The PRC also helps develop practice-related content for the OAA Website and other platforms. Members are encouraged to author content based on their insight and experience (e.g. lessons learned that might be useful to their peers.) First-hand experience in a broad range of architectural practice activities provides the appropriate background for the committee’s work. Six meetings a year are held at OAA Headquarters or virtually, with email correspondence and conference calls occurring throughout the year as necessary.
The PRC has vacancies which become effective January 1, 2025 and interested members are invited to follow the instructions above and submit their application to Mélisa Audet, Manager, Practice Advisory Services.
Policy Advisory Coordination Team
The Policy Advisory Coordination Team (PACT) coordinates the means in which to address specific issues and concerns that are political in nature (i.e. requiring discussion with various levels of governments). It identifies emerging issues in the design/construction industry specifically related to the practice of architecture in Ontario and coordinates the advancement of those issues in order that practices have a fair and transparent condition in which to operate.
PACT coordinates OAA committees' work toward achieving maximum effectiveness through the monitoring of priories and inter-communication. It identifies methods of gathering information about issues, advancing concerns and initiatives to governments and the membership.
The Committee meets six to eight times per year at the OAA Headquarters or virtually. OAA licensed members who would like to be considered for a term on PACT, beginning in January 2025, are invited to follow the instructions above and submit their application to Sara Trotta, Manager of Policy and Government Relations.
Registration Committee
The Registration Committee is a statutory committee constituted under Section 25 of the Architects Act and operates in accordance with Section 20 of the Regulation under the Architects Act. Activities of the Registration Committee are governed by the Architects Act, Regulation 27, and the Statutory Powers Procedure Act.
As set out in the Architects Act, where an applicant requires a hearing by the Registration Committee in accordance with Section 25 of the Architects Act, the committee shall appoint a time for, give notice of, and shall hold the hearing.
A panel of the Committee presides over a registration hearing as an impartial judge, determining whether the applicant meets the requirements and qualifications of the Act and the Regulations and will engage in the practice of architecture with competence and integrity.
The Registration Committee is seeking OAA-licensed members to join in January 2025 for a three-year term. The panel meets as needed and does not hold regular meetings—however, training by outside legal counsel is provided to ensure members are well-informed about the hearing procedures.
OAA-licensed members interested in pursuing membership on the Registration Committee are invited to follow the instructions above and submit their application to Kristina Lam in the Office of the Registrar.