The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has announced that it has selected Heather Dubbeldam as the recipient of the 2013 Advocate for Architecture Award. This award aims to recognize an individual who has contributed to the elevation of architecture in the public realm by means other than the practice of architecture. The award is to recognize the long-term commitment to and support for the profession of architecture in Canada, at the national, regional or local level.
Heather Dubbeldam is a Toronto-based architect and an advocate for architecture in the truest sense of the word. Outside of her own full-time award-winning architecture practice, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, Heather dedicates a significant amount of volunteer time to champion the cause of architecture on a local, provincial and national level, both through the organizations that she leads, and in her other volunteer activities. Driven by her passion for the field of architecture and its future, Heather has a genuine interest in generating awareness of the importance of architecture and the work architects do, particularly the younger generation of practitioners, as well as developing a stronger sense of community and collegiality in the profession. Her efforts and volunteerism have had a positive, and in some cases profound impact on countless individuals and organizations within the field of architecture. Her passion and intensity have motivated others to pursue their own role in advocacy for architecture, benefiting the profession as a whole.
Selecting Heather Dubbeldam for this award, the jury stated that her “numerous contributions to architecture and to the community we serve have been revealed in many ways: in the portfolio of a young but award-winning practice, in her continuous participation in the work of a long list educational and professional advisory councils, and perhaps most convincingly in her leadership of advocacy programs that have effectively raised the level of awareness and debate in the local, regional and national contexts. Her sustained commitment to the profession – on every level of engagement – has been outstanding.”
“It’s great to see an architect of this calibre so committed to the greater good. Heather is a fine inspiration to younger architects and to the community at large.”
“Heather’s nomination was impressive on a number of fronts. She is a skilled professional who has taken the time to advocate for architecture broadly, well beyond the bounds of her own private practice. Her engagement with the TSA in particular, which as been both long-term and extensive, has helped to provide a solid institutional base for that organization to build upon. Her work with the Twenty + Change initiative and her involvement mentoring interns has benefited the architectural community as a whole and specifically addressed the work of a younger generation entering the profession. An excellent example for us all.”
Dubbeldam will receive her award during the Presidents’ Dinner & Awards Gala on Friday, June 7, 2013 during the 2013 RAIC-NSAA Festival of Architecture taking place from June 5-8, 2013 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront.