Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the nature of work has shifted in Canada. This shift has affected how the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) functions, and how it can best support its members has evolved as priorities have changed and developed. A fresh strategic plan was necessary to guide the organization when considering these changes.
Informed by key stakeholder interviews and formal and informal member and architectural community feedback, the RAIC’s board of directors and staff came together to map out a guiding document to direct the organization for the next three years.
On December 13, an open forum was held for architecture and design professionals to learn further details about the forthcoming plan. During this session, participants heard from RAIC President John Brown and had the opportunity inquire further about the details of the plan.
The complete strategic plan is extensive, but here is a summary of its foundational aspects.
Mission
The RAIC’s Mission is at the core of everything the organization does—from its Awards and Honours program and Continuing Education courses to its events and advocacy work. The RAIC is the national voice for architecture in Canada, and its mission has evolved over the years to reflect the values of its members and how they can be best served.
The RAIC’s fundamental purpose is: “To create a better world for all by empowering Canada’s architectural community.” With this Mission in mind, the RAIC will provide the tools, practice support, educational opportunities, and advocacy needed to advance a built environment that is more livable and sustainable—not only for humans, but for all of the natural world.
Vision
Working in tandem with the organization’s Mission, the Vision helps guide the RAIC’s initiatives, events, and content—investing in ideas today to reach ambitious goals tomorrow.
The RAIC is working towards a Vision of: “A strong architectural community that is valued and empowered to create change.” To achieve this Vision, education, engagement and outreach are vital in demonstrating to Canadians the importance of architecture in everyday life. As the national voice for architecture, the RAIC has an instrumental role to play—benefitting everyone across the country.
Ultimately, the RAIC aims to help Canadians better understand the role of the architectural community and its ability to inspire, impact, and facilitate change in the built environment, particularly with respect to climate action, equity, and justice. The RAIC champions architects as leaders in the built environment, with the capacity to use their knowledge, expertise, and skills to foster meaningful, long-lasting change in their communities.
Values
Key to the success of the RAIC’s Mission and Vision is adhering to a robust and effective set of Core Values. Establishing a clear set of values for a national organization guarantees every program and initiative implemented across Canada is consistent with the priorities articulated by the RAIC’s members. The Core Values identified are:
Integrity: Being accountable, transparent, and acting with high ethical standards in all of the organization’s work, both internally and outward-facing.
Climate Action: Counteracting climate change and mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis on people and communities.
Reconciliation: Building, rebuilding and strengthening our relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Social Justice: Creating a just culture that strives for social and spatial equity, embraces and respects inclusivity, fosters diversity, and is accessible to all.
Innovation: Using creativity and design excellence to create thoughtful change in the architectural profession and the built environment.
Strategic Priorities
To support the RAIC’s mission and vision, a set of Strategic Priorities has been identified. Work in four distinct areas will advance the greater mission of the organization: elevating membership in the organization; targeting advocacy to issues that matter to the architectural community; further building and strengthening the organization; and connecting the architectural community. Focusing the RAIC’s initiatives on these areas will help bring about the greatest positive change in Canada’s built environment.
With a reaffirmed Mission, Vision, and Values in place, the RAIC’s new strategic plan will serve as a springboard to launch the RAIC’s efforts until the end of 2024 in exciting new directions.