The Board of Directors of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has announced that its new executive director will be Ian Chodikoff, FRAIC.
Mr. Chodikoff is a widely respected architect, urban designer, educator and former editor of Canadian Architect magazine. Currently, the director of Fora Strategic Planning, an urban design consultancy in Toronto, Mr. Chodikoff assumes his RAIC duties later this month. The Executive Director Search Team unanimously recommended Mr. Chodikoff to the Board, and the Board has unanimously approved the recommendation. The search drew excellent candidates from across the country and the RAIC thanks them for their keen interest.
“Upon completion of a thorough and exhaustive review one candidate not only met but also exceeded the committee’s expectations for the new RAIC director,” said RAIC President Wayne De Angelis, FRAIC.
Ian Chodikoff holds degrees in architecture and urban design from the University of British Columbia and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design respectively. His professional interests include linking architecture-related opportunities with topics such as public health, social inclusion, economic development, and multiculturalism. Many of these interests have resulted in the funding and management of research projects, publications, exhibitions, and consulting projects for public and private organizations.
“The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is an essential component to the success of the architectural profession in this country,” he says. “It would be an honour for me to lead and manage such an important organization with the goal of advocating for design excellence in the built environment.”
Mr. Chodikoff is a Fellow of the RAIC and has served on advisory boards, competition juries, and design review panels. He has also managed design competitions, conducted feasibility studies and directed funded-research relating to improving the commissioning of architects, the provision of affordable housing, and the impact of urban design guidelines. From 2003 to 2012, he served as editor of Canadian Architect magazine where he managed its editorial content.
Mr. Chodikoff has extensive teaching experience at several universities where he developed a number of lecture courses and seminars. His experience includes writing for several publications, moderating, and lecturing on issues affecting the built environment, in addition to coordinating public workshops and continuing education seminars.
Prior to studying architecture, Mr. Chodikoff received degrees in both political science and public administration. This early foundation continues to influence his approach in managing the wide range of challenges affecting the evolving practice of architecture. Using his vast network of professionals established during his career, Mr. Chodikoff intends to draw upon all of these resources to ensure a dynamic, inclusive, and progressive future for the RAIC.
“The RAIC’s membership is extremely diverse, encompassing a range of individuals who include graduate architects, emerging leaders, internationally acclaimed practitioners, and those who continue to expand the role and definition of architecture in contemporary society,” he says. “Leading the RAIC into the future demands not only an incredible breadth and depth of the architectural profession, but the ability to recognize and empower those who seek to develop their own voice and contribute to responsible, sustainable, and innovative architecture initiated in Canada.”