
The UIA Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards 2023 showcase outstanding examples of accessible and inclusive architecture from around the world. As part of the UIA Architecture for All (AFA) work programme, this touring exhibition highlights the architect's responsibility to ensure that accessibility and inclusive design are essential components of architectural design, construction and education. The exhibition promotes good practice in accessible and inclusive urban design and architecture, and has been presented internationally in Portugal, Ireland, Egypt, Philippines, and Hong Kong.
Location: Orca Room
Time: All day

Powered by ARTS.FILM & Le FIFA
Step into a cinematic journey through the worlds of architecture, design, and urban space. Discover how film captures the stories behind the built environment—its creators, its challenges, and its beauty. Visit our booth to explore ARTS.FILM, a curated streaming platform by the International Festival of Films on Art (Le FIFA), showcasing documentaries and films that illuminate the artistry of the spaces we live in.
Location: Beluga Room
Time: All day


Each year CASA-ACÉA puts out a call for submissions from architecture students across Canada. The work is displayed and shared as part of a National Student Work Showcase. This is a platform to curate and highlight the work of students enrolled in CACB accredited schools of architecture throughout Canada.
There are three categories based on the level of education: 1st/2nd year undergraduate, 3rd/4th year undergraduate and masters. The Showcase Committee selects a panel of jury members (academics and practitioners) that evaluate all submissions. Projects are graded based on resolution, representation and relevance. CASA also runs a People's Choice Awards category where the winner is determined by public vote.
This year, in addition to having their posters displayed at the RAIC Conference in Vancouver, the winners will receive a Canadian Architect subscription, a book by the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA), and an one year Enscape license.
Location: Junior Foyer
Time: All day
In partnership with RAIC, Parks Canada presents an inside look at the design competition that is guiding the redevelopment of Banff’s 200‑Block. This session highlights how a national competition format was used to attract leading design teams, foster transparent decision‑making, and balance architectural innovation with Parks Canada’s mandate. Speakers will discuss the competition framework, evaluation process, key design themes, and the unique considerations of planning in a protected heritage setting. Participants will leave with insights applicable to future competitions and complex public‑sector design challenges.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Peter OrtvedPrincipalCS&P Architects
Daniella RubelingField Unit Superintendent - Banff National Park, Parks CanadaBSc., MA.
Melissa SarrasinArchitect and Senior Project Manager, Parks CanadaMAA
Thierry MontpetitGiasemi Project AdvisoryFRAIC OAA (retired) OAQ (retired member)
Connect with fellow students, interns, and architects in their first five years of practice at this relaxed networking event designed to build community and spark new relationships. Share ideas, exchange experiences, and expand your professional network in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
The Emerging Professionals Mix & Mingle is a complimentary event for those in their first 5 years of practice; however, registration is required.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Time: 4:15pm - 5:30pm
Location: Grand Ballroom
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
AIA Canada Reception | Beyond Buildings
Practice, Policy, and the Next Generation of Architects
Join AIA Canada, RAIC members, and colleagues for an evening reception of conversation, food, and wine, held in advance of the RAIC Opening Event and Keynote.
This gathering brings together thought leadership, recognition, and connection within the broader conference setting—creating space to reflect on how architectural practice continues to evolve.
The reception will open with a featured presentation:
Co-Creating Policy, Not Just Buildings: Leadership Insights from the 800 Granville Downtown Core Revitalization
by Perkins&Will
This presentation explores how architectural practice is expanding beyond buildings to shape policy, foster civic collaboration, and drive urban transformation.
Speaker
Aik Ablimit
Senior Architect, Senior Associate
Perkins&Will
Set in Vancouver’s Granville Entertainment District, the project reimagines a full downtown block—demonstrating how design can align cultural, civic, and economic priorities through close partnership with the City.
We will also announce the 2026 AIA Canada Student Design Awards winners, recognizing emerging voices shaping the future of the profession.
A reception will follow, offering an opportunity to connect across organizations and continue the conversation in an informal setting.
Architects, Housing, and the Future of Canada
Canada’s housing crisis is not only a question of supply. It is a defining test of the country’s economic resilience, social cohesion, and long-term sovereignty. This keynote will examine the structural drivers of housing unaffordability, clarify what “affordability” truly means for households and communities, and explore why housing policy decisions made today will shape Canada’s future for generations.
Drawing on national policy analysis and professional insight, the session will challenge architects to reclaim a leadership role in shaping viable, human centred housing solutions. Through a keynote address followed by a moderated panel discussion, participants will consider how architects can move beyond reactive service delivery to become strategic initiators, collaborators, and advocates within housing systems that are currently fragmented and under strain.
Location: Pavillion
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
David LeisPresidentLeis Consulting Corporation
Silvio BaldassarraChair Emeritus, NORRB.Arch, OAA, FRAIC, NORR Chair Emeritus, RAIC Chair RAPP
Johanna HurmeManaging Partner, 5468796 ArchitectureMAA, AAA, OAA, SAA, AIBC, NSAA, FRAIC, LEED AP
Sponsored by:
The Expo Networking Lunch is included with the Premier All Access Pass, Four-Day Conference Con Ed Pass, and Conference Day Pass (May 6). For all other pass types, a separate ticket purchase is required.
Location: Pavillion Foyer
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sponsored by:
Join us for a brand-new addition to the RAIC Conference on Architecture — the Architecture Expo: Industry Showcase. Enjoy back-to-back speed sessions featuring diverse, thought-provoking topics, connect with industry peers, while earning up to four hours of learning hours*.
The Architecture Expo: Industry Showcase is included with all pass types.
Location: Industry Showcase Lounge, Expo Floor
Time: 1:00pm - 5:30pm
Sponsored by:
Architecture and the Ethics of Responsibility: Designing for a Fragile World.
In this keynote, Derakshani will explore how contemporary architecture must respond to the social, environmental, and cultural vulnerabilities that define our era. Drawing on his 43 years of involvement with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture—and on continuous engagement with architects, clients, builders, and master craftsmen across five continents—he will reflect on how thoughtful design can foster resilience, dignity, and hope in diverse and challenged communities. Exemplary projects demonstrate powerful lessons on the ethical foundations of architectural practice and on the transformative role architects can play in strengthening our shared future.
Derakshani about the shared values of architecture and how architects can work in various contexts, geographies and learn from the achievements of others they do not know. He will use few examples from projects in China, Bangladesh, Iran, Egypt, Denmark and USA.
The Convocation Ceremony is included with all pass types.
Location: Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5N6)
Time: 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Farrokh Derakhshani
Sponsored by:
Join us in continuing the RAIC College of Fellows’ long-standing tradition with a Convocation Reception held immediately following the ceremony. This relaxed and celebratory gathering will honour the newly inducted 2026 Fellows and Syllabus graduates, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect and celebrate their achievements with peers and colleagues.
The Convocation Reception is included with all pass types.
Location: Cosentino (1640 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1K2)
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Sponsored by:
Join us for a special keynote lunch featuring internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie, presented through an exclusive recorded lecture prepared for the RAIC Conference.
While Safdie is unable to attend in person, he has created a 30-minute presentation titled Garden Typologies for the Mega City, offering a rare opportunity to engage with his reflections on a remarkable career that has shaped architecture and cities around the world. The lecture explores public space through six of his most significant projects, including Habitat 67, Vancouver Public Library (Library Square), and Marina Bay Sands. Through these works, Safdie shares insights into the ideas, challenges, and ambitions that have informed his design approach across decades of practice.
Following the screening, join a live, in-room dialogue exploring Safdie’s ideas and their relevance to the Canadian context. The conversation will feature incoming RAIC President Johanna Hurme (Winnipeg’s 5468796 Architecture) and Vancouver-based critic, historian, and curator Trevor Boddy. Together, they will reflect on the evolution of architectural practice, the role of architects in shaping cities, and the implications of Safdie’s work for future generations.
The session will be introduced by Trevor Boddy.
Please note: Moshe Safdie will not be present on-site and a live book signing will no longer take place.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Moshe SafdieFounding PartnerCC, FAIA, FRAIC, OAA, SIA
Trevor BoddyAdjunct Professor, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Calgary, Alberta B.A. M.Arch. FRAIC, AIA hon
Johanna HurmeManaging Partner, 5468796 ArchitectureMAA, AAA, OAA, SAA, AIBC, NSAA, FRAIC, LEED AP
Sponsored by:
Join us for the 2026 RAIC Foundation Awards Ceremony, where this year’s grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards will be presented to recipients attending the conference. This inspiring event offers a special opportunity to meet and celebrate the emerging generation of leaders shaping the future of the Canadian architectural profession.
The RAIC Foundation Awards Ceremony is included with all pass types.
Location: Junior D
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sponsored by:
Experience a unique opportunity to explore the offices of leading architectural practices in downtown Vancouver. Attendees and the general public are invited to embark on a self-guided evening across the city, discovering renowned studios, meeting design teams, and gaining insight into their creative spaces and projects.
Check out the Studio Crawl map!
The Studio Crawl is included with all pass types.
Location: AFBC; Diamond Schmitt Architects; FaulknerBrowns; Francl Architecture; hcma architecture + design; HDR; Perkins&Will; Stantec Architecture; Urban Arts
Time: 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Wrap up the Studio Crawl with an evening of socializing, music, food, and fun at the Last Stop event. Join fellow attendees to unwind, connect, and celebrate the close of this lively night in true Vancouver style.
The Last Stop event is included with the Premier All Access Pass. This is a ticketed event; tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Location: Henriquez Partners Architects (598 W Georgia Street)
Time: 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Sponsored by:
The Power of Beauty: Why it matters
Why do we remember buildings, locations and experiences? Even a place visited in our childhood can conjure emotions that make an impact on us through the memories they create. Brooks and Scarpa will explain the creative process that aspires to make a lasting impression out of even a brief encounter.
Beauty is deeply intertwined with human values, social structures, and individual well-being. Its relevance can be seen in the way societies and cultures celebrate, pursue, and define beauty. It impacts almost every aspect of life from art and architecture to daily routines and social norms.
Beauty is the promise of happiness.” Happiness is one of our fundamental human needs and Beauty fulfills that promise. Buildings that we admire are ultimately those which, in a variety of ways, extol the values we think worthwhile. Whether through material innovation , form, colors or service to society, qualities such as friendliness, kindness, subtlety, strength and intelligence are part of what we believe are beautiful. . Our sense of beauty and our understanding of the nature of what is good are intertwined and inseparable.
Brooks and Scarpa's work is deeply rooted in conditions of the everyday, and works with our perception and preconceptions to allow us to see things in new ways. They do this, not by escaping the restrictions of practice, but by looking, questioning and reworking the very process of design and building, rethinking the way things normally get done – with material, form, construction, even financing –– and to subsequently redefine it to cull out it’s latent potentials – making the “ordinary extraordinary.
Lunch with a Fellow is included with the Premier All Access Pass, Four-Day Conference Con Ed Pass, and Conference Day Pass (May 8). For all other pass types, a separate ticket purchase is required.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Angela Brooks
FAIA, LEEDTM Accredited Professional, BD+C, ENV SP
Brooks Scarpa Huber Architects
Lawrence Scarpa
FAIA
Brooks Scarpa Huber Architects
Sponsored by:
Join us for this year’s Archi-Poetry event, where delegates can explore the intersection of poetry and architecture through an immersive and inspiring experience. This special session invites attendees to listen, reflect, and exchange ideas with award winning Red River Métis poet, Gregory Scofield. Also participating in the event will be Nisga'a architect (and poet!) Patrick Stewart. The event is co-hosted by Ted Landrum and Derek Deland.
Location: Junior D
Time: 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Ted Landrum
Archi-Poet
Toronto Metropolitan University
Derek Deland
Principal Design Architect
BSc BArch MRAIC Architect AIBC
Sponsored by:
Join us for the President’s Reception—an hour of lively conversation, drinks, and connection before the Celebration of Excellence: President’s Dinner, one of the Conference’s most anticipated events recognizing the recipients of the RAIC Awards of Excellence. Enjoy this opportunity to unwind and network with colleagues in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The President’s Reception is included with the Premier All Access Pass. For all other pass types, a separate ticket purchase is required. A limited number of tickets will be available.
Location: Pavillion
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join us for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in Canadian architecture. The President’s Dinner honours individuals and teams whose work and commitment exemplify the highest standards of design, innovation, and professional integrity. Enjoy a memorable night of fine dining, conversation, and recognition of those shaping the architectural landscape today.
The President’s Dinner is included with the Premier All Access Pass. For all other pass types, a separate ticket purchase is required. A limited number of tickets will be available.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wrap up the RAIC 2026 Conference with the After/Parti Nightcap, a relaxed late-evening social following the President’s Dinner. Join colleagues and friends to unwind, continue conversations, and enjoy music from a DJ as we toast the close of an inspiring week together. Each ticket includes one complimentary drink, with additional beverages available for purchase. This informal gathering offers an inviting way to stay connected and end the Conference on a high note.
The After/Parti Nightcap is included with the Premier All Access Pass. For all other pass types, a separate ticket purchase is required.
Location: Pavillion Ballroom
Time: 9:00pm - late
Sponsored by:
Our partner, Heidelberg Materials, is hosting a tour on Monday, May 4th. For more details, see here.
Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm