President's Message

Since RAIC was formed 102 years ago - 69, now 70 Presidents have served at its helm.

The very first President, the late A.F. Dunlop, was from Montreal and served for three years. For the next 73 years, 15 Presidents hailed from Montreal– offering more leadership than any other city in Canada for that period.

It was appropriate then that I took office in the city that has seen so many presidents before me. I am pleased though that despite such a rich history – I can point out – I am a first! The first South-Asian albeit the first Indo-Canadian President of the RAIC.

With this first I stand for a new beginning – a rising confidence in the RAIC from coast-to-coast-to-coast and specifically from Montreal and La Belle Province.

As Gropius said “It is a point of fresh departure– not arrival”.  And I think this best summarizes my message.

The RAIC continues to need more membership, more involvement and more leadership. It is we the membership that has the power to make our profession what we want it to be.

“If it is to be, it is up to us – TOGETHER, we can make a difference”.

My goals this year include concentrated efforts to advance recent successes in increasing the membership base through chapter development and other initiatives. Expanding RAIC's policy of "inclusiveness" and encouraging more involvement of diversity to students, interns and women.

Our efforts will be anchored firmly in pursuing:

1. RAIC's 2030 environmental agenda;
2. accelerating the implementation of the new syllabus program;
3. integrating Internationally trained architects through the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects (BEFA) initiatives.
4. exploring the possibility of establishing a significant International award through the Foundation to increase Canada’s global presence in architecture

We’ll take a page from the success of the AIA and a few other associations, and recruit a few high profile politicians and other influential social leaders to be "champions of architecture" and foster more involvement at all levels of government.

Becoming RAIC president is the capstone of my long volunteer service and words fall short of expressing my gratitude to the numerous professional colleagues, Board members and the staff of RAIC who have assisted to make this possible.

RAIC is poised to spread the word that architecture matters....and we will make sure that in these times society sees the benefit of the architect behind the building. And that as a profession we showcase both in Canada and abroad, the excellence that ensures our cities include delight and endurance.

Ranjit (Randy) K. Dhar, FRAIC
President