Adele Weder is an architectural writer, editor, and curator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of King's College, Nova Scotia, and a Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture from the University of British Columbia School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Her academic background instilled in her an appreciation for the nuances of design, the principles of architectural theory, the importance of a critical perspective, and the skills to effectively communicate it to a broad audience.
A correspondent for numerous journals in Canada and abroad, Weder promotes Canadian architecture with in-depth profiles of pioneering architects, critical reviews of iconic buildings, and essays on the cultural and social significance of architecture across the country. Her body of work includes a chapter in the book Canadian Modern Architecture, her biography of architect Ron Thom, and her time as interim editor at Canadian Architect magazine.
Weder's influence extends beyond the written word. She has curated architectural exhibitions and actively participated in panels and conferences, where her expertise has enriched architectural discourse in Canada. Her contributions to the profession through her architectural journalism have been recognized with numerous honors, including the President’s Award for Architectural Journalism (2011) and the RAIC Advocate of Architecture Award (2015). With a commitment to advancing architectural education, Weder has served as an Advisory Board member for the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture since 2018. She lives in Vancouver and Haida Gwaii, British Columbia.
Professor Lesley Lokko, OBE, shines as a beacon of architectural and literary excellence, celebrated globally for her impactful contributions to education and her masterful integration of culture and design. The Order of the British Empire, conferred on her by King Charles III, underscores her dedication to expanding boundaries and advocating for diversity in architectural dialogue and practice. Her role as the curator for the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale highlights a career marked by innovation and global resonance.
An alumna of the Bartlett School of Architecture with a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of London, Lokko exemplifies multifaceted excellence and eclectic brilliance. As Founder of African Futures Institute, Lokko’s contributions are vast and diverse, boasting an extensive portfolio of best-selling novels and innovative professional initiatives. Her esteemed leadership stints at the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Johannesburg and the African Futures Institute are profound attestations of her academic and professional prowess. Lokko has intricately woven design, diversity, and cultural dialogues into a harmonious symphony that enriches architectural education and understanding.
The recent awarding of the prestigious RIBA Royal Gold Medal adds a significant accolade to her illustrious career. This honor recognizes her extraordinary contributions to the field of architecture, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the industry.
Bestowing the RAIC Honorary Fellowship on Lokko transcends mere acknowledgment—it is an ovation to a career that moves beyond borders, echoing the profound essence of diversity and inclusivity. Lokko’s journey is a vivid narrative, epitomizing architecture that is as resonant, intricate, and diverse as the global community it serves. Each stone laid, every word penned, and every insight shared illuminates the world of architecture with a steadfast glow of excellence, creativity, and influence.
Yvonne Hancock was the sole female graduate from the University of Manitoba School of Architecture in 1962. This marked the start of a trailblazing career in which she was frequently the lone female lead among colleagues, clients, and builders.
Over her subsequent five decades of professional practice, Yvonne has developed a depth of experience that places her in the vanguard of the evolution of Class AAA office and commercial design. She has collaborated with design firms of international standing in the United States, Asia and the United Kingdom on some of the largest commercial and cultural developments ever built. As a skilled project architect and team leader with Adamson Associates, Yvonne has had an instrumental role in realizing these challenging and award-winning projects, bridging design intention and construction site. Her interest in innovation in a period of accelerated technological change is reflected in an outstanding technical knowledge of building systems and cladding design.
Perhaps more significantly, Yvonne has left a legacy of mentoring others that has enriched the profession wherever she has worked. An exemplar of steady capable leadership and consummate professionalism, calm reserve and boundless competence, she has consistently shared with younger architectural team members, trade construction workers, and clients. Her diplomacy and quiet humility have become legendary among her colleagues.
Yvonne’s record of distinguished leadership is undeniable. Her long career is, by itself, remarkable. Combined with her exceedingly capable design execution skills and mentoring of others, she has contributed substantively to architectural practice in Canada and abroad.
Claire Weisz’s architectural prowess is anchored in her dedication to enhancing life through design that intertwines innovation with empathy. Founding partner and Principal-in-Charge of WXY in New York, her ethos blends community-centric design with sustainability and societal integrity. An esteemed academic, Claire’s roles span across renowned institutions like Yale, Columbia, and the University of Toronto, highlighting her drive to shape and inspire future architects. Her co-founding of The Design Trust for Public Space manifests her zeal for transforming public realms, cementing design’s pivotal role in societal change.
Boasting accolades such as the Architectural League of New York’s Young Architects Award and AIANY’s Medal of Honor, her oeuvre, including projects like the Palaver Bench she designed for the 2023 Venice exhibition and New York’s functional yet aesthetic Robert R. Douglass Bridge, epitomizes her imaginative brilliance. Her influence extends beyond her studio, with features in esteemed publications like the New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Architectural Record, and affiliations with bodies like the AIA and OPENHouseNY illuminate her comprehensive dedication to the architectural domain.
In Claire, architecture finds a voice rich in context, humanity, and purpose. Esteemed as an educator, revered juror, and community contributor, her engagements with multiple architectural boards highlight her broad commitment to the field. Her indomitable influence, unwavering commitment to urban betterment, and profound academic roles position her prominently as an architectural luminary.