The first week of June marks a significant moment for the North American design community as leading architectural associations bring together industry professionals to celebrate excellence in architecture across Canada and the United States.
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will open the week with the RAIC Conference on Architecture, taking place June 1-4 in Montréal, Quebec. As RAIC’s premiere in-person gathering, conference will convene leaders from across the design and architecture community. With a strong focus on professional development, sustainability and practice support, the four-day event will provide architects with the tools and knowledge to shape a more livable, equitable and sustainable built environment.
As the RAIC Conference on Architecture draws to a close on June 4, the focus will shift to the American Institute of Architects, which will kick off the AIA25 Conference on Architecture & Design in Boston, Massachusetts. AIA25 is a conference where imagination drives solutions and collaboration redefines what’s possible in architecture and design—all anchored by inspiring keynotes, industry-best continuing education, dynamic networking, immersive tours, unforgettable events, and the industry’s largest expo.
At the heart of this important week are the shared values of the RAIC and AIA—a deep commitment to advancing architecture as a force for positive change, grounded in sustainability, equity, and the public good. Architects from both countries will come together to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and reaffirm the profession’s responsibility in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.
“Though ‘American’ is in our name, our mission extends far beyond our borders. As architects and as leaders, our responsibility to the safety and well-being of communities doesn’t end at a line on a map,” said Evelyn Lee, FAIA, 2025 AIA President.
“The challenges we face—whether addressing climate change, housing affordability, or the evolving needs of our communities—are not bound by borders. The architectural profession must work together to champion design excellence and advocate for the policies that will help shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future,” said Jonathan Bisson, FIRAC, President of the RAIC. “This collaboration between RAIC and AIA underscores the power of partnership in advancing the built environment.”
This shared commitment will be highlighted at the RAIC Conference on Architecture two former AIA presidents, Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, and Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, who will be inducted into the RAIC College of Fellows as Honorary Fellows. Meanwhile, at AIA25 in Boston, RAIC President Jonathan Bisson will be recognized with AIA’s Presidential Medal and Honorary Membership, reflecting the close ties between the two organizations.
As architects continue to navigate economic uncertainty, inflation, high interest rates, and shifting industry policies, collaboration and knowledge-sharing have never been more essential. Together, AIA and RAIC are united in their commitment to supporting architects- from emerging professionals to established firms, ensuring the profession remains strong, adaptable, and positioned for long-term success across borders.