FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA April 26, 2023 – Gerrie Doyle, an Ottawa-based architect and Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, has been elected Chancellor of the RAIC College of Fellows for a three-year term beginning June 2023.
Doyle will succeed Susan Ruptash, FRAIC, from Toronto, who began her term in 2020. Ruptash, decided not to run for a second term.
"I am humbled but honoured to have been elected as the Chancellor of the College of Fellows. Thank you to my nominators and to all those who supported me in this election, as well as all those who voted. During the election period I heard from members about their concerns, and three main issues were most often raised. Firstly, we need to foster greater engagement with our (more diverse) younger generation - including students, interns, new graduates, and young architects. Secondly, members would like to see greater advocacy on their behalf. I believe the RAIC currently engages in a lot of advocacy, and our members should be made more aware of these initiatives. The third issue is that we need to boost representation in the province of Quebec. I would like to increase the RAIC’s membership there, and build a stronger relationship between Quebec and the RAIC College of Fellows. I look forward to working with everyone over the next three years and helping to realize our collective goals going forward," Doyle concluded.
"As only our second female Chancellor in history, I'd like to sincerely congratulate Gerrie Doyle on her election," said RAIC President Jason Robbins, FRAIC. "I'm looking forward to the value and perspective she will bring to the Board in her role as Chancellor. Comhghairdeas, Gerrie!"
Gerrie offers over 14 years of volunteering experience with both the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). Gerrie has been instrumental in the positive changes within the RAIC through her volunteer work on various committees. While serving in various roles on the OAA Council, she served on over ten OAA committees or task groups.
Gerrie has participated in and/or chaired several RAIC committees as a “member at large”, most notably the Governance Committee and the RAIC Fee Schedule Committee. Previously (from 2007 to 2012) Gerrie served on the OAA Council as VP Practice (2007), Sr. VP/Treasurer (2008) and President for 2 terms (2009 and 2010). Through her volunteer work with the RAIC, Gerrie has been and continues to be an integral change agent and is in full support of the RAIC 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, which incorporates the RAIC’s core values of Integrity, Climate Action, Reconciliation, Social Justice and Innovation.
Many believe that Gerrie’s contribution at the strategic Board level representing the College of Fellows will complement and enhance the work required to see both the College and the RAIC’s mission and vision become the cornerstone of the architectural profession.
About the College of Fellows
The mission of the College of Fellows, founded in 1941, is to strengthen and reinforce efforts of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) in its endeavor to enhance and develop the profession of architecture.
The College of Fellows formally recognizes members and distinguished laypersons who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Fellowship is bestowed upon individuals through a nomination process administered by the College of Fellows and recognizes members for their contribution to research, scholarship, public service, or professional standing to the good of architecture in Canada, or elsewhere.
Fellowship is bestowed for life and is one of the highest honours the Institute can confer upon a member.
About The RAIC
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization dedicated to representing architects and architecture since 1907. The RAIC is the only national voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada focused on providing Canada’s architectural community with the tools, resources, and education to elevate their practice. The RAIC is committed to showcasing how design enhances quality of life, while advocating for important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s purpose is to create a better world for all by empowering Canada’s architectural community. Through our work, the organization envisions a strong architectural community that is valued and empowered to create change. The RAIC’s national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.