In Memoriam: Yves Gosselin, AP/FIRAC
RAIC President 2005–2006· Esteemed Fellow · Voice of Canadian Architecture
It was with profound respect that the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) acknowledges the impactful contributions of Yves Gosselin, AP/FIRAC, who led the Institute as its President during the 2005–2006 term. Gosselin was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Fellows in 2005, served as a Trustee of the RAIC Foundation from 2007 to 2009, was a long-time Professional Advisor for the RAIC’s Honours and Awards Program, served as Registrar of the College from 2011 to 2013, and was Executive Director of the RAIC Foundation from 2016 to 2019. He left an indelible mark on national architectural advocacy, public-sector excellence, and institutional leadership. His passing leaves a legacy of dedication to raising the prominence and voice of architecture in Canada.
The RAIC extends its deepest condolences to Yves Gosselin’s wife, Margaret Boyce, his family, and his many friends and colleagues. We honour their profound loss and share in their grief.
A Leader with National Vision
When Yves Gosselin assumed the presidency in May 2005, he brought to the role deep insight from his distinguished career in public service. Then serving as Director of Architecture and Engineering Resources at Public Works and Government Services Canada, he managed multidisciplinary professionals across architecture, landscape, engineering, and more.
His platform was clear and unapologetic: elevate the RAIC as both a national and regional advocate for architects and architectural excellence. In his words, “Architects can make a difference in society… our voice has to be even stronger.” He emphasized the need for RAIC’s presence not just in private practice but also within government sectors, academia, consulting, and the development industry.
In his first address as President, during the 2005 Festival of Architecture in Edmonton, Gosselin painted a vision of regional empowerment. He proposed working in partnership with provincial associations to bolster continuing education, professional development, and advocacy capacity, particularly in less populated jurisdictions.
Advancing Architectural Policy and Public Dialogue
Guided by his conviction that architecture matters, Gosselin led the RAIC’s efforts to drive institutional policy and public discourse. In October 2005, the Institute released “Quality architecture and urban design: a blueprint for Canada,” a consultation paper proposing a model architecture and urban design.
By 2007, Gosselin noted modest uptake—some universities, including Brock and the University of Ottawa, had adopted versions of the template, and the City of Ottawa initiated a draft municipal policy. He reiterated that RAIC's advocacy centered “not on designing pretty buildings” but on sustainability, cultural heritage, best practices, and elevating design across public projects.
His tenure reinforced that excellence in architecture extends beyond aesthetics—it’s about shaping public institutions, urban form, and the lived environment of Canadians. He laid groundwork for what continues to be a core RAIC mission: influencing municipal and institutional building policies for the public good.
Architect of Collaboration and Global Engagement
Under Gosselin’s leadership, RAIC strengthened its collaborative spirit both domestically and internationally. He oversaw outreach efforts connecting architects, government, educators, and industry, lifting the Institute's voice in multiple sectors.
Notably, RAIC under his guidance joined a global coalition of architectural associations pledging to reduce carbon emissions, advancing sustainable architecture on the world stage. His public-sector experience, particularly with Crown projects like the Parliamentary Precinct, was instrumental in building credibility and cross-sector dialogue.
Legacy: Professional Voice, Public Impact
Yves Gosselin’s presidency left enduring impacts:
Reflections from the Profession
Peers remember Gosselin as pragmatic, resolute, and visionary—a leader unafraid to confront complex challenges. He believed architecture could drive societal change, and he worked relentlessly to embed that ethos in RAIC’s operations and external engagement.
Members recall a president who insisted the Institute must be assertive, organized, and strategic. During his term, he ensured RAIC didn’t just observe, but shaped policies and policies shaping tools for architectural practice in Canada.
RAIC’s Enduring Obituary
Today, RAIC acknowledges Yves Gosselin not only as a former President but as a trailblazer who advanced the profession’s national interests. For those who follow, his commitments—especially in advocacy, architectural policy frameworks, and public-sector influence—remain guiding beacons.
Though his term concluded nearly two decades ago, the structures of influence and civic engagement he institutionalized endure. RAIC’s current programs on climate, community design, policy, and education are built upon the foundations Gosselin laid.
A Call to Honour His Memory
As we reflect on Yves Gosselin’s legacy, RAIC members and the architecture community are encouraged to:
RAIC President 2005–2006· Esteemed Fellow · Voice of Canadian Architecture
It was with profound respect that the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) acknowledges the impactful contributions of Yves Gosselin, AP/FIRAC, who led the Institute as its President during the 2005–2006 term. Gosselin was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Fellows in 2005, served as a Trustee of the RAIC Foundation from 2007 to 2009, was a long-time Professional Advisor for the RAIC’s Honours and Awards Program, served as Registrar of the College from 2011 to 2013, and was Executive Director of the RAIC Foundation from 2016 to 2019. He left an indelible mark on national architectural advocacy, public-sector excellence, and institutional leadership. His passing leaves a legacy of dedication to raising the prominence and voice of architecture in Canada.
The RAIC extends its deepest condolences to Yves Gosselin’s wife, Margaret Boyce, his family, and his many friends and colleagues. We honour their profound loss and share in their grief.
A Leader with National Vision
When Yves Gosselin assumed the presidency in May 2005, he brought to the role deep insight from his distinguished career in public service. Then serving as Director of Architecture and Engineering Resources at Public Works and Government Services Canada, he managed multidisciplinary professionals across architecture, landscape, engineering, and more.
His platform was clear and unapologetic: elevate the RAIC as both a national and regional advocate for architects and architectural excellence. In his words, “Architects can make a difference in society… our voice has to be even stronger.” He emphasized the need for RAIC’s presence not just in private practice but also within government sectors, academia, consulting, and the development industry.
In his first address as President, during the 2005 Festival of Architecture in Edmonton, Gosselin painted a vision of regional empowerment. He proposed working in partnership with provincial associations to bolster continuing education, professional development, and advocacy capacity, particularly in less populated jurisdictions.
Advancing Architectural Policy and Public Dialogue
Guided by his conviction that architecture matters, Gosselin led the RAIC’s efforts to drive institutional policy and public discourse. In October 2005, the Institute released “Quality architecture and urban design: a blueprint for Canada,” a consultation paper proposing a model architecture and urban design.
By 2007, Gosselin noted modest uptake—some universities, including Brock and the University of Ottawa, had adopted versions of the template, and the City of Ottawa initiated a draft municipal policy. He reiterated that RAIC's advocacy centered “not on designing pretty buildings” but on sustainability, cultural heritage, best practices, and elevating design across public projects.
His tenure reinforced that excellence in architecture extends beyond aesthetics—it’s about shaping public institutions, urban form, and the lived environment of Canadians. He laid groundwork for what continues to be a core RAIC mission: influencing municipal and institutional building policies for the public good.
Architect of Collaboration and Global Engagement
Under Gosselin’s leadership, RAIC strengthened its collaborative spirit both domestically and internationally. He oversaw outreach efforts connecting architects, government, educators, and industry, lifting the Institute's voice in multiple sectors.
Notably, RAIC under his guidance joined a global coalition of architectural associations pledging to reduce carbon emissions, advancing sustainable architecture on the world stage. His public-sector experience, particularly with Crown projects like the Parliamentary Precinct, was instrumental in building credibility and cross-sector dialogue.
Legacy: Professional Voice, Public Impact
Yves Gosselin’s presidency left enduring impacts:
- Strengthened RAIC capacity through collaboration with provincial associations on training, advocacy, and continuing education initiatives.
- Institutionalized architectural voice in government, higher education, and municipal planning.
- Sustainable design leadership via model policy promotion and environmental commitments.
- Global visibility for Canadian architects through cross-border initiatives and professional alliances.
Reflections from the Profession
Peers remember Gosselin as pragmatic, resolute, and visionary—a leader unafraid to confront complex challenges. He believed architecture could drive societal change, and he worked relentlessly to embed that ethos in RAIC’s operations and external engagement.
Members recall a president who insisted the Institute must be assertive, organized, and strategic. During his term, he ensured RAIC didn’t just observe, but shaped policies and policies shaping tools for architectural practice in Canada.
RAIC’s Enduring Obituary
Today, RAIC acknowledges Yves Gosselin not only as a former President but as a trailblazer who advanced the profession’s national interests. For those who follow, his commitments—especially in advocacy, architectural policy frameworks, and public-sector influence—remain guiding beacons.
Though his term concluded nearly two decades ago, the structures of influence and civic engagement he institutionalized endure. RAIC’s current programs on climate, community design, policy, and education are built upon the foundations Gosselin laid.
A Call to Honour His Memory
As we reflect on Yves Gosselin’s legacy, RAIC members and the architecture community are encouraged to:
- Engage provincially and nationally—continue his work in building bridges across jurisdictions.
- Drive sustainable and public-purpose architecture, advocating for meaningful design standards in all sectors.
- Foster professional influence—from municipal policies to institutional planning, as he championed.