Role of the RAIC

Since its founding in 1907, the RAIC has been involved in architectural competitions. One of its most important contributions has been its participation in the development of guidelines for how competitions should be run.

Canadian Rules for the Conduct of Architectural Competitions

The “Canadian Rules for the Conduct of Architectural Competitions” is known to Canadian architects as Document Five.

• It was published in January, 1988 by the Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils (CCAC) of which the RAIC was a member at that time.
• As the current copyright holder for Document Five, the RAIC has taken on the role of updating its provisions to reflect current trends in the practice of architecture in Canada and around the world.
• This website replaces Document Five.

Future Competition Initiatives

Advising Sponsors: The RAIC and the Canada Council plan to develop a program that would allow the RAIC to provide an architectural advisor at the outset of a specific project to assist a sponsor in determining if a competition is appropriate for the project.

Promotional Kit: The RAIC and the Canada Council plan to develop an advocacy kit to demonstrate how a competition can aid prospective sponsors in achieving their objectives.

Want to contact the RAIC for advice on a competition-related topic?
Contact us at:

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
330-55 Murray Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 5M3
Phone: (613) 241-3600
Fax: (613) 241-5750
E-mail: info@raic.org