The David Thom Leadership Award - Call for Submissions

1. Purpose  

The David Thom Leadership Award was established in 2024 to recognize interns or young architects who have shown leadership and who have made significant contributions to the profession at an early stage in their architectural career. 

Funded by a gift from IBI Group Management Partnership, the award is dedicated to the memory of David Thom, President of IBI Group. David Thom’s contributions to city-shaping and architectural design were far reaching, as was his boundless passion for supporting and developing the next generation of talent in the architectural profession. 

An award of $5000 will be made to one winner each year.  

2. Eligibility  

Interns, intern architects and architects who are registered with a provincial/territorial association at the time of submission, and who have graduated no more than five years prior to the submission deadline, are eligible to receive the award.  

3. Selection Criteria: Leadership in Architecture  

Leadership can be demonstrated in many different ways: through excellence in design;  community engagement through volunteer work; participation in architecture-related committees at the local, regional or national level; mentorship in the workplace; creative or academic work that advances the understanding and appreciation of architecture - as well as other activities. 

In its strategic plan, the RAIC has identified the following priorities, intended to maximize the positive impact of architecture on Canadian communities.  

• Climate Action: Counteracting climate change and mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis on people and communities. 

• Reconciliation: Building, rebuilding and strengthening our relationship with Indigenous peoples. 

• Social Justice: Creating a just culture that strives for social and spatial equity, embraces and respects inclusivity, fosters diversity, and is accessible to all. 

• Innovation: Using creativity and design excellence to create thoughtful change in the architectural profession and the built environment. 

The jury will give priority to submissions that demonstrate leadership in one or more of these areas. 

4. Application Requirements 

Each submission shall contain the following:  

• Submission Form;  

• An illustrated description (3 pages max.) of past and current activities or work that explains why the applicant should be considered for this award; 

• A brief biography (2 pages max.) of the applicant; 

• Three letters of reference from individuals (at least one of which must be from an RAIC member) familiar with the applicant’s work or service, setting out specific reasons for their support.  

Applications are to be submitted through the RAIC online submission platform. 

Entries can be submitted either in English or in French. 

All entries will be retained by the RAIC for publication, exhibition and archival purposes.  

Note: Once you have started the online submission process, you may 'save' and come back at a later date to complete your submission (prior to the submission deadline).