SABMag Issue 92 – Fall 2026

RAIC Report – Beyond Expertise: The Leadership Imperative for Architects

The Leadership Imperative
To ensure the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) continues to adapt and meet the needs of Canadian architects, a thorough needs assessment focussed on leadership in architecture was initiated. Over 400 Canadian architects, at all stages of their careers, participated in interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

Architects were asked if their inherent leadership role in the construction industry has become diluted in recent years. Seventy-nine percent of survey respondents either agreed or strongly agreed, while 8% either disagreed or strongly disagreed.

The respondents were also asked if the profession would benefit from a formal leadership development program. Similarly, 79% agreed or strongly agreed, while only 4% strongly disagreed.

Canadian architects both need and want leadership development to ensure the profession and the architects themselves, have the skills and capabilities required to lead in the increasingly complex environment within which they work.

The RAIC has responded by initiating the development of the RAIC Leadership Academy: a national leadership certification created with and for architects, launching early in 2027.

The Leadership Opportunity
Leadership in architecture is often required before anyone teaches you how. An architect may begin by leading a project, then a team, a practice, and eventually the profession, with each transition bringing different requirements. The skills that establish an architect’s career do not necessarily prepare them for the human and organizational challenges that come with career progression.

The RAIC Leadership Academy, the first of its kind globally, is tailored for architects. It focuses on real-world situations and includes RAIC members in coaching, mentoring, and facilitation roles.

Leadership for Architects
Architects want leadership skills that reflect the complexity of practice, not templated training.

Architecture is a collaborative profession and architects routinely lead clients, consultants, contractors, colleagues, and communities, each with diverse needs. Bringing those interests together is as important as technical expertise. Listening, asking better questions, recognizing different perspectives, and enabling others to contribute is paramount to success.

The Academy’s five interconnected leadership domains[1]—leading yourself, working well with others, driving success, building community, and influencing and shaping systems—shift the focus from managing projects to leading people, organizations, and transformative change.

The Academy also recognizes that a small studio, a large practice, public service, and education may demand very different approaches.
When Does the Future Start?

Architecture’s future requires leaders who do more than design excellent buildings. Architects face increasingly complex regulatory, financial, technical, and social environments, often with more interest-holders. Leading through that complexity, not simply managing it, will determine the success of projects, practices, and the profession.

The Academy invests in that future. As it launches, we invite architects at every career stage to shape it, participate, and strengthen the profession’s leadership culture. Beyond developing individual leaders, this is about a profession that leads intentionally and prepares for what comes next.

• Co-authors:
  Cameron Gillies
  Architect, AAA, FRAIC
• Tracy Wightman
  Managing Director, Learning & Development, RAIC
• Brenda Lammi MSc, BHSc (OT), BPHE, BA
  Chief Learning and Development Officer, RAIC