We asked Dora Ng, OAA, AIA, to look back to 2017 and the beginnings of AIA Canada Society, one of currently seven international chapters of the AIA. Dora has been part of AIA Canada Society since the very beginning and currently serves on the board as their Vice President.
AIA International itself was formed in 2012 as AIA International Region, and is now a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. It encompasses all areas outside the US and is the broadest geographical component of the AIA.
Here’s what Dora shared with us hoping that it may also provide inspiration for other new AIA chapters to form:
The value of being an AIA International member
I have been a member of AIA since I started my career in 1998. With a few relocations across states and countries along the way, I moved to Toronto, Canada, in 2017 and my first instinct was to look for an AIA chapter to acquaint myself with the local profession.
Little did I know that AIA Canada was just incorporated the year before I moved there! I was lucky to meet up with fellow members at one of the first events held in Toronto and subsequently committed to serve on the board.
In the past few years serving as the Director of Continuing Education and now Vice-President, I came to volunteer with like-minded professionals to grow the chapter through various initiatives. I also got to expand my network, not only locally, but with professionals in the US and internationally.
We organized a few in-person events in strategic locations before the pandemic, and then delivered many continuing education webinars and design award events in our virtual platform. These webinars/events include collaboration and partnerships with a number of professional organizations like WoodWORKS British Columbia, Passive House Canada, Facades Plus Toronto, Canadian Architect Magazine, etc.
Through progressive and continuing efforts by the Board and leveraging the expertise from AIA National and AIA International, we are gaining momentum to promote and deliver services to more AIA Canada members. As our members are spread out across time zones and geographical areas, we will continue to rely on virtual platforms but are looking into ways for more in-person engagement opportunities in the coming years. We will continue to build on our experience and focus on delivering meaningful values to our members.
Check out AIA Canada Society’s webpage here.
Thanks to Luke Andritsos, OAA, AIA, RA (CA), NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, MRAIC, for making the connection to Dora Ng and this story. Luke is also a contributor to AIA International Communication & PR Committee
