OAA Recognizes 2026 Excellence in Service and Design Awards
The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) recently announced the winners of the 2026 Excellence in Service and Design Awards. This year’s winners celebrate architectural innovation across various building types and regions in Ontario.
Overview of the Awards
Chosen from 96 submissions, the winners were refined through a shortlist of 20 finalists. The awards recognize projects that highlight sustainability, adaptive reuse, and innovative housing design. The awards ceremony will take place during the OAA Conference in the Waterloo Region on May 14, 2026.
Key Projects Recognized
- Angle of Repose – Designed by Reasonable Projects Inc., this lakehouse in Algonquin Highlands features a mass timber structure and received Passive House certification for its environmental performance.
- Beaverton Heights Modular Transitional Housing – This modular housing project by Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. for the Region of Durham emphasizes quick and dignified housing solutions.
- Carmen Corbasson Community Centre – Located in Mississauga and designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, this facility expands recreational offerings with a focus on nature integration.
- Kìwekì Point – An innovative public landscape in Ottawa by Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. and Patkau Architects, reconnecting the city with the Ottawa River.
- Koffler Scientific Reserve Dining and Operations Centre – Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. designed this eco-friendly facility in King City to support research in ecology and biodiversity.
- Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus – Weiss/Manfredi and Teeple Architects designed this academic hub at the University of Toronto to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum – Located in Burnaby and designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, this museum creates a gateway to Simon Fraser University’s cultural offerings.
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Headquarters – Designed by Bucholz McEvoy Architects Ltd., this workplace integrates public engagement with environmental sustainability.
- Toronto Public Library – Bridlewood Branch – Ken Fukushima Architecture and David Fujiwara Architect transformed a commercial unit into a vibrant community library.
- Ulster House – LGA Architectural Partners Ltd. turned a single-family lot into a multiplex in Toronto, promoting livability and environmental performance.
Service Awards
In addition to design accolades, the OAA also honored several architects for their contributions:
- Lifetime Design Achievement – Awarded to Brigitte Shim and A. Howard Sutcliffe of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects.
- Best Emerging Practice – Awarded to Juxta Architects Inc. for their clear vision and effective strategies.
- 2026 Medal of Service – Presented to Michael McClelland of ERA Architects for his dedication to the OAA.
- Posthumous Honour Roll Inductees – Recognizing William Lobban, William N. Greer, and Jacqueline Toi Mei Chen.
The winners showcase the outstanding architectural talent within the province. More details on the awards and projects can be found at Filmogaz.com. As the architectural landscape continues to evolve, these celebrated projects set benchmarks for future developments in design and sustainability.
