The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has revealed the winners of its 2026 Design Excellence Awards, as well as its Service Awards program. These projects, practices, and individuals will be celebrated at this year’s OAA Conference, Collaboration Powering Innovation, taking place next month in the Waterloo Region. 

The OAA regulates the practice of architecture in the province to protect the public interest. Its biennial Design Excellence Awards program celebrates the work of Ontario practices anywhere in the world. This year’s collection features a diverse range of building types, including sustainably designed community centres, innovative housing solutions, revitalized academic and cultural facilities, and transformative public spaces.  

An esteemed panel of design experts has chosen 10 winning projects for this year's Design Excellence Awards. The selection process began with 96 submissions, which were narrowed down to a shortlist of 20 finalists. Each winning project was carefully evaluated against key criteria, including creativity, context, sustainability, good design/good business, and legacy. 

Submissions also required inclusion of Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metrics, reflecting the OAA’s commitment to pursuing climate stability in the public interest and ensuring sustainable, resilient design remains a critical component of any successful project. 

"The 2026 Design Excellence Awards showcase exciting examples of the quality work being performed by members of Ontario’s architecture profession, as well as the clear impact our built spaces can have on our communities," says OAA President Lara McKendrick. "This year's winning projects highlight a diverse range of building types and innovative approaches. By mandating the submission of Energy Use Intensity metrics for all candidates, the OAA is pleased to actively advance climate stability and ensure sustainable design remains a core priority for the profession." 

The 10 winners, in alphabetical order, are: 

Angle of Repose (Algonquin Highlands, Ontario) by Reasonable Projects Inc.; 
Image: Jeremie Warshafsky.

Beaverton Heights Modular Transitional Housing (Beaverton, Ontario) by Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.; 
Image: Doublespace Photography

Carmen Corbasson Community Centre (Mississauga, Ontario) by Diamond Schmitt Architects;
Image: Scott Norsworthy.

Kìwekì Point (Ottawa, Ontario) by Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. (Prime Consultant and Landscape Architect) and Patkau Architects Inc. (Architect); 
Image: Doublespace Photography

Koffler Scientific Reserve (Toronto, Ontario) by Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.; 
Image: Doublespace Photography

Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario) by Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism (Design Architect) and Teeple Architects (Architect of Record; now Teeple Architects Canada Inc.);
Image: Albert Vecerka.

The Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum (Burnaby, British Columbia) by Hariri Pontarini Architects (Design Architect) and Iredale Architecture (Architect of Record); 
Image: Ema Peter Photography.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Headquarters (Toronto, Ontario) by Bucholz McEvoy Architects Ltd., and ZAS Architects Inc.; 
Image: Michael Moran.

Toronto Public Library – Bridlewood Branch (Toronto, Ontario) by Ken Fukushima Architecture in association with David Fujiwara Architect;
Image: Doublespace Photography.

These projects, along with the teams behind them, will be celebrated during the OAA Conference at the Celebration of Excellence, held at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge on the evening of Thursday, May 14.

At the event, the OAA will also reveal which projects won the Michael V. and Wanda Plachta Award (for projects that cost less than $8 million to build) and the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Design Excellence in Architecture (the best Design Excellence project located in Ontario). 

The event will also reveal the winner of the People’s Choice Award—the top project as voted by the public. For this last award, a special two-week online voting period begins today on Wednesday, April 8, with individuals encouraged to select their personal favourite among the 10 winners. Cast your vote now on the OAA Website. 

The Celebration of Excellence will also recognize Brigitte Shim and A. Howard Sutcliffe, joint recipients of the Lifetime Design Achievement award, who are the founding partners of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. Established in 1991, the firm is acclaimed internationally for its timeless designs that integrate architecture, landscape, and interior spaces. 

Earlier in the day, additional OAA Award winners will be honoured at a special Recognition and Plenary event. The Ottawa/Gatineau-based Juxta Architects Inc. is the winner of Best Emerging Practice—a biennial award for a nascent firm that demonstrates a clear vision, well-articulated goals, and proven strategies. 

Michael McClelland is the recipient of the 2026 Medal of Service, celebrated for his outstanding dedication and leadership as an OAA member. A renowned expert in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, he has shaped communities through transformative projects like Toronto’s Distillery District and Union Station’s revitalization. His dedication to advocacy, mentorship, and design excellence has made a profound mark on Canada’s architectural landscape and beyond. 

In addition, William Lobban, William N. Greer, and Jacqueline Toi Mei Chan will be posthumously added to the Honour Roll, which recognizes prominent deceased members of the profession. 

Images: Left: William Lobban (with his son).  Centre: William N. Greer.  Right: Jacqueline Toi Mei Chan.

Profiles of the 10 Winners and 10 Finalists are available on the OAA Website and will be published in the forthcoming OAA Awards 2026  book and shared via the Association’s social media channels.