About

The Ottawa Regional Society of Architecture (ORSA) is a non­profit volunteer organization acting as the local society for the Ontario Association of Architects, which is the licensing and regulatory body that governs the practice of architecture in Ontario.

ORSA encompasses Ottawa-Carleton, Renfrew, Lanark, Russell, and Prescott Counties. For more information on other Ontario Architecture Societies, click here.

ORSA's goal is to provide a platform in the community for activities involving architects and a foundation for educational, community, and social activities of its members, as well as a forum for open discussion of professional matters.

ORSA is committed to increasing public awareness of the social importance of architectural design. ORSA plays an advocacy role in our City, ensuring that architecture and design are key considerations in public discussions and in processes that have an impact on our built environment. ORSA has, participated in civic improvement roundtables, hosted public forums on current city planning issues, and initiated discourse on urban and architectural concerns in the Capital.

Initiatives

ORSA organizes and sponsors a wide variety of initiatives including forums, exhibitions, competitions, film series and celebrations that engage the architectural profession, its sister disciplines, and the public. Check out our events page for future events, and become a member to join our mailing list to stay updated on upcoming events.

Advocacy is a key activity in furthering ORSA's mandate “to promote and advance the role of architecture and design in Ottawa's dynamic community for the enrichment of the city and its citizens.”

ORSA’s Advocacy Guidelines have been developed to articulate our role as advocates in support of the delivery of high quality architecture and urban design.

Principles

  1. Design excellence.

  2. Economic vitality, social equity, environmental health and sustainability.

  3. Architectural discourse, transparency, accountability and public engagement.

  4. Respect for significant built and natural heritage.

Implementation

  • ORSA identifies opportunities to raise awareness about design and planning issues within the profession and the broader public.

  • ORSA strives to ensure that public policy, physical planning, economic strategies, legislation and by-laws support the timely and achievable delivery of projects that reflect our principles.
    We seek to collaborate with government, agencies, groups and organizations to build a healthy, stable and vibrant city.

  • We seek partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations to increase our impact and expand our reach.

Actions

  • ORSA responds to immediate issues through actions that may include hosting forums to engage conversation, letter-writing, publicity, advocacy, and participation in public meetings.

  • We aim to anticipate and influence issues through conducting research, hosting forums and events that engage our membership and others, and by writing position papers and articles.
    ORSA endeavours to address architecture and urban planning issues identified by its members where resources and time allow. Decisions on the issues to be addressed and the actions to be taken, rest with ORSA Executive.

  • We see our role as working to ensure that architecture and design are key considerations in public discussions and in processes that have an impact on our urban environment. ORSA has effectively lobbied civic governments, participated in civic improvement councils, assisted in the writing of building by-laws, and offered professional views on urban issues.

Comments or questions from members and the general public are welcome and can be sent to us through our Connect Page.

Advocacy

Meet the Team

  • CHRISTOPHER MOISE OAA FRAIC

    CHAIR

    CHRISTOPHER MOISE OAA FRAIC

  • DARRYL HOOD

    TREASURER

    DARRYL HOOD OAA FRAIC

  • PAOLO MARINELLI

    SECRETARY

    PAOLO MARINELLI

  • MARC MAINVILLE

    REGISTRAR

    MARC MAINVILLE OAA MRAIC

  • SARAH FOX

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    SARAH FOX

  • AMAN GUPTA

    EVENTS

    AMAN GUPTA

  • KRISTINA MOFFATT

    OAW CO-CHAIR

    KRISTINA MOFFATT

  • KUNAL RAKSHIT

    OAW CO-CHAIR

    KUNAL RAKSHIT OAA MRAIC

  • VACANT

    VICE-CHAIR

Volunteers

Bryan Mendez, Social Media
Caelan Mitchell, Social Media
Abdelmalek Bensetti, Social Media
Yigit Cuhacibasi, Event Coordinator
Kristina Moffatt, Event Coordinator

If you are interested in volunteering with ORSA contact us. Positions we are currently looking to fill:

  • Vice-Chair (Executive role)

  • Media - Videography, website dev., etc.

  • Event Coordinators

Annual Reports