The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has announced the recipients of the 2026 RAIC Architectural Practice Award, Emerging Architectural Practice Award, and International Prize, recognizing excellence, innovation, and leadership in architecture both in Canada and globally.

This year’s winners highlight the diverse ways architecture can influence communities, sustainability, and the future of the built environment.

Toronto-based Moriyama Teshima Architects (MTA) has received the 2026 RAIC Architectural Practice Award, honouring the firm’s decades-long contribution to Canadian architecture.

Founded in 1958, the firm has played a major role in shaping Canada’s cultural and civic landscape. Its portfolio includes iconic projects such as the Canadian War Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Toronto Reference Library.

Over the past six decades, Moriyama Teshima Architects has built a reputation for thoughtful, human-centered design characterized by craftsmanship, restraint, and strong public engagement. Under a new generation of leadership, the firm continues to evolve with a growing emphasis on sustainable architecture and mass timber construction.

The RAIC jury unanimously recognized the firm for its distinguished and internationally significant body of work, noting its consistent commitment to design excellence and leadership within the profession.

The 2026 RAIC Emerging Architectural Practice Award was presented to MOTIV Architects Inc., a Vancouver-based studio founded in 2017.

MOTIV Architects focuses on people-centered design, working across projects related to housing, innovative learning environments, and food security. As a certified B Corporation, the firm integrates social responsibility and ethical practice into its design approach.

The RAIC jury recognized the firm for its clear vision, strong ethical foundation, and commitment to equity and social sustainability. MOTIV’s work demonstrates how architecture can respond directly to community needs while addressing broader social challenges.

The 2026 RAIC International Prize was awarded to Material Cultures, a London-based not-for-profit design and research organization.

Material Cultures focuses on regenerative architecture and low-carbon construction systems, advancing the use of bio-based building materials and sustainable land-use strategies. Through design practice, applied research, and education, the organization promotes environmentally responsible approaches to the built environment.

The RAIC selection committee praised the organization’s research-driven design approach and innovative material strategies, noting that its work represents a forward-looking direction for architecture.

By exploring new models of collaborative design and sustainable building systems, Material Cultures is helping shape conversations around the future of architecture and climate-responsive construction.

Together, the 2026 RAIC award recipients demonstrate how architecture can contribute to sustainable development, social equity, and innovative design practices.

From established firms shaping Canada’s architectural identity to emerging studios and international research organizations redefining building systems, the awards celebrate the profession’s ability to create more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible built environments.

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