The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) awards the RAIC Gold Medal, the institute’s highest honour, to individuals whose body of work has made a significant and lasting contribution to Canadian architecture. The distinction recognises excellence in design, research, education, and advocacy, as well as leadership in sustainability, equity, diversity, and the advancement of the profession both in Canada and internationally.
Pat Hanson, FRAIC, founding principal of the Toronto-based architecture and urban design practice gh3*, is the 2026 RAIC Gold Medal recipient. Over more than three decades, Hanson has developed a body of work that challenges conventional boundaries between architecture, infrastructure, and landscape. Her projects explore how civic and environmental systems can shape contemporary urban life while strengthening connections between public space and ecological processes.
Through gh3*, Hanson has led numerous projects that transform technical infrastructure into expressive civic architecture. Notable examples include the Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool in Edmonton, which integrates natural water filtration with public recreation, and the Stormwater Facility in Toronto, where water management infrastructure is reinterpreted as a civic landmark. Alongside her practice, Hanson has maintained a strong commitment to architectural education and mentorship, teaching since 1991 and influencing generations of emerging architects.
The 2025 RAIC Gold Medal was awarded to Marianne McKenna, FRAIC, and Shirley Blumberg, FRAIC, founding partners of Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB). Established in 1987, the firm introduced a studio model notable for its diversity and collaborative approach, which continues to shape its identity as one of Canada’s most internationally recognised architectural practices.
McKenna and Blumberg have contributed to a wide range of cultural, academic, and civic projects, emphasising community engagement, sustainability, and the social role of architecture. Their work has received extensive international recognition, including 18 Governor General’s Medals in Architecture. Through their leadership, KPMB has demonstrated how architecture can foster community, enrich the public realm, and address contemporary social and environmental challenges.
Together, these architects exemplify the important role of women leaders in shaping the architectural landscape of Canada, advancing design excellence while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable built environment.
