Earlier this year, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) announced Monica Adair (MArch 2005) as the recipient of the 2015 Young Architect Award. This award recognizes a young architect for excellence in design, leadership, and service to the profession.

Adair is the co-founder of Acre Architects along with Stephen Kopp (MArch 2005). The firm believes in “the importance of creating our own stories,” and “how the power of the story can convey strong and deep-felt emotions that are key to the structure that form our lives.” In addition to her professional work, Adair has held multiple teaching posts including an Instructor position in History of Canadian Architecture at the St. Thomas University Fredericton, and the Gerald Sheff Visiting Professorship in Architecture at McGill University. She has also served on the New Brunswick Arts Board, and currently sits on the Saint John Waterfront Development Board.

“In choosing Adair, the five-member jury cited the consistent quality of her project work, commitment to her hometown and her work in the arts community,” writes the 2015 Young Architect Award jury. “They also recognized her teaching, advocacy, and contribution to regional collaboration in Atlantic Canada.”

Started in 2011, the RAIC bestows the Young Architect Award to one recipient every year. Adair received her award at the RAIC/AAA Festival of Architecture, which took place in Calgary, June 3rd to 6th. Previous winners include past sessional lecturer Taymoore Balbaa, and Lola Sheppard (Lateral Office co-founder). 

Related:

• Canadian Builders Quarterly features 23-page-spread on the Daniels Faculty and alumni
• Daniels sessional lecturer Taymoore Balbaa wins Young Architect Award
• Williamson Chong Architects named the recipient of RAIC's 2014 Emerging Architectural Practice Award
• George Baird recipient of 2010 RAIC Gold Medal
• Team North receives RAIC award | Innovation in Architecture