Raymond Moriyama decided to become an architect at the age of four and founded Moriyama & Teshima Architects in 1958. He has had a long and distinguished career with projects that include the Canadian War Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Ottawa City Hall, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Saudi Arabian National Museum in Riyadh, and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. He has received numerous honours including the Confederation of Canada Medal, the RAIC Gold Medal and Governor General’s Medal in Architecture. He was also awarded the Order of Ontario, is a Companion of the Order of Canada and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

In his remarks at the RAIC Festival of Architecture in St. John’s last week, Mr. Moriyama explained why he wanted to create the prize: “My hope is that this will help raise not only RAIC’s stature internationally but also the stature of Canada and inspire all Canadians and Canadian architects to aspire higher.”

“This is a great day for architecture and for Canada,” said Barry Johns, FRAIC, and Chairman of the RAIC Foundation Trustees. “Raymond is not only one of Canada’s greatest architects and a hero to many Canadians, he has also conducted his practice with a rare degree of humanity and humility. I share his belief that Canadian architects can stand with the best in the world, and we look forward to working with him on an award that recognizes excellence in architecture and service to architecture at the highest level. The Moriyama RAIC International Prize is a testament to Raymond’s vision and generosity.”

More details about the Moriyama RAIC International Prize will be available at a later date.

Architecture Canada | RAIC

Architecture Canada | RAIC is a voluntary national association established in 1907 as the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada. Representing more than 4,600 members, the RAIC works:

* To affirm that architecture matters;
* To celebrate the richness and diversity of architecture in Canada; and
* To support architects in achieving excellence.

RAIC Foundation

The RAIC Foundation was established in 1964 to strengthen the profession, and is the responsibility of the RAIC College of Fellows. It is committed to developing programs to ensure a vibrant place for architecture in Canadian society, the advancement of excellence in architecture, and to promote the development of programs to support the architectural profession throughout Canada. It is supported entirely by bequests and voluntary donations and includes endowments that provide financial assistance for worthwhile projects that advance the understanding and awareness of architecture, both for the public and for the profession.