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TORONTO — The Ontario Association of Architects’ (OAA) , is now open for submissions.

The biennial awards program is an aspirational ideas competition and looks to highlight the architecture profession’s contribution to addressing societal issues, with past themes having focused on health, resiliency and infrastructure.

This year’s theme is Reshaping Communities – how does enduring design account for everything else being in constant change?

“To really stand the test of time, adaptability is needed. We reshape our built environment and, in turn, it reshapes us,” an OAA release states.

“Altered climate patterns have increased the intensity and frequency of extreme weather in Canada and beyond. Political instability outside our borders, technological advancements, and social change have brought uncertainty, but also opportunity and new ways to think about how we can ensure people’s needs are met in times of urgency.”

The challenge is asking the profession to explore how architects can develop sustainable solutions.

It is open to individuals or teams led by someone with OAA status: an architect, intern architect, student associate, retired member or honorary member. All submissions (text, images, and a short video) are reviewed by a special jury of experts from the architecture profession and beyond.

Selected SHIFT2025 submissions are collected in a special publication and shared online, as well as celebrated at next year’s conference in Ottawa.

To learn more about the program, visit or email shiftchallenge@oaa.on.ca.

The deadline is Jan. 17, 2025