The Niagara Society of Architects (NSoA) is one of 14 Ontario regional non-profit architectural societies. The societies are component parts of the Ontario Association of Architects. Membership in the societies consists of professional architects, intern architects, architecture students, foreign-qualified architects and, individuals with related professions/interests, who are nominated as honorary members or sponsor members.
The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is a self-regulating organization governed by the Architects Act, which is a statute of the Government of Ontario. The OAA is dedicated to promoting and increasing the knowledge, skill and proficiency of its members, and administering the Architects Act, in order that the public interest may be served and protected.
The NSoA provides:
The NSoA’s volunteer membership meets regularly to exchange ideas and to promote their profession. As a public service the members work to broaden the appreciation of architecture, urban design, the building process and the related arts. The NSoA hosts many public education events that, through the participation of their practicing members, offer a strong knowledge base about current architectural theory and practice, as well as providing independent opinion about issues that affect our local and global environments. Many members take particular interest in studying and informing others on various topics and / or case studies of our built heritage found here within the Niagara Peninsula.
Our mandate is to: encourage and promote architectural excellence in the Niagara peninsula; be actively involved in programs that enhance the general level of public awareness and understanding of architecture and the architectural profession through education; and, locally promote the importance of architectural design in our culture and our environment.
The NSoA offers a bursary to Niagara students who are studying in the following year at a school of architecture. If you are interested in applying, contact one of the NSoA members, or complete the form in the 'contact' area of this website, for information on how to apply.
In 2007 the NSoA completed a 20min DVD on two local architects practicing in St. Catharines in the 1920's that is available on our website, DOMESTIC GEMS, as are four more recent videos about the work of Niagara-area architects. The NSoA participates in many community activities, being involved in exhibitions, design awards, cultural events, and through the sponsorship of an architecture + design film series. More recently, we have prepared short videos on Niagara, as well as walking-tour information about things in Niagara Falls that may, or may not, be on the visitor's list of things to see and do.