Olga Pushkar named RAIC College Fellow, Class of 2023

May 4, 2023

KPMB Principal Olga Pushkar has been inducted into the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada’s (RAIC) College of Fellows — a distinction bestowed upon architects who have achieved professional eminence. 

RAIC College Fellows are recognized for their contributions to research, scholarship, public service, and professional standing for the good of architecture in Canada and around the world. It is one of the College’s highest membership honours.  

“Olga represents the highest resolution of the creative and technical skills required to practice in today’s complex environment,” said founding partner Marianne McKenna. “She balances the intricacies of design with practical solutions that respond to clients’ objectives and exemplifies an inclusive and generous approach to leadership.” 

This approach is evident in the diverse culture, education, and climate-responsive projects she has been a part of at KPMB, Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, and MJMA. To her work, she always brings thoughtfulness, project-specific design solutions, and her strengths in the technical aspects of design which are significant and critical to realizing architectural visions in built form. 

Throughout Pushkar’s extensive career with KPMB, she has displayed an unwavering commitment to design excellence. Her knowledge of materials and systems for constructability and durability has been integral to the realization of holistic sustainable architecture with a strong social impact. 

She was a key contributor to the Governor General’s award-winning Project Grand Jeté for Canada’s National Ballet School and the multi-award-winning Royal Conservatory TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, a renowned cultural centre that has twice received the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence. 

“It is an honour to be welcomed into the Fellowship and to have my work and contributions to the profession recognized by the RAIC,” she said. “I hold deep respect for all the people I’ve been fortunate to work with throughout my career and consider it a privilege to be receiving this accolade alongside so many talented professionals in the industry.” 

Pushkar’s portfolio also includes: Tyndale Green, The Branksome Hall Athletics and Wellness Centre, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge at Pearson International Airport, and the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre at the University of Waterloo. 

She is currently working on a New Arts, Culture, and Technology Building for the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus, and the Albright Gardens Master Plan for a community in the Region of Niagara. 

A strong belief in the power of architecture to improve lives guides her advocacy work with local and international non-profit organizations dedicated to providing affordable homes and shelters. She has worked with Habitat for Humanity in Canada, Central America, Kenya, and Kyrgyzstan. 

Fellows will be officially inducted into the RAIC College at a convocation ceremony in Calgary on May 5, 2023. 

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