Montreal native architect Henry Tsang appointed new Chair of the RAIC Centre for Architecture
Press release from the Athabasca University :
« February 20, 2026
Athabasca University’s Faculty of Science & Technology has appointed Montreal native Henry Tsang (Architect, AAA, FRAIC) as the new Chair of the RAIC Centre for Architecture. A distinguished Canadian architect and scholar, Dr. Tsang brings more than 20 years of global professional practice and academic leadership to the role.
Tsang succeeds Douglas MacLeod, who has guided the Centre since its founding in 2012 as a partnership between Athabasca University and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Under MacLeod’s leadership, the Centre launched Canada’s first online architecture programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.Sc.Arch.), the Graduate Diploma in Architecture (GDA) and offers courses as part of the RAIC Syllabus program. Today, the Centre serves more than 700 unique learners annually across 26 countries, establishing itself as a global leader in accessible architectural education. Tsang expressed deep admiration for MacLeod’s accomplishments, noting that he leaves “big shoes to fill.”
Douglas and I both firmly believe that our Centre is the most innovative school of architecture in Canada and the world, I intend to keep blazing the trail for an open, online, flexible, and accessible alternative to architectural education.
Born and raised in Montreal’s Little Burgundy, Tsang earned his B.Sc.Arch. and M.Arch. from McGill University and further completed his Ph.D. at the University of Tokyo. He was formally registered as an architect with the OAQ (2014-2022), with internships at LemayMichaud and Aedifica. He also served as a director to Architecture Sans Frontières Québec and committee member to Bâtiment durable Québec.
Today, an award-winning architect and professor, Tsang’s design, teaching, and research explore the intersections of sustainability, health, accessibility, and culture in the built environment. Beyond the university, Tsang is the founding principal of Henry Tsang Architect based in Calgary. His international practice experience includes work with leading firms, including Nihon Sekkei and Nikken, where he contributed to large-scale and complex design projects worldwide. He has held academic appointments in Canada, Japan, and South Korea, and currently serves as a Councillor for the Alberta Association of Architects and Advisor to Professional Practice for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
His honours include the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence, Construction Canada Emerging Leader Award, Calgary Mayor’s Urban Design Award, American Institute of Architects Canada Design Award, CBC Asian Changemaker Award, Robert Fung International Award of Distinction, and the ASTech Award for Regional Innovation in Research. »
To view the original press release…