Dr. Henry Tsang Appointed New Chair of the RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University
Athabasca University鈥檚 Faculty of Science & Technology has appointed Dr. 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.
Dr. Tsang succeeds Dr. 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鈥檚 leadership, the Centre launched Canada鈥檚 first online architecture programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.Sc.Arch.) and the Graduate Diploma in Architecture (GDA). 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鈥檚 accomplishments, noting that he leaves 鈥渂ig shoes to fill.鈥�
鈥淒ouglas and I both firmly believe that our Centre is the most innovative school of architecture in Canada and the world,鈥� Tsang said. 鈥淚 intend to keep blazing the trail for an open, online, flexible, and accessible alternative to architectural education.鈥�
An award-winning architect and associate professor in the RAIC Centre for Architecture, Dr. Tsang鈥檚 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 in Calgary. His international practice experience includes work with leading firms in Montreal and Tokyo, such as Nihon Sekkei and Nikken Sekkei, where he contributed to large-scale and complex design projects worldwide.
Dr. Tsang earned his B.Sc.Arch. and M.Arch. from McGill University, and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Tokyo. 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鈥檚 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.