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Architecture school's founding director honoured for 'outstanding contributions to the field'

Dr. Terrance Galvin received the honour from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Dr. Terrance Galvin, the founding director of the McEwen School of Architecture, has been named a Fellow by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

Founded in 1907, the RAIC is a national body that promotes excellence in the built environment and advocates for responsible architecture.

A Fellowship is bestowed on those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of architecture with an emphasis on design excellence, exceptional scholarly contribution, or distinguished service to the profession or the community.

Galvin helmed the school from its inception in 2012 until 2018.

When it inaugurated its first cohort in 2013, the Sudbury-based institute was the first new school of architecture to open in Canada in 45 years.

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The $30-million, 72,000-square-foot building features a number of sustainable elements including rainwater harvesting, a vegetated roof, a high-performance envelope, and the use of cross-laminated timber in the construction of its library wing.

Its unique programming highlights design and culture for Northern Ontario with an emphasis on developing expertise in wood and sustainable materials.

Under Galvin's leadership, the school secured a $10-million gift from philanthropists Rob and Cheryl McEwen, and began the process of becoming accredited with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board.

Succeeded by David Fortin in 2018, Galvin continues to teach and conduct research at the school, and is the current chair of the McEwen School of Architecture Advisory Board.