Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture has earned accreditation from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).

The CACB granted the school’s professional Master of Architecture Program Initial Accreditation for a term beginning July 1.

According to CACB, professional accreditation of a program means that it has been evaluated by the CACB and, “substantially meets the educational standards that comprise, as a whole, an appropriate education for an architect.”

“The McEwen School of Architecture has a lot to be proud of and this external validation is further proof of the high-quality student experience being delivered at Laurentian University,” said president and vice-chancellor Dr. Robert Haché. “This achievement is thanks to many years of exceptional work from staff, faculty, and students of the school. The confidence expressed in the school by the accreditation team at the CACB also reflects a broader confidence in the future of Laurentian.”

The McEwen program comprises perspectives from English, Francophone, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures. Through Elders in residence, Indigenous faculty members, French design studio instruction, and local community-design and design-build exercises each year, students are exposed to an array of methods, knowledge, and experience the school calls “uniquely Northern.”

“The lessons learned from these local contexts are then extrapolated to address global issues in the disciplines of architecture, landscape design, and sustainable built environments,” says a release from the school.

Since its opening in 2013, more than 250 students have successfully completed their undergraduate degrees at the school. A further 100 students have since graduated from its Master of Architecture program.

The McEwen School of Architecture, one of Laurentian University's professional schools, is located in Sudbury. The school offers a four-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), followed by a two-year Master of Architecture degree. Its newfound accreditation status covers both programs leading to the Master of Architecture degree.

“It is a proud moment for us all -- a culmination of the hard work on the part of faculty, staff and students who have shared the vision and a common passion for the school, through its various stages of development,” said McEwen School of Architecture director Dr. David Fortin. “We are grateful for all those who have contributed to those efforts and supported the school in so many ways. The CACB/CCAA’s initial accreditation has been a goal we are thrilled to celebrate together today.”

McEwan’s journey to CACB accreditation status began in 2017 when it earned eligibility status with the board. It achieved candidacy status in 2018 and submitted a third and final architecture program report for initial accreditation in 2020.

Under CACB rules, the school was eligible to apply for the final stage of initial accreditation only once it had held candidacy status for two consecutive years.

Featured image: McEwen School of Architecture. (Ontario Association of Architects)