“Two thousand and eleven marks my 24th year as Registrar,” says Hillel, “it seems like a perfect time to consider a new phase in my life, elective R&R.”

Hillel became the OAA Registrar in June, 1988. The newly created position of Registrar was introduced in the 1984 Architects Act outlining the Registrar’s regulatory authority within the Association. The duties include Licensing, Certificate of Practice, Complaints, Discipline and Act Enforcement.

Hillel studied architecture at Ryerson and the University of British Columbia. In 1973, he was licensed as an architect with the OAA and became an RAIC member. He immediately became actively involved at the OAA as a member and Chair of the Convention Committee, Services & Fees Committee and served on the Complaints Committee. From 1965-88 he worked with several architectural practices in Toronto.

He has been involved in the evolution of the profession including the Canadian Reciprocity Agreement; the Inter-Recognition Agreement with the US; the Free Trade and North American Free Trade Agreements; the National Internship in Architecture Program Task Force; the preliminary development of the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect process; the Licensed Technologist OAA process; the Advanced Standing Program to become Licensed Technologists OAA; and the development of the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).

Over time, Hillel’s work at the OAA has expanded to include a number of external initiatives. He has worked closely with the provincial and territorial architectural Regulators. He represents the OAA at the Ontario Regulators for Access Consortium (ORAC) to improve access for International candidates to self-regulated professions in Ontario. Most recently, he has been working closely with the Office of the Fairness Commissioner to ensure a fair process for Domestic and Internationally Trained professionals. 

“Priority projects and new initiatives have sustained my time as Registrar,” explains Hillel. “When I look at the list and reflect upon it, I can positively say it’s been quite a ride.”

For the past five years he has worked together with the Director of Policy, Kristi Doyle, as part of the Executive Management Team. The team supports and facilitates the strategic and policy decision-making by Council.

“Hillel's retirement will certainly leave a big void in the Association, but we understood that there would come a time when he would want to move on to better things. We wish Hillel and his wife and family all the best in his retirement, and hope that he will not be a complete stranger to our halls”, says OAA President Sheena Sharp.