OAA Council serves as the board of directors for the Ontario Association of Architects. With election season kicking off later this fall, the OAA asked Councillors what made them want to run in the first place. 

Maxine Blais is an Architect at J.L. Richards & Associates Limited in Sudbury and the Chair of Building Equality in Architecture (BEA) North. For the OAA, she sits on the Complaints Committee and serves as the Council liaison for the Algoma Society of Architects, North Bay Society of Architects, Northern Ontario Society of Architects, and the Northwestern Society of Architects. Maxine holds the Northern Ontario seat for Council.

1. Why did you first decide to run for Council?

My interest in Council started through a conversation with someone at my firm who had served previously and had a very positive experience. Hearing about their time on Council made me see it as a great opportunity to learn more about the governance of our profession, gain board experience, and contribute beyond my day-to-day practice. 

I also wanted to help ensure that Northern Ontario is represented in province-wide discussions. Our region has distinct geographic, cultural, linguistic, and practice realities, and I felt I could bring that perspective while learning from others across Ontario. It seemed like a meaningful way to give back to the profession and contribute to the OAA’s public-interest mandate. 

2. What do you enjoy or appreciate about the experience?  

What I have appreciated most is how welcoming and supportive everyone has been. There is a lot to learn, but people have been generous in sharing their knowledge, answering questions, and helping me understand the role along the way. I have also felt that my own experience and perspective are genuinely respected, and that what I bring to the table, particularly as a newer Councillor and an architect practising in Northern Ontario, is valued. 

The experience has given me valuable insight into the profession, self-governance, and the OAA’s responsibility to protect the public interest. I am also gaining meaningful board experience and learning from people with different perspectives from across Ontario. It feels great to be connected to something larger than my day-to-day work as an Architect and to contribute to the future of the profession. 

3. What would you say to someone thinking about pursuing a nomination for the very first time?   

I would encourage them to put their name forward. It is a commitment, but it is also a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. Council is an open and welcoming environment where you can ask questions, learn from others, and contribute your own experience and perspective. 

The opportunity to participate in OAA Committees is also a great part of the role. It allows you to explore specific areas of interest, connect with people from across Ontario, and contribute more directly to the work of the OAA. Serving on Council is a meaningful way to become connected to the profession beyond your day-to-day work and to participate in its governance and future direction. 

This year, there are five seats for Architects to join Council and guide the Association in regulating the practice of architecture to protect the public interest. To learn more about running or the general processes, visit the Council Elections page.