MODA is the 2022 RAIC Emerging Practice Award winner

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has named Calgary-based Modern Office of Design + Architecture (MODA) as its 2022 Emerging Practice Award recipient. 

MODA was first established by University of Calgary graduates Ben Klumper and Dustin Couzens in 2013 and has since gained distinction for its designs across a broad range of practice areas and scales, racking up numerous awards including recent back-to-back Award of Excellence honors from Canadian Architect, and an Arthur Erickson Memorial Award in 2017. 

The firm was also behind a winning entry for the 2020 Winnipeg Warming Huts Competition.

The jury commented: “MODA’s broad and inclusive approach to practicing architecture has resulted in a number of important and carefully considered works. They respond to social and environmental crises with thoughtful studies, meticulous material choices, and attentive projects that delight us with dynamic forms and enticing spaces. They are leading the way, always embedding sustainability into their exceptional design projects in innovative and creative ways.”

“MODA brings an incredible sense of energy and passion to all facets of their practice, whether it be built work, conceptual proposals, teaching, mentoring, or social engagement. They have significantly contributed to the discourse on the impact of architecture, giving their audience hope for a brighter future ahead.”

The firm was particularly commended for three recent multi-family developments (GROW, Switchbloc, and VILLAGE, realized between 2016 and 2017), that made important strides through the reintroduction of soft metrics.

MODA joins last year’s winner Leckie Studio Architecture + Design on a list of recipients for the now nine-year-old honor.