NEWS & EVENTS
CAA Events & Professional Development Sessions
Building Community for Aspiring and New Architectural Firm Owners
CAA COFFEE CHATS
Join CAA Mentorship Sessions: Coffee Chats, an intimate and informal gathering designed for aspiring and newly established architecture and licensed interior design firm owners. These relaxed, informal, hour-long sessions are intended for your interaction and questions. While gaining answers from an expert, you will also foster a sense of community where you can connect with peers navigating similar entrepreneurial journeys.
Engage in open discussions about real-world challenges related to starting your own firm —such as managing contracts, understanding insurance, navigating regulations, and setting up accounting systems—guided by seasoned industry leaders and specialists in fields like legal, financial, IT, and consulting services. With small groups of 6–10 participants, you’ll enjoy meaningful conversations, practical tools, and strategies to launch or grow your practice with confidence.
Whether you’re laying the foundation for your firm or contemplating the entrepreneurial leap, Coffee Chats offers a vibrant space to share insights, forge lasting connections, and build a trusted network for long-term success. Come for the coffee, stay for the inspiration.
2026 Session 1 Details:
Join our favourite Insurance Guru, Magdalena Cammidge, Senior Advisor and Partner at Navacord Alberta for a round-table discussion about all your insurance questions and concerns encountered while growing a new firm. Come prepared with your questions and current challenges.
NOTE: While we value the enthusiasm of experienced members in sharing their knowledge, these sessions are designed to build community among peers at a similar stage in their professional journey. A dedicated mentorship program—pairing seasoned professionals with emerging practitioners—will launch later in 2026 for those interested in giving back to newer members of the profession. These sessions are intended for professionals in years 1–5 of firm ownership, though more experienced professionals may be invited to speak from time to time.
CALGARY SESSION
When: Friday, March 13th, 2026 - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Navacord Office The Ampersand Building : 112 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Cost: Free for CAA members; $15 for non-members
* Eligible for 1 AAA Structured LU
2026 Session 1 Professional:
Magdalena Cammidge
Senior Advisor/Partner
Navacord Alberta
Magdalena joined Lloyd Sadd (now Navacord) in 2005, bringing with her varied and extensive experience in commercial insurance. With over 18 years of technical experience in insurance and risk management, Magdalena specializes in the direction, development and delivery of insurance and risk management services to her clients. Magdalena heads up the Professional Services Practice at Navacord specializing in Professional Liability and Risk Management for Design Professionals. Magdalena's role includes gaining an intimate understanding of the clients business and working with them to create effective Risk Management solutions, ultimately helping clients in building and even stronger organization.
Hosted by the CAA and the RAIC
REHABILITATING A MODERN ICON - The Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre
This one-hour lunch-and-learn continuing education session will explore the rehabilitation of the iconic 1967 Peter Hemingway Pool located in Edmonton’s Coronation Park. The rehabilitation has adapted this historically-significant building for contemporary use as a high-performance aquatic and recreation facility. The presentation will examine the architectural, technical and operational challenges of renewing a beloved modernist landmark while meeting current standards for accessibility, sustainability, sport performance and enhanced user experience.
Presenters will discuss the planning and consultation process, strategies for working within and around a historically significant structure, the integration of new aquatic environments, spectator and training amenities, and public-realm improvements. The session will also highlight innovations in building systems, structural interventions and material approaches that support durability and energy performance.
Join the project team for an in-depth look at how design can balance heritage value with contemporary recreation needs, and how this renewal will position the facility as a vibrant hub for athletes, families and the broader Edmonton community.
When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtually via Zoom
Cost: $25 for CAA & RAIC Members, $50 for Non-Members
* Eligible for 1 AAA Structured LU
Presenters:
Jason McConaghie
Architect AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, NCARB, IntlAssocAIA
Principal, ACI Architecture
Jason is a Principal and Architect at ACI Architecture Inc., leading civic, institutional, and public‑realm projects across Alberta with a focus on design excellence, technical rigor, and collaborative delivery. His work spans heritage rehabilitation, recreation, and multi‑facility energy retrofit programs, including the Peter Hemingway Aquatics Centre, Klondike Park Redevelopment, and the Climate Resilience Rehabilitation Program, where he brings particular strength in navigating complex municipal frameworks and multi party environments. Jason also serves in leadership roles with the Integrated Project Delivery Alliance and is committed to mentoring emerging architects within the profession.
Bob Korneluk
BSc, P.Eng.
Associate, RJC Engineers
Bob is highly regarded in the industry for embodying the highest stands of integrity, trust and an ethical approach to business. Bob’s work focuses on evaluating and rehabilitating existing building envelopes, designing new building envelopes and commissioning new and rehabilitated building envelopes. Bob has an impressive portfolio of challenging projects including Rogers Place, the Coronation Park Sports & Recreation Centre, the University of Alberta Universiade Pavilion (Butterdome) as well as many other sport and fitness centres and various commercial and residential buildings. Bob graduated from the University of Saskatchewan and spent 10 years honing his engineering skills with a number of architectural and engineering firms in St. Albert and Edmonton before joining RJC in 2012. Bob is currently an Associate with the Building Science and Restoration Team and the Building Science Group Leader in the Edmonton office. Bob’s continued commitment to personal and professional excellence is demonstrated through his involvement with RJC’s Building Science Liaison Group and his volunteer work with local associations including BOMA, CCI, ABECN and APEGA.
David Murray
Architect AAA, FRAIC
Principal, David Murray Architects
David is an Edmonton-based architect and Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC). A graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Architecture, 1969), he has been a Registered Architect with the Alberta Association of Architects since 1979 and has led David Murray Architect since 1984. Recognized for his work in heritage conservation, urban design, and adaptive reuse, Murray has received numerous local and national awards, including the 2024 King Charles III Coronation Medal for Service to the Profession. In addition to his practice, he has served in leadership roles with the Alberta Association of Architects and on several heritage and urban design review boards, and has taught at Athabasca University and the University of Calgary.
Industry News
AWMAC NAB Announces Design Professional Membership Category
The AWMAC Northern Alberta Chapter is pleased to share that we have introduced an updated Design Professional membership category, now offered free of charge! AWMAC warmly invite architects, interior designers, and design firms throughout Northern Alberta to participate.
This initiative has been developed to strengthen collaboration and engagement between the design community and the architectural woodwork industry, while providing greater access to AWMAC resources and communications.
Participating design firms may choose to have their firm listed on the AWMAC website, providing additional visibility within the architectural woodwork and construction community. In addition, design professionals who opt in will be added to both the AWMAC National and Northern Alberta Chapter communications distribution lists to receive updates on industry initiatives, educational opportunities, technical resources, and important announcements.
AWMAC is pleased to confirm that submissions for the AWMAC Awards of Excellence will now be open to all design firms. To ensure your firm receives notification when submissions open and to be included in future communications, please email northernalberta@awmac.com requesting to be added to our communications list. Only firms that respond will be included in these distribution lists.
There is no cost to participate. Simply reply with your firm name, contact information, and indicate if you would also like your firm included on the AWMAC website.
AWMAC looks forward to connecting with and supporting the design community as valued partners in our industry.
CAA Consulting Agreements Reference 2025
Industry Events
2026 Navacord Construction Conference
Navacord is proud to host an exclusive conference for construction industry leaders and decision-makers. Join contractors, developers, and executives to explore strategies for managing risk and safeguarding operations in a changing market. With a focus on proactive risk management, we’ll cover trends, regulations, and challenges, equipping attendees with actionable insights to reduce exposure, control costs, and build resilience.
When: March 5th, 2026 - 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: River Cree Resort & Casino, 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Edmonton
Use Code BREAKING to access registration.
AAA Banff Session 2026: Origin Stories
Every two years the AAA brings together over 400 architects, interior designers, academics, and students to the stunning Rocky Mountains of Alberta to network, learn and advance the professions. The AAA has proudly hosted this popular conference, aptly named Banff Session, since 1956. Set at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, Banff Session 2026 will take place on May 1 + 2.
When: May 1 & 2, 2026
Where: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta
Everyone has an origin story that shapes their values, processes and designs. Our stories differentiate us, but they are also the thread that weaves us together in our shared journeys. Founding narratives aren’t limited to personal history — they are also formed by the socio-cultural experiences and built environment around us. This year's Banff Session theme, Origin Stories, challenges attendees and speakers to explore how their own history and our collective narratives shape architecture and interior design, and how our past can be the catalyst for future innovation and creativity.
Trade Show
The trade show at Banff Session is an excellent place to network and connect with industry professionals while championing your business and brand. Interested in joining us in Banff? More information on trade show opportunities is available in our Exhibitor Package or by contacting Minn Va Wong, Accounting Administrator & IT Coordinator.
Information on how exhibitors can access our reserved room block at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel will be made available soon. Please be assured that the room block isn't open and rooms at the AAA's preferred rate are not available at this time.
2026 RAIC Conference on Architecture
The 2026 RAIC Conference on Architecture—happening at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre from May 5 to 8—will bring together architectural professionals for four days of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Haven’t registered yet? Book your tickets before March 17 to get the best rates!