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Travelling to Barcelona over a decade ago, Keesa Hutchinson, MArch‘95, was part of the pilot program for her architecture degree. Maybe it was Antony Gaudi’s work, or perhaps the paella, but the University of Calgary’s  shaped her conviction that being immersed in a different place really influences a designer’s outlook.

Fast forward to today, Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) and the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) just signed an agreement that makes these types of activities recognized as a critical part of the journey to becoming an architect. The ACE-CALA Mutual Recognition Agreement for the Practice of Architecture globalizes the credentials for the next generation of architects. It’s been 10 years in the making and Hutchinson is honoured to have represented Alberta in signing the deal.

Hutchinson says, “Architecture is one of the only global professions where sharing insight can lead toward strengthening cultural identity. To be able to practice across Europe and bring back design insights allows for more fluidity in the profession. This goes beyond cross-border services.”

• Photo above:Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities representatives, back row, from left: Spyro Trifos, Lorin Brehaut, Greg Snow, and Robert Winslow. Front row, from left: Danica Djurkovic, James Youck, Nathalie Dion, Donald Sterritt, Keesa Hutchinson, and Celeste MacKay. Photo courtesy Alberta Association of Architects

Those four months in Spain at the Faculty of Environmental Design’s studio in Barcelona motivated her to open up similar opportunities for more young architects, and this agreement does just that. Hutchinson's eyes brighten as she adds, “Imagine the impact one or two years would have!”

For two years, Hutchinson has been the Alberta Architects Association (AAA) representative for CALA. She’s also an instructor of professional practice and a strong advocate of getting intern architects licensed. She volunteered for the committee because it’s a passion of hers — reciprocity is all about students, interns, and promoting the profession.

The signing of this agreement doesn’t only advance the profession, it also has a larger impact on all Canadians. Architects play a vital role in shaping the places around us. Everyone benefits when the bar on design excellence is elevated; the result is better buildings and enhanced communities for life, work and play.

“The more exposure architects have to different types of design, the better they can design. Take, for example, the new library. Those are international architects providing real enhancements to our city,” she says. The design of the new central library in Calgary was led by Snohetta from Norway, a place with a very similar climate. A mutual exchange of experience on how to work with climatic issues and design sensibilities furthers the future of architecture.

As this year’s study abroad students are beginning to return home from Barcelona and Tokyo, Dr. John L. Brown, dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design, comments, “Architecture is a globalized profession and this agreement will help Canadian professionals join the world stage. With study abroad opportunities in Japan, Spain, Norway, Mexico, and Switzerland, our faculty has long understood the importance of providing an international perspective to the next generation of architects, planners, and landscape architects.”

Super passionate about interns, signing the agreement is only one piece of the journey for Hutchinson. Becoming an architect requires a rigorous amount of schooling and work experience, then a registration exam. Making it more accessible for intern architects to complete work experience abroad will help broaden global thinking and open doors for international design. This would encourage ability without losing time on internship — and the next big task on the horizon.

 about the agreement to recognize architectural credentials.