Ian Chodikoff, OAA, FRAIC

I’ve spent 25 years at the intersection of architecture, communications and strategy. I edited Canadian Architect from 2003 to 2012, served as executive director of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, founded Fora Strategic Planning (2012–20), and directed communications and business development at SvN Architects + Planners (2020–24). Today, through Chodikoff & Ideas, I help architecture firms, consultancies, developers and public agencies define their position, win the work they want, and get recognized for it.

I live in Prince Edward County and work with firms across Canada.

Background

From 2003 to 2012, Ian was the editor of Canadian Architect magazine — authoring nearly 200 articles on architecture, urban design, housing, and planning, and building a deep, cross-country network of relationships with Canada’s leading design professionals. He subsequently served as executive director of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), leading the national voice of the profession in its engagements with government, media, and the public.

Today, as principal of Chodikoff & Ideas, Ian works with boutique design studios, large engineering consultancies, construction companies, real estate developers, and AEC-adjacent startups. His work spans design narrative development, communications strategy, firm branding, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and research-backed advisory services.

Credentials

  • Licensed architect, Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)

  • Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC)

  • Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD), Harvard Graduate School of Design

  • Master of Architecture, University of British Columbia

  • Former editor, Canadian Architect magazine (2003–2012)

  • Former executive director, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

  • Guest editor, Canadian Architect, April 2026 affordable-housing issue

  • Essay in Canadian Modern Architecture: 1967 to the Present (Princeton Architectural Press, 2019)

  • Director, Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation

Writing and Speaking

Professional writing: the Chodikoff & Ideas newsletter on LinkedIn. Essays from the County: The Ruralist (chodikoff.substack.com).

Architecture conferences, design summits, and industry roundtables run better when the person at the podium understands what is actually at stake. I’m an experienced keynote speaker, panel moderator, and conference chair, and have appeared at events across Canada and internationally. I’m available for keynote presentations, panel moderation, workshop facilitation, and jury service for design competitions— bringing my knowledge of the profession, its politics, and its possibilities to every stage I occupy.

Speaking Topics

  • The future of architecture practice in Canada — how the profession is changing and what firms need to do to stay relevant

  • Housing policy and the role of design — how architects can contribute to the housing affordability conversation

  • How architecture firms can compete in a changing market — communications, positioning, and competitive strategy for design practices.

  • Design thinking and creative leadership — how the mindset of architecture translates into broader organizational problem-solving

  • Climate-positive design and the built environment — what the transition to a low-carbon economy means for architects and their clients.

  • Architecture and the public interest — the civic and cultural role of architecture in contemporary Canadian life.