Going Global

This spring, Canadian and UK officials signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that will help Canadian architects register to practice in the UK, and vice versa. A similar agreement between Europe and Canada is expected to be ratified this fall, as part of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Architect Ian Chodikoff of Chodikoff & Ideas and Copenhagen-based Jack Renteria of Generation Global believe that the new MRAs are creating timely pathways for Canadian architects to work abroad. Chodikoff has led strategic initiatives as a former Director at Farrow Partnership and SvN, and Renteria was a Partner and Director of Business Development at the Danish firm 3XN, where he led the global expansion of the practice. Both individuals now lead their own consultancies—Chodikoff is focused on firm leadership and business strategies, while Renteria focuses on internationalization for clients—two ingredients any design firm should consider when investigating new market opportunities. Earlier this summer, the two organized a day-long workshop on international opportunities for Canadian architects. I spoke with them about what they’re seeing.