Brigitte Shim and A. Howard Sutcliffe (Photo by Younes Bounhar)
Brigitte Shim honoured by Ontario Association of Architects
Published: August 24, 2026
Brigitte Shim, a professor in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto, has received the Lifetime Design Achievement Award from the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA).
The biennial honour recognizes architects whose careers demonstrate excellence and innovation in architectural design and a legacy of outstanding work.
Shim shares the award with A. Howard Sutcliffe, with whom she co-founded Shim-Sutcliffe Architects in 1994. Their practice integrates architecture, landscape, interior and industrial design, with projects including the Robertson Davies Library and St. Catherine’s Chapel at U of T's Massey College, the Wong Dai Sin Temple in Markham and Integral House in Toronto.
"As partners in life and practice, Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe are among the few Canadian architects who have gained international recognition for the excellence of their buildings and landscapes," states a citation in the forthcoming OAA 2026 Awards Book.
“Brigitte and Howard’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to design excellence, grounded in a deep understanding of place, research and innovation,” said Robert Levit, professor and former acting dean of the Daniels Faculty. “Their contributions have shaped both architectural practice and education at the highest level, leaving a lasting impact in Canada and beyond."
