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Architecture (M.Arch.)
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture
Laurentian University's Master’s degree in Architecture is unique in Canada.
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Program Overview
The Master’s degree in Architecture draws upon the study of northern community needs, coupled with an integrated approach to building systems for northern climates. Areas of study for advanced graduate work include building with wood, designing for climate change, architectural history and theory, and making and digital processes.
The program length is two years, with a continued focus on experiential learning through design-build and community design projects. Year one design studio options include Craft & Technology, Community, and Indigenous Design. Studios include national and international travel components. In the following two terms, students complete co-op placements in professional architecture offices locally, nationally and internationally.
Year two is devoted to a research design thesis. Students work individually with a faculty advisor. The thesis is supported by group classes on research methodology and making. The knowledge and skills gained in this program prepare students to work in a variety of related fields including urban design, community planning, sustainable design, environmental design, graphic design, manual making and digital fabrication.
The Master of Architecture program is fully accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). Students who graduate from the program are eligible to become licensed professional architects with the Ontario Architecture Association (OAA) or another architecture association in Canada.
Specialized research is presented through research seminars while professional practice is emphasized through co-operative education and an advanced course in architectural practice.
Courses on fabrication further expose students to the relationship between architecture and industry through making.
A design Thesis forms the spine of the second year. Design courses (including Thesis) and co-operative placements are offered in both French and English.
Career Outlook
The knowledge and skills gained in the professional program prepare students to enter into the architectural profession, as well as a variety of related design fields including urban design, community planning, sustainable design, environmental design, or digital fabrication.
Program Details
Program language:
English
Delivery method:
On Campus
Contact info
Steven Beites, Graduate Coordinator705-675-1151 ext. 7263
McEwen School of Architecture, Telegraph Building, Office TE-212
march@laurentian.ca
Please contact the email above, and our recruitment team will get back to you!
More About The Program
The McEwen School of Architecture is now officially the 12th accredited architecture school in Canada! Learn more ».
Visit the McEwen School of Architecture for more information
Admission Requirements
Applicants for Direct Entry into 2-year M.Arch Program
Due to accreditation requirements, all applicants seeking direct entry into the 2-year M.Arch Program must have a pre-professional architecture degree (i.e. BAS, BES, BEDS, etc.). Pre-professional architecture programs are those whose curriculum is designed to meet accreditation requirements established and cyclically reviewed by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) or foreign equivalent.
[Note: Applicants who have a 4-year degree in architecture or a closely related field such as Environmental Design from a non-pre-professional program (i.e. the curriculum is not cyclically reviewed by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) or foreign equivalent), will be considered for acceptance into an Architecture Qualifying Year, including comprehensive design studio and other suggested courses. See the ‘Architecture Qualifying Year’ section below.]
Deadline to apply: February 1st each year (please enquire at march@laurentian.ca regarding rolling deadlines). If this date falls on a weekend, then the application is due on the following business day.
Application Process
Step 1. Click here to submit the online application. Once students have applied, they will receive instructions (typically within 48 hours) from the Office of Admissions leading them to the MyLaurentian portal. Students can access the portal at my.laurentian.ca; sign-in credentials will be provided in the correspondence received from the Office of Admissions upon successful completion of an application.
The following are required for consideration:
An overall GPA of at least 70% (min. Laurentian University GPA 5.5) is required to be admitted into the M.Arch. program.
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Three (3) references (to begin the process at my.laurentian.ca click on
"Reference Submission" on the left-hand navigation menu – you will need to send the electronic form provided on the portal to your referees)
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A current curriculum-vitae/resume (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
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A 1-2 page letter expressing what area(s) of design you wish to focus upon for graduate work, and your reasons for choosing the McEwen School of Architecture. Please note that M.Arch Thesis advisors are assigned after entry into the program
A) For those who hold or will hold a BAS and are continuing to the M.Arch after the program at Laurentian, you must also submit:
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A Design Portfolio showing your creative and design skills, technical knowledge, and relevant professional experience. Due to the pandemic, portfolios must be submitted electronically via the platform Issuu.
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We ask that you:
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Send the link of your online portfolio to march@laurentian.ca.
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Embed the link in the letter of interest requested above.
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B) For those applying to the M.Arch program from outside of the BAS program (including those applying for the Architecture Qualifying Year), you must also submit :
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Official transcripts, indicating your previous pre-professional architecture degree* (or previous undergraduate degree if applying to the Architecture Qualifying Year).
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A Design Portfolio showing your creative and design skills, technical knowledge and relevant professional experience. For each project in your portfolio please note the following:
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If it was completed for school (what studio level), extra-curricular or during employment
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Which climate and what location it was designed for
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If it was completed individually or as part of a team/group; if the project was a team/group effort note your specific contribution (note the analogue and/or digital tools used (eg. Drawing mediums, computer software etc.)
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Due to the pandemic, portfolios must be submitted electronically via the platform Issuu. (Remember to send the link of your online portfolio to march@laurentian.ca and also embed the link in the letter of interest requested above).
*Please note that official transcripts or World Education Services (WES) course-by-course (for institutions attended outside of North America) must come directly to the Office of Admissions from the previous post-secondary institution by requesting at the time of your application or by contacting the institution's Registrar's Office.
Step 2. Once the LU Office of Admissions receives all information and the application is deemed complete, the application will be forwarded to the School. A McEwen School of Architecture Graduate Admissions Committee will meet to review all applications.
Step 3. The McEwen School of Architecture Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications on file and decide the suitability of each applicant. The committee will then make a recommendation to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Laurentian University. The Graduate Studies Office will verify the dossier and if satisfactory, the Dean of Graduate Studies will forward the recommendation to the Office of Admissions at Laurentian University for admission.
Step 4: If approved for admission, the LU Office of Admissions will send the student an Offer of Admission via MyLaurentian. Applicants wishing to accept the offer of admission must indicate their response on MyLaurentian within 3 weeks of receiving the offer. Once the student has accepted the offer, a transition to the registration process occurs.
Note: Should the applicant wish to defer their offer, a letter must be written to the Director of the McEwen School of Architecture explaining the reasons for the request. If the request for deferral is accepted, it will be valid for one year only. The applicant would be required to re-apply in any year following the one-year deferral. Requests should be submitted to march@laurentian.ca.
Architecture Qualifying Year
Applicants who have a 4-year degree in architecture (or a closely related field such as Environmental Design) from a non-pre-professional program (i.e. curriculum is not reviewed by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) or its international equivalent), will be considered for acceptance into an Architecture Qualifying Year, including comprehensive design studio and other suggested courses. The Architecture Qualifying Year is designed to allow applicants to obtain the professional M.Arch degree over a 3 year period while ensuring that accreditation requirements are met. Acceptance into the graduate program is contingent on the student maintaining good academic standing during the Qualifying Year.
Similarly, in some cases, international students with limited or no experience in cold climate construction and building envelope design, and/or students who have not demonstrated sufficient comprehensive design experience, and/or students who are not deemed to have the requisite digital proficiencies to succeed in the M.Arch program will also be recommended to the Architecture Qualifying Year. All applicants should be applying directly to the Masters of Architecture program outlined above and will be considered on an individual basis by the unit for either the M.Arch. program or the Qualifying Year.
*Note: In some cases, depending on the quality of the portfolio and academic transcript, students may instead receive advanced standing into the third year of the BAS program. If so, and upon successful completion of 60 undergraduate credits at the university, the student will receive a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree and would be eligible to apply directly to the M.Arch program.
Students who maintain Good Academic Standing during the Qualifying Year will need to provide a “Letter of Intent to Continue into the M.Arch. Program” to the Graduate Coordinator before the February 1st application deadline, but will not need to reapply.
To apply for acceptance into the Architecture Qualifying Year, applicants must follow the instructions above. In the letter of intent, applicants should clearly state that they are applying for the Architecture Qualifying Year.
How To Apply
To apply for graduate studies, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the following pages:
Degree Options
Students must follow these regulations while in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Master of Architecture
Year 1 FALL
ARCH 5906E Architectural Practice
ARCH 5006E Architectural Theory
ARCH 5505E/F Craft and Technology Design Studio / Architecture et artisanat
(OR) ARCH 5515E/F Community Design Studio / Édifice communautaire
(OR) ARCH 5525E/F Indigenous Design Studio / Conception autochtone
Year 1 WINTER
ARCH 5915E/F Co-Operative Term 3 / Enseignement coopératif
ARCH 5925E/F Co-Operative Term 4 / Enseignement coopératif 4
Year 2 FALL
ARCH 5306E Making 1
ARCH 5086E Material Culture(s)
ARCH 5555E/F Design Research Studio 1 / Thèse I
Year 2 WINTER
ARCH 5326E Making 2
ARCH 5569E Design Research Studio 2
Sample Courses
Master of Architecture (Professional Degree)
This optional graduate Design Studio, selected by each student, examines issues of craft in architecture. Sometime the studio focusses on the making of building details; other times it focusses on the methods of production that lead to craft. Studying the history of manual craft and digital craft forms a foundation for positioning the specific design studio project. Industrial buildings and vernacular buildings are introduced as case studies and references. The notion of craft in architecture is seen as a way of allowing building details to become generators of the larger architectural project. Students may not retain credit for both ARCH 5505 and ARCH 5515. PREREQ: None (design studio inst, lec, sem), cr 6 (Design Stream).
This optional graduate Design Studio, selected by each student, continues to examine architectural design within the context of 'community building.' The studio guides students towards the study of indigenous and vernacular practices of existing communities in an attempt to identify how architects bring their expertise of design to bear upon various community projects. Studio design problems are identified each year, building upon various community groups' needs and requests. Partnerships between faculty members and community groups form an integral part of this course. Students may not retain credit for both ARCH 5515 and ARCH 5505. PREREQ: None (design studio inst, lec, sem), cr 6 (Design Stream).
This course examines questions surrounding Indigenous design. How does the study of Indigenous knowledges, cultures, practices and traditional protocols inform design? Indigenous design context, processes, strategies and world views are explored in an attempt to broaden the discourse on architecture from the perspective of Indigenous communities. Design Studio projects are identified each year, building upon various community requests. Partnerships between faculty members and community groups are integral to the course. Students may not retain credit for more than one of the following: ARCH 5505, 5515, 5525. PREREQ: None (design studio inst, lec, sem), cr 6 (Design Stream).
This advanced course in architecture examines architectural theory from a variety of perspectives. Selected issues in architectural thinking are a vehicle to discuss wider issues in architectural discourse. Modularity, mass production, the role of tectonics, the social role of architecture, and meaning in contemporary architecture are themes from which the course draws its content. Students read primary source material from a variety of authors and sources on architecture and design. (lec 3), cr 3.
This course offers paid work-study office placements for 14 weeks. Placements in architecture, engineering, or other design disciplines in Northern Ontario, Canada, and abroad form a basis for global practice. Internship preparation, interviews and placements are guided by the Co-op Coordinator, but employment is ultimately the responsibility of each student. PREREQ: None (placement and report), cr 6 (Prof. Practice Stream)
This course offers paid work-study office placements for 14 weeks. Placements in architecture, engineering, or other design disciplines in Northern Ontario, Canada, and abroad form a basis for global practice. Internship preparation, interviews and placements are guided by the Co-op coordinator, but employment is ultimately the responsibility of each student With permission of faculty supervisor. PREREQ: None (placement and report, cr. 6, (Prof. Practice Steam).
Cette option de l'atelier de conception examine les questions d'artisanat en architecture. L'atelier met l'accent sur la mise au point des détails du bâtiment. À d'autres périodes, il porte sur les méthodes de production menant à l'artisanat. Les bâtiments vernaculaires et les systèmes de construction sont présentés sous forme d'études de cas et de références. La notion d'artisanat en architecture permet aux détails de construction de devenir des générateurs d'un projet architectural de grande envergure. Les étudiants ne peuvent pas obtenir des crédits pour plus d'un des cours suivants : ARCH 5505, 5515 et 5525. Préalable : Aucun (atelier de conception inst., sém.), 6 cr. (volet Conception)
Cette option de l'atelier de conception continue d'examiner la conception architecturale dans le contexte d'un «?édifice communautaire?». Les problèmes de l'atelier de conception sont recensés chaque année à l'appui des besoins et demandes de groupes communautaires. Les partenariats entre les membres du corps professoral et les groupes communautaires constituent une partie intégrante de ce cours. Les étudiants ne peuvent obtenir des crédits pour plus d'un des cours suivants : ARCH 5505, 5515 et 5525. PRÉALABLE : Aucun (atelier de conception inst., sém.), 6 crédits (volet Conception)
Ce cours examine les questions entourant la «?conception autochtone?». Comment l'étude des savoirs, cultures, pratiques et protocoles traditionnels autochtones aident à comprendre la conception? Le contexte, les processus, les stratégies et les points de vue sur la planète propres aux communautés autochtones sont explorés dans le but d'élargir le discours sur l'architecture. Les projets de l'atelier de conception sont déterminés chaque année à l'appui des demandes très diverses de la communauté. Les partenariats entre les membres du corps professoral et les groupes communautaires constituent une partie intégrante du cours. Les étudiants ne peuvent pas obtenir des crédits pour plus d'un des cours suivants : ARCH 5505, 5515, 5525. Préalable : aucun (atelier de conception, cours magistraux, sém.), 6 cr. (volet Conception).
This course addresses the various forms and scales of architectural practice within Ontario, Canada and abroad. The course focuses on issues of professional architectural practice as outlined by nationally recognized guides, including the internship process, ethical and legal responsibilities, modes of practice, professional contracts, and project management.
Ce cours offre des placements travail-études payés d'une durée de 14 semaines. Les stages en architecture, en génie ou dans d'autres domaines de conception, se tiendront tant dans le nord de l'Ontario, au Canada, qu'à l'étranger, constituent une base de pratique professionnelle mondiale. La préparation au stage, les entrevues et le placement sont facilités par le coordonateurcoordonnateur ou la coordonnatrice de l'enseignement coopératif, mais l'emploi est la responsabilité de l'étudiant(e). PRÉALABLE : Aucun (stage et rapport), 6 crédits (volet Pratique professionnelle).
Ce cours offre aux étudiants une expérience de travail-études pour 14 semaines. Les stages en architecture, en génie ou dans d'autres domaines de conception pourront être réalisé au nord de l'Ontario, au Canada, ainsi qu'à l'étranger. Les stages doivent constituer une base de pratique professionnelle mondiale. La préparation au stage, les entrevues et le placement sont facilités par la coordonnatrice de l'enseignement coopératif, mais l'obtention d'un stage reste sous la responsabilité de chaque membre du corps étudiant. PRÉALABLE : Enseignement Coopératif 3, 6 crédits (volet Pratique professionnelle).
The final year of the M.Arch Program is centred on an individual design proposition by each student. This follows extensive experience in group work and collaboration with other students and communities. Thesis Studio 1 is where students develop a research hypothesis and test it through the cyclical and iterative actions of thinking and making. Written research and design research are encouraged to reinforce each other rather than to be viewed in a linear sequence. Students are expected to select their Thesis Committee during this course. PREREQ: ARCH-5006, ARCH-5505 or 5515 or 5525, ARCH-5906, ARCH-5915 cr 6.
La dernière année du programme de M.Arch. est axée sur une proposition de conception élaborée individuellement par chaque membre du corps étudiant et fait suite à des expériences appréciables de travail en groupe et à des collaborations avec d'autres étudiants et des collectivités. Dans ce cours, les membres du corps étudiant formulent une hypothèse de recherche et la mettent à l'épreuve en effectuant des boucles itératives de réflexion et de création. Les recherches écrites et conceptuelles sont encouragées afin qu'elles se consolident l'une et l'autre au lieu d'être perçues comme une suite linéaire. Pendant le cours, les étudiants doivent composer leur comité de direction de thèse. Préalables: ARCH-5006, ARCH-5505 ou 5515 ou 5525, ARCH-5906, ARCH-5915, ARCH-5925. h, atel. 6 cr.
The final year of the M.Arch Program is centred on an individual design proposition by each student. Following Design Research Studio 1, Design Research Studio 2 focuses on complex individual design projects. Since the design Thesis is the culmination of a professional program in architecture, design projects should include a proposition about a building, or a series of buildings within a community setting. During this process, written research and design research are encouraged to reinforce each other rather than to be viewed in a linear sequence. ARCH 5326 further complements and supports the design Thesis. PREREQ: ARCH 5306, ARCH 5086 ARCH 5555 (design studio inst, leC), cr 9 (Design Stream).
La dernière année du programme de M.Arch. est axée sur une proposition de thèse élaborée individuellement par chaque membre du corps étudiant. Suivant Atelier de recherche-design I, ce cours se concentre sur des projets de design complexes, qui doivent inclure une proposition de bâtiment ou une série de bâtiments dans un milieu communautaire. Pendant ce processus, les recherches écrites et conceptuelles sont encouragées afin qu'elles se consolident l'une et l'autre. Les cours ARCH 5326 et 5086 complètent et appuient la thèse. Préalables: ARCH 5306, ARCH 5086 ARCH 5555 h/atel. 9 cr.
This course is the first of two graduate courses on 'Making.' The course introduces various theories of digital and manual craft, based upon themes set for the course. Projects and assignments explore the idea of hybrid technologies as they relate to architectural design. The aim of the first graduate course is to gain an overview of various technologies in the Fabrication Labs including metal, wood, earth, and digital processes. PREREQ: ARCH-5006, ARCH-5906, ARCH-5915 and one of ARCH-5505,5515 or 5525 (lec, fab lab), cr 3 (Technology stream).
The final course in the graduate program on 'Making' builds upon knowledge gained in ARCH 5306. Projects are instructed in a tutorial manner. A major objective of the course is to explore the design of advanced systems in architecture. Projects and assignments continue to explore the idea of hybrid technologies as they relate to architectural design. Fabrication technologies, material studies, or building details may inform or support complex design questions arising in Design Research Studio 2 (ARCH 5565). PREREQ: ARCH 5306, ARCH 5086, ARCH 5555 ( lec, fab lab), cr 3 (Technology Stream).
Beginning with Henry Glassie's term 'material culture,' this course examines architecture and the making of architecture as an expression of societal needs and wants. The physical nature of artifacts and their material expression forms a basis for analysis and speculation. The course draws heavily upon other related disciplines including anthropology, ethnography and gender studies. The aim of the course is to relate material culture to the act of designing things, buildings, and communities. The course supports and complements design investigations related to Design Research Studio 1 (ARCH 5555). PREREQ: ARCH-5006, ARCH-5906, ARCH-5915, and , one of ARCH-5505, 5515 or 5525 (lec, presentations), cr 3 (Culture Stream).
The final year of the M.Arch Program is centred on an individual design proposition by each student. Following Design Research Studio 1, Design Research Studio 2 focuses on complex individual design projects. Since the design Thesis is the culmination of a professional program in architecture, design projects should include a proposition about a building, or a series of buildings within a community setting. During this process, written research and design research are encouraged to reinforce each other rather than to be viewed in a linear sequence. ARCH 5326 further complements and supports the design Thesis. PREREQ: ARCH 5306, ARCH 5086 ARCH 5555 (design studio inst, leC), cr 9 (Design Stream).
La dernière année du programme de M.Arch. est axée sur une proposition de thèse élaborée individuellement par chaque membre du corps étudiant. Suivant Atelier de recherche-design I, ce cours se concentre sur des projets de design complexes, qui doivent inclure une proposition de bâtiment ou une série de bâtiments dans un milieu communautaire. Pendant ce processus, les recherches écrites et conceptuelles sont encouragées afin qu'elles se consolident l'une et l'autre. Les cours ARCH 5326 et 5086 complètent et appuient la thèse. Préalables: ARCH 5306, ARCH 5086 ARCH 5555 h/atel. 9 cr.
The final year of the M.Arch Program is centred on an individual design proposition by each student. Following Design Research Studio 1, Design Research Studio 2 focuses on complex individual design projects. Since the design Thesis is the culmination of a professional program in architecture, design projects should include a proposition about a building, or a series of buildings within a community setting. During this process, written research and design research are encouraged to reinforce each other rather than to be viewed in a linear sequence. ARCH 5326 further complements and supports the design Thesis. PREREQ: ARCH 5306, ARCH 5086 ARCH 5555 (design studio inst, leC), cr 9 (Design Stream).
La dernière année du programme de M.Arch. est axée sur une proposition de thèse élaborée individuellement par chaque membre du corps étudiant. Suivant Atelier de recherche-design I, ce cours se concentre sur des projets de design complexes, qui doivent inclure une proposition de bâtiment ou une série de bâtiments dans un milieu communautaire. Pendant ce processus, les recherches écrites et conceptuelles sont encouragées afin qu'elles se consolident l'une et l'autre. Les cours ARCH 5326 et 5086 complètent et appuient la thèse. Préalables: ARCH 5306, ARCH 5086 ARCH 5555 h/atel. 9 cr.
Faculty Members
Faculty members on sabbatical 2025-2026:
- Bruce Wrightsman
Faculty members on leave 2025-2026:
- N/A
Adjunct Faculty members 2025-2026:
- Izabel Amaral
- Bruce Mau
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