Paul Raff Profile Page | World Architecture Community

Paul Raff is the founding principal of Paul Raff Studio. He was born in Montreal, Canada, and spent much of his childhood in the Canadian Prairies, to which he attributes his interest in landscape and atmosphere. He graduated with degrees in Architecture and Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, and worked in architectural firms in New York, Barcelona and Hong Kong. He now lives in Toronto.

Raff’s reputation for excellence was established at the outset of his career in 1993 with an award-winning design for Toronto’s waterfront redevelopment. His architectural experience includes involvement in world-class projects such as the Chinese Vice-President’s House in Shanghai and the Barcelona waterfront development. His art experience includes temporary environmental installations and permanent sculptural works such as the new Regina Gateway commissioned by the City of Regina.

In 2001, Paul Raff became the youngest ever recipient of the Ontario Association of Architects’ Allied Arts Award for lifetime achievement. In 2009, Raff was awarded the Allied Arts Medal by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

Raff is a frequent guest professor and lecturer. In 2006, he represented Canada at a NAFTA-sponsored architects’ lecture series at the University of Illinois at Chicago. More recently Raff lectured on sustainability and artistic innovation in architecture including at New York University, Art Gallery of Ontario, and York University’s Schulich School of Business.