Sam Oboh

SamOboh.jpg

Sam Oboh,

FAIA,

Architect, AAA, OAA, AIBC, FRAIC, NCARB, LEED®️ AP

Principal  |  Vice President, Architecture + Creative Intelligence

With his unique expertise, insights and track record of measurable success spanning over 25 years in the built environment sector, Sam is well-respected for his knowledge and inspired insights applied to all his projects. As a former Vice President of a Fortune 500 company, former head of Architecture and Engineering Centre of Expertise with the Government of Canada (Western Region), and Africa Partner at six miles across London Ltd. (small), Sam brings a unique perspective and energy to his role as Principal and Senior Architect with Ensight+

Why Sam? | Celebrated for his transformative contributions to architecture, Sam Oboh stands among the profession’s most distinguished leaders. Honoured as the 2023 Tom Sutherland Award laureate, he is also a King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024) recipient, AIA Presidential Medal honouree, and Distinguished Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). With decades of experience in sustainable design and specialized government facilities, Sam made history as the first Canadian of African descent in over a century to lead the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), serving as its 2015 President.

Sam’s leadership has shaped landmark initiatives including Global Affairs Canada’s Design Excellence Framework, LabsCanada’s Repeatable Laboratories Design Framework (RLDF), and the multibillion-dollar Alberta Legislature Centre Redevelopment—where, as both Business Development Lead and Architect, he helped capture the spirit of Alberta’s most significant heritage site through innovative, culturally resonant design. He also shares his expertise as a visiting lecturer / design critic at various institutions including Yale University, University of Toronto, and University of Calgary.

Relevant Experience | Through his over 25-year career, Sam Oboh has been engaged in all aspects of professional practice - ranging from design, practice management, technical documentation, project and design quality management. He has successfully led, designed and managed projects such as the development of LabsCanada’s Design Framework Proposed Royal Alberta Museum of History, Parks Canada’s Palisades Centre, Ideal Image Spa Clinic, Correctional Service Canada’s Drumheller Institution Site Development Project, Edmonton Federal Building, Stony Mountain Institution Site Development Project in Manitoba, Government of Canada Immigration + Refugee Council Fit-up project and the Alberta Legislature Centre redevelopment project – where he led and contributed to capturing the spirit of Alberta’s most significant heritage site in a variety of creative and innovative forms

Education 

M.A., University of Alberta; 

M.Sc. Architecture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; 1996; certified by Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) 

B.Sc. Architecture, Ambrose Alli University; 1992; certified by Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) 

Professional Accreditation 

Registered Architect: 

  • Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) 

  • Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) 

  • Architects Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) 

  • State of Texas, USA (TBAE)

    Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) 

    Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC) 

    U.S. National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) Certificate 

Accomplishments / Achievements / Awards 

(selected few)

  • 2024 Recipient of King Charles III Medal (Architecture)

  • 2023 Laureate - Tom Sutherland Architecture Award - “for exemplifying exceptional leadership qualities within the architectural

    profession; advancing the profession and demonstrating committed and ongoing service to the community in Alberta.” - Alberta Association of Architects

  • American Institute of Architects Presidential Medal Recipient - 2015 

  • Honoree, Australian Institute of Architects (Hon. RAIA) | Canberra Australia 

  • 2016 Excellence Award for Leadership, Excellence Magazine, Canada 

  • Named One of 150 Extraordinary Canadians - in commemoration of Canada’s sesquicentennial 

  • CaGBC LEED Gold Certification - Edmonton Federal Building Project Team member - 2016 

  • USGBC LEED Gold Certification - South East Division Edmonton Police Station Project Team member - 2005 

  • Award of Excellence | Edmonton Urban Design Awards (Civic Design) - Capital Plaza, Alberta Legislature Centre 

  • Honoree, Colegio de Arquitectos de Bolivia | Sucre, Bolivia 

Project Experience 

  • Rotary Wings Infrastructure (Helicopter Hangar and Ambulance Bay + Ancillary Services) – Prince Rupert and Kamloops Airport, British Columbia

  • LabsCanada’s Principal Architect (Consultant) for various Government of Canada multi-billion Laboratory facilities - including:

    • RSS – Regulatory and Security Science
      Focuses on protecting human, animal, and plant health, ensuring food safety, and enhancing border security.

    • CHS – Cultural Heritage Science
      Dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

    • TerraCanada
      Supports sustainable land and resource development, clean energy, critical minerals research, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    • TSTS – Transportation Safety and Technology Science
      Centers on assessing and reducing transportation-related risks for Canadians.

    • ASEC – Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre
      Focuses on protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting sustainability initiatives in Atlantic Canada.

  • Africa Multicultural Community Centre, Edmonton, AB

  • Drumheller Institution Site Development Project, Alberta - Correctional Service Canada

  • Villa PuntaCana Resort + Club, Dominican Republic

  • Wellington Chapel, Edmonton

  • Alberta Legislature Centre Redevelopment Master Plan* 

  • Edmonton Federal Building & Capital Plaza Redevelopment (LEED Gold)* 

  • Royal Alberta Museum of History Design, Edmonton, AB* 

  • Jasper Place Fitness and Leisure Centre, Edmonton, AB* 

  • Edmonton Police Service - South East Division Station (LEED Gold), Edmonton AB* 

  • RCMP Iqaluit, Nunavut (LEED registered)* 

  • Churchill Station Renewal Project – Edmonton AB* 

  • Ferrier Garage Bus Storage Design, Edmonton, AB* 

  • International Law Enforcement Agency, Gaborone, Botswana Police College / Police Detachment, Otse, Southern Africa* 

  • CMTC / EXCON Weapons Effects Simulation Facility Facility; Dept. of National Defence, Wainwright* 

  • Government of Canada Immigration + Refugee Council Office Development, Edmonton, AB* 

  • Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) - Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Departmental Representative Quality Assurance* 

  • Drumheller Institution 96 bed maximum security prison facility, Departmental Representative Quality Assurance* 

  • Drumheller Maximum Security Institution GI-GO BUILDINGS, Departmental Representative Quality Assurance* 

  • City of Red Deer Civic Yard (Workshops Buildings, Warehouse, Admin and Bus Garage Transit Facility)* 

  • City of Regina Master Plan - Public Works Facilities* 

  • OCTA Centre Line Railbase; Orange County, California* 

  • Mitchell Transit Garage Expansion Feasibility Study* 

  • Edmonton South Garage General Fit Program Planning* 

  • Commonwealth Stadium - North Central Community Recreation Center & Joe Clarke Athletic Grounds Project* 

  • University of Alberta Botanical Gardens Pavilion, Devon Alberta* 

  • Robbins Health learning Centre, MacEwan University, Edmonton* 

  • Parks Canada Palisades Stewardship Education Centre, Jasper National Park, AB* 

  • Maun District Hospital, Botswana Southern Africa* 

  • Sturgeon General Hospital (IBR) Project, St. Albert, Alberta* 

  • Caritas Continuing Care Centre (Auxiliary Hospital), Edmonton* 

  • Moores Clothing Store, Edmonton West* 

  • Tewelliger Electrical Substation Building, Edmonton AB* 

  • Ideal Image Spa Clinic, Richmond + Surrey Vancouver, BC* 

  • EPCOR Tower (LEED Gold)*