Douglas Cardinal

Douglas J. Cardinal was born and raised in Alberta, but it was his education and work experience in Texas in the 1950’s and early 1960’s that laid the foundation for his unique approach to architecture. He was influenced by the art deco and organic approach to architecture developed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, Alvar Alto and Gaudi. He was also influenced by the philosophies of Rudolph Steiner, who not only produced innovative architecture, but also developed the Waldorf education system. The University of Texas at Austin emphasized the development of the individual, and stressed individual responsibility and achievement. While in Texas, Douglas Cardinal worked with the architectural firms Jessen, Jessen, Milhouse and Geeven, and Fred Day. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with honors in 1963, and returned to Alberta.

In 1964, he established his practice, Douglas Cardinal Architect. His first major building was St. Mary’s Church in Red Deer, Alberta, which received international recognition. Douglas Cardinal’s unique expression of his approach to architecture is embodied in the design of this building. The Canadian Government honored this building by developing a stamp based in its likeness in 2007. This building follows his tenet that organic architecture is the expression of a free individual in a free society. Says Mr. Cardinal, “It is the individual expression, celebrating the signature style of the architect, in a society that honors each individual’s contribution and responsibility.”

In this building, he strived to elevate the human spirit and bring harmony and balance to our own nature and our natural environment. With Father Merx and the congregation, he evolved the building from the needs of the congregation and the requirements of the church. His belief was to bring their visions into reality. He followed these principals in his designs for Grande Prairie Regional College, The Edmonton Space Sciences Center, The Government Services Center in Ponoka, St. Albert Place, and several other public buildings. In these spaces, he emphasized that we should embrace and respect each individual and promote a respect for, and balance of, nature. He served the people of Alberta, and the surrounding Prairie Provinces, for some twenty years.

In 1983, he won a national competition held by the Canadian Government, where Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau selected him to design the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. To carry through his commitment, Douglas Cardinal moved his office to Ottawa in 1985, where he currently resides today. In 1991, he won an international competition to design the National Museum of the American Indian, which is located directly in front of the capital in Washington, DC.

For his service to the government, and his contribution to our nation’s capital, Madame Sauve honored him with Canada’s most prestigious award, naming him an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2001. For his work with the James Bay Cree, the community he designed for Ouje-bougoumou won the “We The People – Fifty Communities Award” from the United Nations, and was featured in Expo 2000 held in Germany. He was recognized for his work by the Society of American Registered Architects, who also gave him international recognition by making him an honorary member.

For his works in both Nation’s capitals, the Scottish Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland has declared him an honorary fellow.

His design for the First Nations University of Canada received awards from the International Academy of Architecture, who invited him to Europe in 2005 where they declared him Professor/Academician. In 2006, the International Academy of Architecture also awarded him the title of World Master of Contemporary Architecture. Throughout his career he has received many honors and awards, as well as 11 doctorates. He was also awarded with a Gold Medal in Architecture from the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada, one of the highest awards available to a practicing architect.

His firm is one of North America’s leading users and pioneers of current computer technologies.

He believes that one has to begin the design process without any preconceived ideas. The creating of new paradigms comes from individuals who are willing to think beyond the confines of the existing knowledge.

“Without any preconceptions, I evolve a design from the inside out, open to all possibilities.” –Douglas Cardinal