Richard’s design ethos is simple: he strives to create spaces that elicit an emotional response. Regardless of a building’s program or scale, he believes that architecture should surprise and inspire us. Over the past several years Richard has worked with rural and Indigenous communities across British Columbia, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories towards this goal.
These projects, ranging from healthcare facilities to schools and cultural centres, have reinforced his understanding that architecture should reflect and serve the people it’s built for. Coming from a rural community himself, Richard has an appreciation for the unique landscapes, culture, and people that give a place its character. He takes great satisfaction in expressing and highlighting these qualities through architecture.
Alongside his passion for design, Richard brings rigour to the technical execution of projects. Precision, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of building systems are skills he has honed throughout his career.
Richard holds a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia, where he was honoured with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia Medal for academic and design excellence. Outside of work, he finds joy and clarity in biking and tends to become fully immersed in whatever captures his interest.
From Designing to Speaking
Alfred, a seasoned lecturer, is widely recognized for his innovative thinking. His expertise spans various subjects, with a particular passion for ‘Indigenuity’—a term he coined. This concept brings together indigenous ways of knowing and western knowledge to create architecture that prioritizes cultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility. Alfred’s engaging presentations leave audiences inspired to embrace new perspectives and make conscientious choices for the collective good.
Past Speaking Engagements
2023
Architecture With An Indigenous View – AIBC (virtual)
Earth to Sky Documentary Discussion Panel, Seattle WA
Lecture: Back Together, Educational Facilities as Platforms for Community (re)Connection, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, SK
Indigenuity Lecture, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON
2022
Convocation Keynote Speaker, Yukon University, Whitehorse YK
Indigenuity Lecture, Toronto Metropolitan University, ON
Indigenuity & Sustainable Strategies, AIA Montana, Missoula, MT
Indigenuity Lecture, Arizona State University Design School, AR
Indigenuity Lecture, View to the Future- AIBC
2021
On the Ground Indigenous Voices on Constructed Place, University of Washington
Indigenuity Lecture – University of Toronto
Indigenuity Lecture, Saskatoon Design Week (virtual)
Indigenuity Lecture, Korean wood (virtual)
Indigenuity Lecture, Japanese Resort (virtual)
2020
Indigenuity Lecture, Banff Sessions (virtual)
Indigenuity Lecture, Heather Lands Cultural Centre discussion (virtual)
Indigenuity Lecture, Victoria Interior Design Conference (virtual)
Webinar Presenter – Taking Action: A Conversation on Climate Change & Architecture in Canada, RAIC
Webinar Presenter – Indigenuity presentation, RAIC – Continuing Education Session
Harvard Guest Lecturer, First Nations Reclaim the City
UofC Studio Critic
Speaker – Indigenuity, Banff Lecture Series, Banff, AB
Speaker, AIBC Conference, Vancouver Convention Centre, BC
2019
Keynote Speaker NSAA Annual Conference
Panelist for the RAIC, The Transformative Power of Architecture, The RAIC International Prize and the Meaning of Value in Contemporary Architecture, Vancouver, BC
Future of Architecture, Keynote Speaker, Nova Scotia Architectural Association Annual Conference, Halifax, NS
Speaker at the WoodTalks at the Global Buyers Mission, Conference, Whistler, BC
University of Calgary, AB – Indigenuity
2018
Speaker at the SALA Lecture Series, UBC School of Architecture, Vancouver, BC
Panel Speaker, Committee on Forest and the Forest Industry (COFFI), Vancouver, BC
Speaker for the Seagram Visiting Lecture Series, Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Speaker for the Joanne Cuthertson Student Lecture Series, Faculty of Environmental Design, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
Guest Speaker, BCIT Architectural Technology Class, Organized by Jim Taggart, FRAIC, BCIT Downtown Campus, Vancouver, BC
2017
Speaker at the Changing Climate Changing Buildings, NWTAA annual Conference, Yellowknife, NWT
Panelist, Architecture as a Step Towards Reconciliation: The Power of Place Language, and Story, APT – National Trust for Canada Joint Conference, Ottawa, ON
Speaker at Respecting the Land and Identity, International Indigenous Architecture and Design Symposium, RAIC, Wabano Centre, Ottawa, ON
Building Community: Indigeneity in Architectural Education & Practise, Saskatchewan Association of Architects, Saskatoon, SK
RAIC – Ottawa Indigenous Conference
Wood Design and Construction Solutions Conference – Indigenuity in Architecture
BCIT – Wood Works Whistler, BC
2016
RAIC Festival of Architecture Nanaimo, BC – Cultural Sustainability in the Architectural Realm
2015
BCIT Vancouver, BC – Lecture on Cultural Identity and Architecture
University of Saskatoon – Green Conference
National Capital Urbanism Lab – Indigenous Architecture + Design