Vijay Paulraj is a registered Architect with the Council of Architecture, India, and brings over 15 years of experience in the AEC industry, including more than eight years working in British Columbia. His international journey has shaped a well-rounded expertise, enabling him to guide projects from concept to completion with both creativity and confidence.
Vijay is known for his exceptional problem-solving skills, approaching challenges with strategic thinking and calm determination. His meticulous nature ensures that projects remain on track, even in the face of unexpected hurdles.
Collaboration is at the heart of Vijay’s professional ethos. Having worked in diverse, multicultural environments, he thrives in team settings—fostering constructive dialogue, encouraging innovation, and motivating colleagues to achieve their best work.
Outside of architecture, Vijay enjoys tennis, hiking, and board games—pursuits that reflect his love of competition, adventure, and strategic thinking. Whether he’s serving on the court, exploring nature, or winning a game night face-off, he brings the same energy and thoughtful approach that defines his work.
For Vijay, architecture is more than designing buildings—it’s about shaping communities and creating enduring spaces that inspire, serve, and stand the test of time.
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