2009 - Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Ronald James Goodfellow
Ron Goodfellow grew up in rural southern Alberta. His graduation thesis at the
University of British Columbia School of Architecture in 1969, was entitled “an
Historical and Ecological Study of Southern Alberta”. This thesis signaled an
abiding interest in regional culture, climate and context that influenced his work
throughout his career.
In 1979, after ten years with Alberta Public Works, working on master plans for the
University of Calgary, SAIT and the Foothills Hospital, and designing the Court of
the Queens Bench in Calgary, he started his own firm: R. J. Goodfellow Architects.
His early practice included both single and multi-family infill housing, retirement
homes; many of which were cited as innovative models that influenced the
industry, and projects in the National Parks of both Canada and the United States.
His Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston has made a significant contribution
to the culture of southwestern Alberta and was voted the most outstanding indoor
attraction in Canada in 2002.
However, his most illustrious achievement is the strikingly original Blackfoot
Crossing Interpretive Centre on the Siksika Nation west of Calgary. Some 20
years in the making, it is an outstanding architectural and cultural achievement.
His unflagging devotion to this project exemplifies his integrity and determination
to preserve Southern Alberta’s native heritage in the context of its diminishing
grassland ecosystems.
He is currently completing major upgrades to the City of Calgary Water Treatment
Plants at Glenmore and Bearspaw and has won numerous awards for his sensitive
response to the architectural heritage of the City’s water treatment facilities.
Architecture in Alberta has indeed been enriched by the outstanding
professionalism of Ronald James Goodfellow.
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