Because Raymond Moriyama, inset, was born to parents of Japanese origin, he and his family, along with thousands of other Japanese families, were removed for national security reasons from their home during World War II, processed through a temporary camp in Vancouver, and then held in isolation for the remainder of World War II. Some 20,000 Japanese Canadians were processed similarly and it was not until 1949 that they were re-enfranchised and could begin rebuilding their lives. Raymond Moriyama was no exception. Graduating in Architecture from both the University of Toronto and McGill University, Montreal, Raymond Moriyama has made giant steps in the world of architecture, generating an internationally respected reputation since he opened for business, 1958. Over the next 40 years his firm has created many award-winning projects such as the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto; Scarborough Civic Centre; Science North, Sudbury; Toronto Reference Library; Canadian Embassy,Tokyo; and, most recently, the Saudi Arabian National Museum, Riyadh. Recipient of eight honorary degrees and made an Officer, Order of Canada, 1985, Dr. Raymond Moriyama believes that “Architecture is a backdrop for worthwhile human activity.” The Saudi Arabian National Museum, below left, the result of an International Design Competition won by Moriyama & Teshima Architects, was officially opened, January 22, 1999, by King Fahad to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the unification of Saudi Arabia. [Photos, courtesy Moriyama & Teshima Architects]