RCHITECTURE IN CANADA
Architecture is a protected profession in Canada and is mandated at the provincial and territorial level. These provincial and territorial associations act as regulating bodies with their main objectives to regulate the practice of architecture, govern its members and define the scope of practice in order to protect the public’s interest.
Some examples are the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) who’s statue is the Architect’s Act, RSO 1990, c. A.26. in Ontario as well as the Ordre des Architects du Quebec (OAQ) who’s statue is the A-21 - Loi sur les architectes in Quebec.
These laws prescribe who may legally engage in the practice of architecture.
“Only a licensed Architect, may:
- Hold themselves out as being an Architect, and
- Engage in providing services to the public that is part of the practice of architecture.”
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE
The practice of architecture is defined as,
(a) The preparation or provision of a design (plan, sketch, drawing, graphic representation, or specification) intended to govern the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building or a part of a building,
(b) Evaluating, advising on or reporting on the construction, enlargement, or alteration of a building, or
(c) A general review (an examination of the building to determine whether it is in general conformity with the design) governing the construction, enlargement, or alteration of a building.
Although architects may offer services unlimited in building types, building sizes, building heights, or building complexity, the ‘scope of practice’ prescribes the minimum involvements which are also enforced by the local jurisdictions.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
The scope of practice identifies building type, building size, building height and other complexities and who is required to provide the service. These permitted scopes to practice are legally prescribed by the provincial / territorial professional associations and their respective building codes.
At a minimum, an Architect must be involved on the following types of projects:
The table above is a simplified guide to assist the public in determining if an architect is required on projects but is not meant to be a comprehensive and legal assessment which will need to account for other complexities involved on projects. If a licensed architect isn’t needed, feel free to reach out to us as we may even be able to refer you to other qualified individuals that can help you. If ever you are unsure, contact us and we would be happy to assist you in determining the appropriate services you need for your project. Lastly, if you are certain that you need an architect, please contact us and we would be please to assist you and even advise if you also need other professionals for your project.
Tip: As a professional curtesy, we recommend to all individuals who are considering any type of building intervention, to talk to a licensed professionals before hiring outside services. The unfortunate and common mistake we often encounter is when clients’ hands over a design by an ‘unqualified individual’ and expects it to be realized. We must then deliver the bad news of their wasted efforts and must start the process of designing the project over. Please note that the act of ‘Design’ is defined under the practice of architecture and often must be fully developed (as early as the conceptual stage) under the responsible control of a licensed Architect.