DECEMBER 2024 UPDATE:
In December 2024, the AIBC published Practice Guideline: Use of the Architect’s Seal, which replaces Bulletin 60: Signature, Seal and Delivery of Electronic Documents and Bulletin 61: Seal of an Architect.
Bulletin 60: Signature, Seal and Delivery of Electronic Documents, first issued in 2009, has been extensively updated. There are no new requirements, but it has been reorganized to put greater emphasis on the council-mandated requirements for the security of the architectural seal when transmitted electronically.
Architects are reminded that “Any document required to be sealed by an architect and transmitted electronically must be signed, sealed and dated with a digital certificate as described in this bulletin. No other means of sealing an electronically transmitted document is acceptable.” Architects are strongly advised to read the revised Bulletin, and practice in accordance with its requirements.
The City of Vancouver has now introduced digital submission of Certified Professional (CP) projects. For architects, CPs and their clients to make use of this improved service, architects must obtain and use a digital seal to submit their projects digitally under the CP process. In cooperation with the AIBC, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, and Notarius, the service provider of the AIBC digital seal, the City of Vancouver will be requiring the Notarius digital seal as the only means of digitally sealing documents.
The basic information on how to contact Notarius to obtain a digital seal is contained within the Bulletin, but architects should allow for the time it takes for an initial application to be processed, as well as to allow some time to install the requisite software and become familiar with it. Notarius has excellent technical staff who can assist architects with setup and use. The AIBC will be providing an information article in the new year to help new users get started with the process. Once set up and in use, architects will find it is quick and easy to seal documents digitally.
Bulletin 60: Signature, Seal and Delivery of Electronic Documents (PDF)
Questions on the requirement for, and use of, the digital seal may be directed to Maura Gatensby Architect AIBC CP, Practice Advisor at praticeadvice@aibc.ca.