Registration Types

The use of the professional title Architect AIBC is restricted to registered architects. Under the Architects Act and Bylaws, the words “member” and “architect” and the title “Architect AIBC” are reserved for architects: those applicants who meet the education, experience and examination requirements for engaging in the full range of activities defined as the practice of architecture in the province of British Columbia.

It is against the law for anyone who is not registered with the AIBC to use the titles “Architect AIBC”, “architect” or any similar title or use or to practise architecture or offer to do so as defined by the Architects Act.

There are several paths to register as an Architect AIBC. One of the most common ways is completion of the Intern Architect Program (IAP). To qualify an applicant must:

• Have a post-secondary education certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board.
• Acquire a minimum of 3,720 hours (two years) of prescribed internship work experience.
• Attend six mandatory professional development courses offered by the AIBC.
• Pass an oral, peer review process.
• Write and pass a series of registration examinations, either the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC), or the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE) offered through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Other equally rigorous paths to registration include completion of alternate qualifications programs as well as applying under reciprocity agreements. Read more.

Under the Architects Act, the AIBC Council may admit any person as an associate of the Institute, divide associates into different classes and set the qualifications for each class. Associates are registrants that fall into the Intern Architect, Architectural Technologist or Retired Architect classes.

Associate’s Rights and Responsibilities

• An associate is not entitled to vote on AIBC matters, hold office in the Institute or receive notices.
• Associates may not represent themselves as an architect or be held out as an architect.
• An associate may only practise the profession of architecture as an employee working for, and under the supervision of, an architect.
• Associates must follow specific notification requirements to clients and authorities having jurisdiction when they are providing independent design services for projects that do not require the services of an architect.

The AIBC Council has established three classes of associates under the Architects Act, each with a specific set of qualifications. The associate classes and their designations are:

1. Intern Architect AIBC
2. Architectural Technologist AIBC
3. Retired Architect AIBC

Associates of the AIBC are required to comply with the Architects Act, AIBC Bylaws and the AIBC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

In addition to individuals, all businesses in the practice of architecture (firms) are required to be registered with the AIBC. An architectural firm is only permitted to offer or provide professional services through a valid Certificate of Practice.

In order to provide or to promote architectural services in British Columbia, architects registered in another jurisdiction (province, state or country) but not in British Columbia are required to meet certain terms and conditions under the AIBC’s Temporary License requirements.

Honorary Members of the AIBC are individuals who have made especially noteworthy contributions to the profession of architecture in British Columbia. They are put forth by council and honorary membership is voted on by AIBC members at AIBC Annual Meeting. Honorary Members are free voting members of the AIBC and referenced in the Architects Act.