AIBC Regulatory Authority Documents
The Professional Governance Act is the legislation that governs the regulation of the profession of architecture in the province and represents the highest order of legal authority. Enabled by the Act, accompanying components, as listed below, set out supporting bylaws, standards, principles, values and procedures.
Professional Governance Act – The Professional Governance Act (PGA) is broad and general legislation designed to modernize professional regulation and provide oversight of several regulatory bodies in British Columbia. It clarifies the role of regulatory bodies, and also establishes the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance, which reports into the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. The PGA defines the AIBC’s mandate and governing authority, and sets standard requirements for key elements of professional governance. It also outlines the obligations and standards that all registrants under the PGA must meet.
Professional Governance General Regulation – The Professional Governance General Regulation further defines the obligations and standards set out in the PGA, and covers a variety of subjects, including the nomination process for councillors and requirements for public disclosure of certain regulatory information.
Architects Regulation – The Architects Regulation addresses transitional items and elements that were previously in the Architects Act, including establishing the “reserved practice” for architects (formerly Section 60, or the ‘exceptions’), and reserved titles.
Bylaws – The AIBC Bylaws are the single-source document for the regulation of the architectural profession in British Columbia, setting the specific standards and procedures that apply to the AIBC and its registrants. Schedules are regulatory documents that can be found at the end of the AIBC Bylaws; examples of Schedules include the Fee Schedule, the Code of Ethics a nd Professional Conduct, a number of Council Rules, and Administrative Guidelines regarding specific AIBC requirements and programs.
Schedules – Schedules are regulatory documents authorized in the Bylaws that can be found at the end of the new AIBC Bylaws. They include the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, a number of Council Rules, and Administrative Guidelines regarding specific AIBC requirements and programs. For example, Internship in Architecture Program registration requirements and Fees (previously Bulletin 1:Fees, Fines and Charges) are Schedules.
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct – Enabled by the Act and AIBC Bylaws, the AIBC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct establishes the core professional and ethical standards for architects, associates, temporary licensees and firms. The Code of Ethics is built around those AIBC Bylaws that set out the principles, values, and standards of behaviour for the profession, supplemented by commentary.
Council Code of Conduct and Council Policy – AIBC Council governs the affairs of the Institute and operates under a form of the “policy governance” model. Under this system, council establishes and monitors policies for guiding and overseeing the Institute’s performance. The Council Code of Conduct establishes certain standards and procedures for AIBC Council members.
Bulletins – More than 40 Bulletins provide specific information and advice regarding a variety of Institute and professional matters, largely related to standards for the profession. Bulletins are publicly available and accessed by clients, local governments and the public.
Supporting AIBC Resources
Supplemental to and consistent with the regulatory authority framework is a collection of ancillary AIBC resources.
Please visit the AIBC Resources page for AIBC Standard Form Contracts between Client and Consultant (including link to the AIBC Authorization Stickers/CCDC Electronic Documents, Publications & Copyright Stickers (Seals) Order Form), Guidelines on Intellectual Property, Municipal Matrix, Practice Guidelines, and Tariff of Fees for Architectural Services.