AIBC Regulatory Authority Infographic
AIBC Regulatory Authority Documents
The Architects 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.
Architects Act – The Architects Act, introduced in British Columbia in 1920, is legislation that establishes the Institute and the self-regulation of the profession of architecture in B.C. As a provincial statute of general application, it represents the highest order legal authority in the document hierarchy.
Bylaws – Bylaws are a form of regulation authorized by the governing legislation: the Architects Act. New or amended bylaws must be approved by members. Bylaws come into effect after successfully passing the government’s 45 day disallowance period. Currently, there are more than 150 bylaws.
Council Code of Conduct – As required under Bylaws 3.8 and 4.1, the Council Code of Conduct establishes certain standards and procedures for AIBC Council members and invited liaisons.
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 council rulings and commentary.
Council Rules – Though similar in name to Council Rulings, Council Rules are more specific, procedural expectations that cover important Institute business in addition to procedural matters such as council’s own meetings. There are two types of rules: 1. Rules authorized specifically through bylaws; and, 2. Rules as enabled under s.5 of the Architects Act.
Council Rulings – Council Rulings, found only in the Code of Ethics, identify and elaborate on the fundamental standards established through AIBC Bylaws. Council Rulings are formally referred to in AIBC Bylaw 38.1. There are more than 70 Rulings found in the Code of Ethics.
Council Policy & Protocols – 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. Council policies were updated and revised in November 2016. Council protocols provide more detailed direction to support council in fulfilling certain policies.
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 Notes, and Tariff of Fees for Architectural Services.