The Architects Act, introduced in British Columbia in 1920, is the legislation that governs the architectural profession throughout the province. Its underlying purpose is to protect the public interest. While it is specific to architects and architecture, it affects everyone including related professions, government officials, clients and the public.
The Act specifies the legal responsibilities for those who practice architecture, including qualifications, professional conduct standards, liability, and certificates of practice. It also establishes the authority and mandate of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, the regulatory body for the profession.