AIBC Response to COVID-19

On March 26, 2020, the provincial government released a list of essential services in B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Non-health essential service providers category, the following was listed:

• “building code enforcement, inspection of buildings, building sites and building systems by building officials and registered professionals (architects and engineers)”

Given this latest update, Field Review is considered an essential service. It is important to note that other aspects of practice, such as having architectural offices open to the public, or working in offices in groups (as opposed to at home), are not considered essential.

On projects where construction is continuing, architects acting as Coordinating Registered Professionals should consider consulting with their clients, and the clients’ constructors, on the anticipated construction schedule, and consider reminding them of the professional review required. As well, architects are advised to inform Registered Professionals that they are coordinating with this decision of the Provincial Health Officer, and advise them as to project expectations for field review.

At this time, many construction sites are still operating as they are considered “industrial sites”, which means the ban on mass gatherings (50+ people) is not applicable – more information about this clarification can be found here. Health and safety are a top priority – additional precautions have been put in place by the provincial government to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission on construction sites. Registrants can review the government’s “Guidance to construction sites operating during COVID-19” for more information about the new guidelines.

The Canadian Construction Association also released COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for all Canadian Construction Sites.

In addition to the above precautions, there are several measures that can be taken by the architect while conducting a field review. This can include wearing protective gear, or requesting the site be cleared so that the architect can be alone during the review. If an architect is required to be in isolation (e.g. displaying any COVID-19-like symptoms, has recently travelled, etc.), they will need to have another architect, or staff member, assist.

Further information is available from WorkSafe BC on COVID-19 safety on construction sites.

The AIBC will continue to monitor the situation and update registrants on this webpage.

Field review, per the BC Building Code/Vancouver Building Bylaw definition, is the only service that requires your actual presence in a physical  location.

For meetings that require an architect to be present, such as public hearings and design panels, remote attendance is acceptable. The essential element in these meetings is that the architect be available to answer questions, should they arise. Telephone or videoconferencing meet this requirement.

Under standard RFP processes,  there are often mandatory site meetings. It is an architect’s business decision on  how to respond to calls for mandatory site meetings. The provincial government has stated that construction is an essential service, and the construction process includes the early phase of design service procurement. The Ministry of Health’s directives to stay at home are not violated in the case of essential services. Maintaining a 2 metre distance at such a site visit would be required, which should be possible in the typical RFP mandatory site visit scenario.

For any site visit, personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. At this time, standard construction site PPE can be supplemented with additional PPE, such as gloves, visors and masks. For any person required to self-isolate due to symptoms, exposure or travel history, attendance would not be possible, and firms would have to send other personnel. Further information is available from WorkSafe BC on COVID-19 safety on construction sites.

For clients that may wish to meet in-person: under a standard client-architect agreement, you are obliged by bylaw to communicate with your client, and by the contract, to perform the services that you have agreed to. There are no requirements regarding the medium of communication; it is for each architect to decide their preferred method of communication. Under the standards contracts, face-to face meetings are not a requirement. An architect would only be required to meet in-person if it was a specific service that was stated in the contract. Management of your clients and their expectations can be challenging, so it is your business decision, rather than a contractual or bylaw obligation, on how you deal with requests from clients for face-to-face meetings.

For questions regarding AIBC contracts 6C and 8C, and CCDC documents, please continue to email Practice Advice at practiceadvice@aibc.ca. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 implications for RAIC contracts, please email the RAIC Director of Practice Support, Donald Ardiel, at dardiel@raic.org.

Currently, both the AIBC and Notarius are working to set up every architect who requests a digital seal with one as quickly as possible.

The entire process of obtaining a digital seal is done online. There are four steps, which take approximately 45 minutes to complete over several business days. Additional detail can be found on the Notarius website. The Notarius team also has technical staff who can assist architects with setup and use. Please note that Notarius uses the terms ‘seal’ and ‘signature’ interchangeably.

Notarius is currently offering a limited-time discounted rate for AIBC registrants who would like to obtain a digital seal. The one-time set up fee has been reduced from $140 to $40 (plus tax) for all subscriptions completed between now and June 30, 2020. Learn more about the discount.

More information about digital seals can be found here.

AIBC Authorization Stickers and CCDC Electronic Documents and Copyright Stickers can be ordered online by filling in the order form, and then emailing the completed version to reception@aibc.ca. Please note that we are not sending orders by courier or for pickup at the office; all orders will be delivered by Canada Post only.

Access to electronic contracts is sent via email. Contract seals, credit card receipts, and a copy of the order form are sent in the mail after payment is processed.

Attach the receipt to the document until you receive the sticker at a later date. The contract will be valid in the interim period with the receipt attached.

Resources for the architectural profession regarding COVID-19 can be found on the following sites:

• Province of British Columbia: Guidance to construction sites operating during COVID-19
• Canadian Construction Association: COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites
• Vancouver Coastal Health: Building water systems and COVID-19
• WorkSafe BC: Construction and COVID-19 safety
• Defence Construction Canada: Defence Construction Canada expands its e-procurement solution to the submission of proposals for architectural and engineering services

Additional resources and links will be added as they become available.

Yes – the AIBC has given a three month extension to CES Participants to meet their requirements for the 2018-2020 reporting period cycle. The deadline is now September 30, 2020.

Personalized letters have been sent to each CES Participant based on their current compliancy status. The letter outlines the impacted processes and addresses any unique circumstances, such as for new registrants or those completing their CES obligations via the Canadian reciprocity option.

The AIBC  is also exploring offering additional online professional development opportunities for registrants.

To continue supporting registrants in fulfilling their continuing education requirements, the AIBC is exploring new ways to provide additional online opportunities and will be advertising opportunities from other jurisdictions and providers. These opportunities will be made available through regular AIBC communication such as Connected, Notices, and the AIBC Events Calendar.

In addition, the AIBC has compiled a list of additional online learning activities through which CES Participants can earn Learning Units: the Online Learning Opportunities Roundup (PDF). The list consists of more than 35 different online opportunities, and will continue to be updated as more online sessions become available.

The AIBC Professional Services staff are available for those requiring further assistance and are encouraged to contact professionaldevelopment@aibc.ca.

As of May 8, 2020, seven courses have been cancelled:

• BC Building Code: March 20
• Ethics, Act & Bylaws: Friday, April 3
• Architect & the Law: April 17
• Construction Administration: May 1
• BC Building Code: May 22
• Ethics, Act & Bylaws: June 5
• Architect & The Law: June 12

Full refunds will automatically be given to all scheduled course participants via the original payment method. The Institute will directly notify all registered course participants via email – those who are affected by these cancellations will be given priority for the rescheduled offerings.

The AIBC is not able to offer the courses remotely as they are interactive and require engaging group work. While we cannot provide online access, the Institute is currently exploring modified and/or alternative arrangements to ensure that when given clearance, we are able to resume delivering the courses in-person while still observing the required health protocols.

Yes. Applications for registration as architects and associates, as well as applications to enroll as affiliates will continue to be accepted, reviewed and approved.

• Those applying to become Architects AIBC by reinstatement, Mutual Recognition Agreement or Alternative Qualifications programs should email their completed application package documents to registration@aibc.ca. Please retain hardcopy originals as these will be requested at a later time.
• Applications related to Architectural Firms should continue to be emailed to registration@aibc.ca.
• Applications for the Internship in Architecture Program, Architectural Technologist AIBC designation and affiliation and student affiliate status, should be emailed to iap@aibc.ca. Please retain hardcopy originals as these may requested at a later time.

Candidates whose Oral Reviews have been cancelled will receive priority placement at the next round of reviews in June. It will not be necessary to reapply. When the application period opens in April, anticipate receiving an email from iap@aibc.ca requesting confirmation of your participation in the next round of reviews.

Any questions or concerns related to Oral Reviews can be sent to iap@aibc.ca.

The 2020 Induction and Retirement Ceremony, scheduled to take place in June, has been postponed and will not be taking place this year.

Newly registered Architects AIBC and Architectural Technologists AIBC, as well as newly Retired Architects AIBC who would have been eligible to participate in the 2020 ceremony will be invited, along with their families, to attend an expanded ceremony in 2021.

The 2021 Induction and Retirement Ceremony is a by-invitation event and further details will be shared in early 2021. Questions can be directed to reception@aibc.ca