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.

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.

CDC 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. 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:

• Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia: COVID-19 Introduces Significant Changes to B.C. Professionals
• International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment: Pandemics and the Built Environment
• 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.