Mandatory Courses

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how to use the standard architect (consulting) contract in architectural practice.
• Describe the legal structure which governs architectural practice.
• Explain how professional liability arises.

Course Overview

This course will cover:

1. Canadian legal system and its relationship to the practice of architecture
2. Common law, the obligations and risks associated with architectural practice
3. Contract law fundamentals and contractual responsibilities of an architect
4. Standard architect contract, review of AIBC Standard Form of Contract 6C
5. Introduction to Builders Liens
6. Basic elements of negligence and civil liability to mitigate risk
7. Tendering
8. Liability insurance

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and explain the basic concepts of the BC Building Code.
• Locate specific code references for Part 3 buildings.
• Apply basic building code concepts in the process of building design.
• Analyze the specific BC requirements appropriate to drawing review for a project.

Course Overview

This course will cover:

1. The BC Building Code as related to practice of architecture
2. Application of grade, building height and building area
3. Applying the Building Code during a design process
4. Analyzing the Building Code in completed designs
5. A full overview of Letters of Assurance (specifically Schedules A, B, C-A, C-B, S-B and S-C) and a review of the architect’s responsibility in each

Equivalency

BCIT’s BC Building Code: Part 3 Introduction (BLDG 1830) and Code and Regulations (Building Law in Canada) (BLDG 4500) courses are equivalent to AIBC’s BC Building Code course. Please note that while these courses cover most of the content contained under AIBC’s BC Building Code II, it does not cover “Letters of Assurance”.

Intern Architects AIBC and BEA candidates will be required to take responsibility for studying the “Letters of Assurance” component, which is an area covered and tested under the Oral Review. They must review the following materials and the embedded links, including:

• Member Advisory – New BC Building Code 2012 Letters of Assurance (Schedules B and C-A); jointly distributed by AIBC and EGBC.
• British Columbia Codes: 2018.

Currently, the BLDG 1830 and BLDG 4500 courses are the only BCIT courses recognized for credit. If either of these courses have been completed, contact registration@aibc.ca along with supporting documentation, such as an unofficial transcript.

The Advanced Code Knowledge and Certified Professional courses, offered jointly by the AIBC and EGBC are also equivalent to AIBC’s BC Building Code course.

Learning outcomes

• Identify the key systematic approaches to Construction Administration that reduce risk as well as effort while ensuring contractual compliance.
• Describe the key principles underlying Construction Administration activities and how to implement them on a project.
• Explain how the fundamental pre-construction aspects of contracts and risks set the stage for Construction Administration.
• Explain how to implement up to 11 elements of Construction Administration that may be required for any project.

Course Overview

This course will cover:

1. Contractual compliance, risk management and their inter-relationship
2. Risk management and its relationship to contractual obligations
3. Responsibilities for architects in the various contracts; AIBC Standard Short Form Contract Between Client & Consultant 8C
4. Consultant roles
5. Schedule A & B of the Letters of Assurance with hands-on exercises
6. Communication within the construction team and beyond
7. Regulatory agencies, i.e., building/health inspector
8. Information and request for information (RFI) process
9. Architect’s role in payment certification
10. Submittals
11. Principles of mockup identification and review
12. Changes and instruction, and its efficient management
13. Field review and assessment techniques
14. Deficiencies and nonconformances
15. Substantial performance and occupancy at the completion phase
16. Warranty

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how regulatory documents set professional standards for Registrants and are used by the AIBC to enforce and maintain regulation in the public interest.
• Explain professional self-governance in relation to architectural practice.
• As a Registrant, adopt and maintain a professional practice that complies with the ethical and professional responsibilities outlined in the AIBC Bylaws and Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Course Overview

This course will cover:

1. An overview of the Professional Governance Act and AIBC Bylaws
2. AIBC regulatory functions and mandate
3. An overview of the 10 Professional Standards
4. Cases of AIBC Bylaws contravention

The Mandatory Firm Registrants Course provides an overview of the baseline responsibilities and requirements of holding a Certificate of Practice and operating an architectural Firm in British Columbia.

A high volume of practice inquiries and conduct complaints stem from the intersection between running an architectural business and maintaining Professional Standards in a regulated environment. By the end of the course, it is hoped that participants will better understand Firm responsibilities as required under the Professional Governance Act, Architects Regulation, AIBC Bylaws and Practice Standards in the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The Mandatory Firm Registrants Course will take approximately three hours to complete, and will cover a variety of important Firm Registrant topics, including:

• Registration Requirements
• Compliance with Laws
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Contracts and Engagement
• Use of Seal and Services
• Relationships between Employer Firm and Employees in a Regulated context

More information about the Mandatory Firm Registrants Course requirements can be found in Schedule T: Board Rules for Firm Continuing Education in the AIBC Bylaws.