Note: Capitalized terms on this webpage have the same meaning as defined in the AIBC Bylaws.
The AIBC transitioned to the Professional Governance Act (PGA) on February 10, 2023. This resulted in the repeal of the Architects Act, and the introduction of several new regulatory documents, including the Architects Regulation.
The Architects Regulation defines the practice of architecture and sets out which buildings in British Columbia require the services of an Architect by law. An Architect must be retained any time architectural services (including at the planning and design phase) are provided on a building requiring an Architect under the Architects Regulation.
An Architect must also be retained for renovations or repairs to an existing building that requires an Architect, unless the scope of work is not related to the items listed under section 5(3)(a) of the Architects Regulation.
An Architect or a Professional Engineer registered under the PGA may provide services on buildings that are within the Reserved Practice of architecture and the Reserved Practice of professional engineering; which is set out in Schedule 1 of the Architects Regulation.
More information about the requirements regarding architectural services in British Columbia, as well as titles and designations, can be found in the following documents:
- Professional Governance Act
- Architects Regulation
- Descriptive Material: Architects Regulation – Reserved Practice of Architecture (July 2024)
- AIBC Bylaws (PDF)
- Regulatory Guidance | Right to Title (PDF)
Descriptive Material: Architects Regulation – Reserved Practice of Architecture
Reserved Practice is the services for which an Architect AIBC must be retained. To help the public understand the Reserved Practice of architecture in B.C., including when an Architect is required on a project, accompanying descriptive material in the form of a guide is available – “Architects Regulation: Reserved Practice of Architecture”.
The descriptive material provides an overview of the Architects Regulation, including: Interaction Between the Architects Regulation and the BC Building Code, Alterations to Buildings, Architects and Professional Engineers, and a convenient chart that compares the Architects Regulation and the BC Building Code with respect to buildings requiring the services of an Architect. Of note, the descriptive material is intended as a guide and does not take the place of the Architects Regulation itself, which prevails in all cases.
Read the Architects Regulation: Reserved Practice of Architecture
AIBC Contact
Maura Gatensby Architect AIBC CP, Lead Practice Advisor and Regulatory Liaison at practiceadvice@aibc.ca.
AIBC Illegal Practice Department: IllegalPractice@aibc.ca