Architectural Firms

Sole proprietorships are the simplest firm structure to set up and, as the name suggests, there is only one owner, who must be an Architect AIBC, in an unincorporated business entity.

Although partnerships are relatively simple to set up, you are strongly advised to obtain adequate legal and financial advice and execute a suitable partnership agreement prior to embarking on a partnership. As per Section 65 of the Architects Act, architects may not partner with non-architects, with the exception of professional engineers registered in B.C. “Partnership” has a legal meaning and specific legislation governing this business structure. “Partnership” is also sometimes loosely used to refer to more informal business relationships. Care should be taken, and legal advice sought, in relation to partnership matters.

There are relatively complex requirements for architectural corporations beyond the regulatory requirements of the AIBC. You are therefore advised to obtain adequate legal and financial advice to assist you in setting up a corporation. Although non-architects, in addition to professional engineers or corporations, may own voting shares in an architectural corporation, control must remain with the registered architects. See Section 26 of the Architects Act for further information.

Partnerships of Corporations follow the same rules as partnerships. Partner corporations must all be registered (and applied for separately) as architectural corporations in their own right and follow the requirements for corporations, above.

This type of firm allows an engineering firm to practise architecture, supported by the Memorandum of Agreement between APEGBC and the AIBC. The engineering firm must apply for a Certificate of Joint Practice when employing an Architect AIBC who takes full architectural responsibility.

Inactive firms are firms approved by the AIBC for which no Certificate of Practice is issued. Inactive firms (corporations) do not have the right to practise architecture, although the architect owner is entitled to practise architecture through a different firm/Certificate of Practice provided they are in good standing. Inactive firms are usually set up as personal corporations that hold shares in other, active architectural firms. They may also be previously active architectural corporations in the process of dissolution and will usually remain inactive for approximately a year to wind down any legal obligations.