Practice Guidelines

On occasion, the AIBC publishes Practice Guidelines (formerly ‘Practice Notes’) to provide specific guidance to architects and firms on a variety of practice matters, such as letters of assurance, standard form agreements and other business/practice issues.

NOTE: The AIBC transitioned to the Professional Governance Act on February 10, 2023. Practice Guidelines have not yet been updated to reflect the new legislation and updated Bylaws. Although there may be outdated terms and references, note that the general concepts and requirements remain the same. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact practiceadvice@aibc.ca. For more information about the transition, go to aibc.ca/PGA.

AIBC Practice Guidelines

• Practice Guideline: Guide to Document 8C – 2021 Standard Short Form Contract Between Client and Consultant (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Guide to Document 8C – 2021 Chinese Language Edition: 建筑实践说明: 合同文件8C – 2021委托方与设计顾问简版标准合同使用说明（中文版）
• Practice Guideline: Builders Lien Act – Considerations for Architects (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Qualified Letters of Assurance (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: AIBC Standard Form of Contract 6C: Between Client & Consultant (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Hourly Rate Fees – Services of Principals or Staff (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Blended Hourly Rate Fees for Principals in Small Practices (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Percentage Fees: Phased Earnings (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Exchange of Electronic Information (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Letters of Assurance for Phased (or Partial) Occupancies (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Advisory Design Panels (ADPs) (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Continuing Education System (CES) (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Standard Form Contracts (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: BC Energy Step Code – Application (PDF)
• Practice Guideline: Use of the Architect’s Seal (PDF)

AIBC Practice Notes

The following are currently under review for republishing as Practice Guidelines:

• Practice Note 10: Professional Liability Insurance and Related Issues (PDF)

Joint Practice Guidelines

The following Practice Guidelines have been published in collaboration with additional stakeholders.

• Guidelines on Intellectual Property (PDF)
• Whole Building Energy Modelling Services Version 1.0 (AIBC/EGBC Joint Professional Practice Guidelines) (PDF)
• Professional Design and Field Review By Supporting Registered Professionals (including Model Schedule S-B and Model Schedule S-C) (PDF)
  Fillable Model Schedule S-B (PDF)
  Fillable Model Schedule S-C (PDF)
• British Columbia Building Code Letters of Assurance Requirements for Part 9 Buildings (Version 1.1) (PDF)
• Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction Up to 12 Storeys (PDF)
• Design and Installation of Elevating Devices in New Buildings (PDF)
• Alteration of Elevating Devices in Existing Buildings (PDF)

AIBC Contact

Contact a Practice Advisor at practiceadvice@aibc.ca.