AIBC Newsletter | September 3, 2026

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Advisory | PST on Architectural Services

The Government of British Columbia has expanded PST to include architectural services. Effective October 1, 2026, PST must be charged and collected on architectural services, unless a specific exemption applies. This advisory covers several matters of which Registrants should be aware regarding PST and architectural services. Read more.

Firm Update Deadline: September 30

The 2026 Firm Update has begun, and the deadline for completing this important regulatory requirement is September 30, 2026. All architectural Firms registered with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia are required to submit a Firm Update. Read more.

Call for Submissions Now Open for PD Day 2027!

The PD Day 2027 Call for Submissions is now open! The Institute is seeking presentations on artificial intelligence, the business of architecture, sustainable design, and more. If you are interested in speaking at this virtual event, we encourage you to submit a proposal by October 30. Read more.

New Edition of AIBC 8C Contract

A new edition of AIBC 8C: AIBC Standard Short Form Contract Between Client & Consultant has been published. This update is part of the AIBC’s review of practice resources, and ensures that the Contract is ready for use ahead of October 1, 2026. Read more.

Further AIBC Practice Guidelines Updated

As previously shared, the AIBC is undertaking a phased review and update of its Practice Guidelines. Several additional documents have been revised, including the publication of a new Practice Guideline. Read more.

AIBC Happenings

  • "Understanding PST on Architectural Services" is taking place September 8.
  • Several Municipal Advisory Design Panel volunteer opportunities are available.
  • Registration is opening soon for the 2027
    Certified Professional (CP) and Advanced Code Knowledge Courses.

Intern Architect Happenings

  • Examination for Architects in Canada is being held in Vancouver and Victoria on November 2 and 3. The AIBC is holding a complimentary information session on September 9.

AIBC Volunteer Opportunities

  • Municipal Advisory Design Panels: City of Chilliwack, Township of Esquimalt, Town of Gibsons, City of Langley, City of Maple Ridge, District of North Vancouver, District of Oak Bay, City of Parksville, District of Saanich, District of Squamish, City of Surrey, University Endowment Lands, Municipality of Whistler, City of White Rock.
  • Oral Exam Panelists
  • BEA Assessors
  • Mentorship of an Intern Architect AIBC

Recognized Educational Provider Events

The AIBC welcomes REPs: Zenon, SITURA Inc., Mercury Contracting Ltd., White Cap.

 

  • America Training Solutions

    Live Seminar, September 15

  • BCIT

    XZEB 1160 – Introduction to Embodied Carbon & Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessments, September 9

    XZEB 1001 – Fundamentals of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings, September 10

    XZEB 1171 – Site Supervision of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Construction, September 22

  • BC Wood Specialties Group

    WoodTALKS at the Global Buyers Mission 2026, September 10

  • Cascadia Windows & Doors

    Window of Opportunity: Leveraging Passive House Windows in Commercial & Residential Buildings, September 9

    Wildfire Resistance: Window Strategies for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Design, September 18

    Closing the Gap: Leveraging Cladding Attachments to Deliver High-Performance Exterior Wall Assemblies, September 23

    Beyond the Frame: How High-Performance Fenestration Expands Design Possibility, September 29

  • Construction Specifications Canada Vancouver Chapter

    Sustainable Mechanical Design, September 17

  • Gaia College

    Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 – Natives, September 14

    Living Green Infrastructure, September 14

    Landscape Design Basics with Sketchup Pro, September 14

  • Muniak Enterprises

    Building Code Tutor, ongoing

  • RAIC

    CRA Webinar Series, September 8

  • Scranton Products

    Locker Solutions with Sustainability & Design in Focus, September 16

  • UNIQ Dimensions

    Leveraging 3D LiDAR & Scan-to-BIM Workflows for Accurate As-Built Documentation, September 24

  • Women in Architecture

    Beyond Consultation: Reconciliation in Action, September 18

    Beyond Consultation: Reconciliation in Action (Site Tour), September 18

  • ZEIC

    Building Better Homes: Surrey & Township of Langley Homebuilder Forum, September 8

    B2E Innovation Fund Showcase: Codes Accelerator Stream, September 22

     

Industry News

  • BC Housing has issued an RFP for architectural services to develop two new standardized blueprint types for the DASH Program. Proposals close September 9.
  • Heritage BC is hosting a complimentary webinar on Monday, September 21: St. Andrew’s on the Square Renovation Project 2024 – 2026.

Call for Entries

  • Call for Submissions: Architecture Foundation of British Columbia's 2026 Architectural Achievement Awards. Deadline: October 27, 2026.

Upcoming Events

  • WoodTALKS 2026, hosted by BC Wood – September 10–12, 2026.

Classifieds

  • Chernoff Thompson Architects – Intern Architect
  • Raffaele Architecture Inc. – Design
    Technician
  • Cohlmeyer Architecture Limited – Architect
  • Continuum Architecture Inc. – Architectural Technologist

In Passing

  • Peter Whitney Pratt, former Architect AIBC

100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N5
t. 604.683.8588 | e. aibc@aibc.ca | w. aibc.ca

 

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