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As a means to protect public health, safety and welfare, the Architects Act defines architecture and sets out which buildings in British Columbia require an architect by law.
It is the Architects Act – not the BC Building Code – that is the primary source for establishing when an architect must be hired. While the Building Code is an important document, (particularly at the building permit stage which calls for an architect or engineer to provide letters of assurance on certain projects), the Code does not establish or limit which buildings require architects nor the stage at which such services must be retained.
Under the Act, an architect must be retained any time architectural services are being provided on a building requiring an architect. As soon as building planning and design begins, an architect is required, however conceptual or schematic the services may be.
In terms of applications to authorities having jurisdiction (local governments, regional districts, etc.) the legal requirement begins with (re)zoning and development permit applications where such applications include one or more buildings requiring the services of an architect. Authorities having jurisdiction must also comply with this provincial law, which means not processing applications for buildings requiring an architect until an architect has been retained. Such compliance with the law does not constitute ‘enforcement’ of the Act, which is the AIBC’s sole responsibility.
The AIBC works regularly with architects, engineers, planners, building officials, designers and owners to assist in determining whether a particular project – or project stage, such as formal application to a local government – must have an architect on the job.
Not every building or application requires an architect. The Architects Act includes a number of ”exceptions” by which certain building types and sizes are exempted from the general requirement for architects or by which certain persons (for example, designated government or armed forces personnel, or employees of architects) may be permitted to practice architecture.
The Architects Act also establishes legal liability for those who misrepresent themselves as architects, or who practice architecture or enable the practice of architecture by non‐architects. This liability extends to authorities having jurisdiction who elect to process applications in contravention of the Act.
When in doubt, or to resolve disputes over the application of the Architects Act, applicants, municipal officials and others should contact the AIBC without hesitation. We commit to responding promptly to help ensure all parties understand and comply with the legal requirements. - AIBC.
Learn more about the BC Codes 2018 on our webpage. - gov.bc.ca
The BC Building Code applies to all buildings in B.C. except for
- gov.bc.ca
The most recent BC Building Code applies to buildings
- gov.bc.ca
The BC Energy Step Code is currently a voluntary provincial standard that provides an incremental and consistent approach to achieving more energy-efficient buildings that go beyond the requirements of the base BC Building Code. It does so by establishing a series of measurable, performance-based energy-efficiency requirements for construction that builders can choose to build to, and communities may voluntarily choose to adopt in bylaws and policies.
The BC Energy Step Code came into force in April 2017; builders have the option of building to the requirements in the Energy Step Code at any time. Currently, local governments have the authority to require or incentivise builders to meet one or more steps. In future, new homes will need to be built better than the current BC Building Code:
- gov.bc.ca
Visit the BC Energy Step Code website.
On this site you will find information on how the BC Energy Step Code works, the multi-stakeholder Energy Step Code Council, local government implementation updates and other use useful resources. - gov.bc.ca
No, architects are not required to place their Certificate of Practice number on documents. Architects are required to practice using the name on their Certificate of Practice. - AIBC
CAD files are not a deliverable under standard contracts. It is up to the architect to decide if they wish to provide CAD files as an addition service to an existing contract or include them as a service under a new contract. If provided, an architect should seek legal and insurance advice. Refer to Guidelines on Intellectual Property. - AIBC
There are many resources available that are useful for understanding wood frame construction in British Columbia:
For Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, refer to the Joint Professional Practice Guideline published by the AIBC and Engineers and Geoscientists BC: Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction up to 12 Storeys. - AIBC
This webinar is a joint presentation by the Architectural Institute of BC and Engineers and Geoscientists BC, and supported by the Building and Safety Standards Branch. The presentation will provide a high-level overview of the Guide to the Letters of Assurance in the BC Building Code 2018 and Vancouver Building By-Law 2019, Version 6.1, which was posted in February of 2022
The Guide is published by the Building and Safety Standards Branch of the Office of Housing and Construction Standards, Province of BC. It is an important guidance document for both architects and engineers who work in the building sector and submit code-mandated letters of assurance as part of their professional work. The guide assists with delineating roles and responsibilities, outlines how to deal with changes in registered professionals and coordinating registered professionals at various points within a project, and discusses the application of letters of assurance to various disciplines and activities within the code.
This webinar will provide an overview of what has changed in this most recent revision to the guide, and there will be a time of Q&A at the end of the presentation.
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