Tenant Improvements/Renovations

5.1  Minor renovations and repairs to an existing building fall under the “alteration or repair” language of section 60 of the Act. The Act is clear that any alteration or repair to a building requiring the services of an architect would also require an architect for the alteration or repair. The need for an architect under the Act is determined by the size of the building, not the size of the alteration or the size of a tenant space. The AIBC realizes that many alterations or repairs (tenant improvements/renovations) may not require architectural services. It is neither in the profession’s nor public’s interest for the institute to insist on an architect in every case. Each situation will be determined by the AIBC on a case-by-case basis. Contact IllegalPractice@aibc.ca to determine if an architect is required. 

5.2 In determining whether an architect is required under the Act on an alteration or repair, the AIBC considers whether one or more of these issues are present in the proposed work: 

      5.2.1 Substantial alteration or penetration of fire separations, exiting systems or life safety features, including number, location or size of exits, or alteration, addition or deletion of stairs or ramps serving the building; 

     5.2.2 Compromise of the structural integrity and/or code compliance of the base building, including construction or alteration of an exterior wall, removal or alternation of floor and/ or roof elements; 

     5.2.3 Buildings that require an architectural letter of assurance under building codes (including, but not limited to, A, B and F-1 occupancies); 

     5.2.4 Change to use or occupancy (per Architects Act and building codes); 

     5.2.5 Addition of floor space (the addition of floor space by whatever means, infill, or mezzanine, or extending the building footprint); 

     5.2.6 New mezzanines, or alterations to existing mezzanines; 

     5.2.7 New interconnected floors, or alterations to existing interconnected floors; 

     5.2.8 Changes that substantially impact the access for persons with disabilities; 

     5.2.9 Changes that substantially impact the energy efficiency of a building.