Architects – NOC : 2151

Unit Group

2151 Architects

Architects conceptualize, plan and develop designs for the construction and renovation of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. They are employed by architectural firms, private corporations and governments, or they may be self-employed.

Example Titles

architect

architectural standards specialist

chief architect

consulting architect

industrial and commercial buildings architect

residential architect

View all titles

Main duties

Architects perform some or all of the following duties:
Consult with clients to determine the type, style and purpose of renovations or new building construction being considered
Conceptualize and design buildings and develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules
Prepare sketches and models for clients
Prepare or supervise the preparation of drawings, specifications and other construction documents for use by contractors and tradespersons
Prepare bidding documents, participate in contract negotiations and award construction contracts
Monitor activities on construction sites to ensure compliance with specifications
Conduct feasibility studies and financial analyses of building projects.

Architects may specialize in a particular type of construction such as residential, commercial, industrial or institutional.

Employment requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of architecture
or
Completion of the syllabus of studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is required.
A master’s degree in architecture may be required.
Completion of a three-year internship under the supervision of a registered architect is required.
Completion of the architect registration examination is required.
Registration with the provincial association of architects in the province of work is required.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.

Additional information

Progression to senior positions, such as chief architect, is possible with experience.

Classified elsewhere

Architecture and science managers (0212)
Database architects (in 2172 Database analysts and data administrators )
Landscape architects (2152)
Naval architects (in 2148 Other professional engineers, n.e.c. )
Software architects (in 2173 Software engineers and designers )
Structural engineers (in 2131 Civil engineers )
Technical architects, hardware (in 2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) )