2151 Architects for Canada Immigration

2151 Architects conceptualize, diagram and build up designs for the construction and transformation of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential buildings. Architects are in employment by architectural firms, private corporations and governments, or they may be self-employed.

Common Job Titles of 2151 Architects:

Architect

Architectural Standards Specialist

Chief Architect

Consulting Architect

Industrial and Commercial Building Architect

Residential Architect

Typical Employers

Architectural, engineering consulting and other scientific companies

Federal and provincial government

Self-employment

Selected Main Duties of 2151 Architects:

Architects perform some or all of the following duties:

• Discuss with with clients to determine type, style and idea of renovations or new building construction being considered;

• Conceptualize and plan buildings and develop plans, consistent with building codes, describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules;

• Arrange sketches and models for clients;

• Prepare or manage the preparation of blueprints for use by contractors and trades persons;

• Hire and oversee contractors and other workers involved with the construction;

• oversee activities on construction sites to make sure compliance with specifications;

• Conduct viability studies and financial analyses of building projects.

Work time is divided between desk work, meetings and the actual work site. Overtime is common in order to meet project deadlines.

Education/Training of 2151 Architects:

•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.

A bachelor's degree from a recognized school of architecture and two years of knowledge under the supervision of a registered architect is required. An alternative route to qualify requires completion of the course outline of studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) plus a minimum of 3 years of on-the-job training under supervision of a registered architect.

An architectural license is conditional upon attendance at Admission Course lectures and successful completion of the Architectural Registration Examinations set by the provincial association of architects. In Ontario, architects are regulated by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). Registration with the provincial association of architects is required. Architects usually specialize in particular types of construction such as residential, commercial, industrial or institutional. Progression to senior positions, such as chief architect, is possible with experience.

Architects can specialize in areas such as contract administration, housing design, renovations or institutional buildings. Graduating architecture students are also applying their skills to a variety of architecture-related professions such as facilities management, graphic design and urban planning.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is prevalent in this occupation and is being used to produce a wider choice of designs for customers, as well as to improve the productivity of architects. Prospects will be best for those familiar with CAD technology and particularly those with “green” design knowledge. Due to increasing energy costs, more demand has been placed on sustainable designs which focus on energy efficiency. Individuals with experience and knowledge on how to build green buildings which utilize renewable resources, promote waste reduction and are environmentally friendly will have the best employment prospects.