Overview
Architecture 645: Architectural Practice in Canada is intended for students in the GDA program or for those international architecture graduates referred by the CACB. It examines both the theoretical and practical aspects of architectural practice in Canada.
You will become familiar with the various stakeholders involved in the design and construction of buildings (such as builders, authorities having jurisdiction, consultants, owners, and clients) and their relationship to the architect. The course includes the current context in which architects practice and the laws and regulations that govern their practice in Canada. It also looks to the future and the position of the architect in society and around the globe.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- describe the general purpose and content of the Architects Act and its regulations of the jurisdiction in which you work.
- apply codes of ethics in everyday practice.
- develop a personal conviction on the role of the architect in society.
- nurture appropriate professional relationships and administer the contractual role of the architect with others in the design and construction industry (e.g., clients, authorities having jurisdiction, consultants, and building product manufacturers).
- apply building codes, standards, and other regulations to the design and construction of buildings.
- analyze how architectural practices may be organized and know the regulations governing the formation of a practice.
- discuss potential new leadership roles for architects.
Evaluation
To receive credit for ARCH 645, you must complete all five assignments, receive at least 50% on the final project (Assignment 5), and achieve a final grade of at least 67%.
The weighting of the final grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Regulation and Ethics | 20% |
| Assignment 2: The Construction Industry and the Fundamentals of Architectural Practice | 20% |
| Assignment 3: The Practice of Architecture and Canadian Civic Politics – Understanding Architectural Practice in Canada in Relation to Other Countries | 20% |
| Assignment 4: The Business of Architecture and Setting Career Goals | 20% |
| Assignment 5: Final Project | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. (2020). Canadian handbook of practice for architects (3rd ed.). https://chop.raic.ca/
Note: You are responsible for obtaining the following two documents that are specific to the jurisdiction in which you will work or where you intend to register as an intern architect:
- Building Code
- Internship in Architecture Program (IAP), Fourth Edition (available from provincial/territorial association)