Designer, Environmental Designer, Site Designer
Interest in synthesizing information to conceptualize and design buildings, and to develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules
Interest in precision working to prepare sketches and models according to clients' specifications; and in participating in contract negotiations
Interest in supervising and monitoring activities on construction sites to ensure compliance with specifications; and in awarding construction contracts
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Architects meet with clients to discuss their needs and desires, visit the proposed building site, analyze requirements, and review land use bylaws, and other codes and regulations. Then they prepare sketches of proposed layouts and present them to clients.
Upon client approval of the design concept and budget, architects proceed through design development to the construction document stage. These documents, usually produced on computers, include:
In planning building layouts, architects must keep in mind the space relationships of the interior, structural, electrical and mechanical systems, and current codes and regulations affecting site planning. They also make recommendations on the sustainability and energy efficiency related to site and building design, operation and maintenance. Architects prepare estimates of construction costs from information obtained from building contractors. They also may consult with:
Architects frequently meet with clients to:
Architects also may prepare land use studies, and carry out long-range land development plans.
Architectural firms must spend a considerable amount of time marketing their work with potential clients to ensure a steady and growing workload of projects. This requires socializing with clients as well as producing brochures and proposals.
Some architects specialize in areas such as:
Individual architects or architectural firms may choose to specialize in, or become associated with, the design of particular types of buildings:
Architects spend most of their time working in offices and meeting with clients, consultants and co-workers. At times, they are required to visit building sites. The pressure of deadlines and unexpected delays can be stressful.
Architects may work anywhere in the world. International work is common for some Canadian firms.
Architects need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy synthesizing information and developing innovative designs, working with people at tasks requiring precision and supervising the work of others.
The minimum educational requirement is a 4-year bachelor's degree and a 3-year master's degree in architecture.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Architects design building projects and advise clients regarding building projects. They prepare programs, sketches and cost estimates, produce scale construction drawings, write specifications and review on-site construction work.
Under Alberta's Architects Act and Architects Act General Regulation, you must be registered with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) to practice as an Architect and use the title Architect. If you are not registered with AAA, you may work under the supervision of a registered architect. Licensed interior designers and restricted practitioners may practice architecture on projects of limited scope with AAA approval.
Registration requires the equivalent of: (1) completion of an approved bachelor's or master's degree program in architecture, (2) completion of an approved apprenticeship or study program, (3) an internship of at least 2 years of work experience under the supervision of an architect, (4) successful completion of registration examinations and (5) a final interview with the provincial association. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the AAA website or contact the AAA.
Architects who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered architects in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory? and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated architects, see Architect Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
Alberta Association of Architects
10515 Saskatchewan Drive
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6E 4S1
Phone number: 780-432-0224
Fax number: 780-439-1431
Website:www.aaa.ab.ca
Architects may be self-employed or employed by:
Some architects work on very large projects; others work directly with users on smaller projects. Architects who are self-employed must be good business managers.
Registered architects may become project architects or specifications writers. Experienced architects may become project designers or, if skilled in all stages of architectural design and construction, associates or partners in larger firms. Some architects teach in post-secondary schools and some do research or pursue careers as writers or critics.
In Alberta, 89% of people employed as architects work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In 2016, over 1,100 architects are registered with AAA to practise in Alberta.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $24.04 | $75.00 | $37.90 | $30.21 |
| Overall | $27.60 | $87.50 | $49.63 | $50.13 |
| Top | $31.97 | $100.00 | $62.45 | $63.82 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) website: cacb.ca
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) website: www.raic.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 16, 2016. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.