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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $32.00 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $47.62 |
| Top | $72.85 |
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. They visit proposed building sites, analyze their requirements, and review land-use bylaws as well as other codes and regulations. They work with construction companies on costs, construction schedules and site supervision. Architects also develop concept sketches of proposed designs for presentation to clients. This typically results in presentation drawings that include site plans, perspective drawings, models and videos.
With a client’s approval of the design and budget, architects proceed through design development and on to the construction document stage. These documents, usually created on a computer, include:
When architects plan layouts, they must keep in mind how the building’s interior, structural, electrical and mechanical systems relate to each other in terms of placement and space. They take into account codes and regulations that influence the layout. They make recommendations on the sustainability and energy efficiency of the site and building design, including its operation and maintenance.
Architects prepare estimates of construction costs with information they get from building contractors. They may also 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 put in a considerable amount of time marketing their services to potential clients so they have a steady and growing workload. This includes networking and developing a wide range of promotional material.
Some architects specialize in areas such as:
Individual architects or architectural firms may choose to specialize in, or be associated with, the design of particular types of buildings. These could include:
Architects spend much of their time in offices, communicating with clients and consultants and working with colleagues. At times, they visit building sites to do construction administration.
Some architects take on very large projects. Others work directly with users on smaller projects.
Architects have a wide range of opportunities all over the world.
Architects need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information and developing innovative designs. They should be at ease working with people on precision tasks.
If self-employed, architects must also be good business managers.
The minimum educational requirement is either a bachelor of architecture degree or a professional master of architecture degree. The master of architecture degree is currently the only degree offered by Canadian schools of architecture. The University of Calgary currently provides the only professional program in Alberta. The accreditation of professional programs in Canada is managed by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). For the current list of professional programs in Canada, visit the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) website.
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:
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact the Alberta Association of Architects (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 Alberta and the jurisdiction which the applicant originates have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated architects, see Architect Registration Process.
The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA)
Duggan House
10515 Saskatchewan Dr. NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4S1
Canada
Call: 780-432-0224
Email: info@aaa.ab.ca
Website: www.aaa.ab.ca
Architects may be self-employed or employed by:
Registered architects may become project architects or specialize in other areas of the industry. With experience, architects may move into project design or construction management. They may have the opportunity to become associates or partners in larger firms. Some architects teach in post-secondary schools. Others do research or move into 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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
As of February 2019, there were 1,235 architects actively registered with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) to practise in the province.
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 | $63.44 | $32.00 | $25.96 |
| Overall | $36.44 | $63.44 | $47.62 | $45.73 |
| Top | $53.85 | $96.15 | $72.85 | $66.35 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $132,738 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $114,495 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $96,877 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $95,609 |
Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) website: cacb.ca
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) website: www.raic.org
The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.