The Profession of an Architect - Case Study Example

Acknowledgment Content Page Objectives i Page ii Acknowledgment iii Content page iv Executive summary Terms of Reference 1 Introduction 2 Discussion 2 Conclusion 5 Recommendations 5 Reference 7 Executive Summary The profession of being an architect in Canada is governed and regulated by provincial or territorial licensing authorities. These authorities have impact and jurisdiction to an architect’s work or practice. With education and experience as the preparatory requirements to the practice of architecture, the ExAC or Examination for Architects in Canada is a mandatory requirement to the profession. Accreditation and license can be obtained after complying with the requirements set by Canadian Architectural Certification Board- Conseil Canadien de Certification en Architecture (CACB-CCCA) and Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA). Terms of Reference The purpose of this report is to profoundly inform the aspiring architects of the preparations and requirements for their chosen career. The report focuses on the authorities with jurisdiction to architectural practice in Canada. Introduction The design and creation of a home is one of the most important things an architect can do (www.raic.org, Becoming an Architect). A home is not just a place made of cement, bricks or wood. It becomes alive, a source of energy and love, of hope and of comfort. It is the foundation where the family share and pursue its purpose. It is where families get together, talk heart-to-heart, and rest. Home also offers privacy and safety. Hence, architects matter because ”there’s no place like home.” Besides home, architects build offices, schools, towers, churches and a lot more. According to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (2010), “architecture is the art, the science and the business of building.” The “versatile” and talented people with finesse for design, solid engineering skills, and knowledge of the social trends and understanding of codes or laws are called the architects (www.raic.org, Becoming an Architect). It is very important to have a better understanding of the work of the architects. Architects do not just get the title for themselves. They have to earn it. Architects have to abide to the rules and regulations. They are to follow the guidelines set by the authorities who have jurisdiction, impact and influence to their works. This research report aims to have a better understanding of these authorities and their requirements. Discussion Before a person becomes an architect in Canada, he or she needs to meet the requirements of the provincial or territorial architectural regulatory body. In Canada, a document by seven validation or accreditation agencies called Canberra Accord exists to aid the portability of educational licenses between the signatory countries (www.canberraaccord.org, Canberra Secretariat). One of the signatories to the Canberra Accord is the Canadian Architectural Certification Board- Conseil Canadien de Certification en Architecture (CACB-CCCA). There are two purposes of CACB-CCCA. The first is “to administer the programme of accreditation of the Canadian School of Architecture in accordance with established criteria and procedures” and second is “to certify educational qualifications of architectural graduates as individual applicants” (www.canberraaccord.org, CACB-CCCA). The CACB certifies the educational qualifications of the graduates of architecture and this certification is the mandatory first step towards licensure and registration after graduation (pmeenligne.ca, Certification). Prior to registration or licensure, an examination called ExAC is developed. ExAC or the Examination for Architects in Canada is adopted by all Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities, except the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, to “test the minimum standards of competency acquired by an Intern during the Internship period, to ensure both public safety and he professional and skilled delivery of architectural services” (www.cexac.ca, The ExAC). The Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) are the provincial/territorial regulators in-charge of notifying applicant of the remaining steps to get a license and certificate to be able to practice architecture in a certain jurisdiction. The Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) includes the following: Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) Architects’ Association of New Brunswick (AANB) Architects Association of Prince Edward Island Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA) Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Architects Northwest Territories Association of Architects Nova Scotia Association of Architects Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Odre Des Architectes de Quebec Saskatchewan Association of Architects (pmeenligne.ca, CALA). The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) is mandated by the Architects Act to take charge of the registration, licensing, and regulation of the practice of Architects in Alberta (pmeenligne.ca, CALA). It is an independent professional association which takes charge of the management of the profession and at the same time protection of the public (pmeenligne.ca, The CALA). Like the AAA, the above listed Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) are self-governing professional organizations or associations dedicated to promote and increase knowledge, proficiency, skills and administer the Architects Act so that the public or the people’s interest are best served and protected (pmeenligne.ca, CALA). With the exception of Saskatchewan Association of Architects, all others are governed by the Architects Act. The Saskatchewan Association of Architects was given the right to manage its own Act under its provincial legislation (pmeenligne.ca, The CALA). The said association’s Act effective July 31, 1912 and updated in 1996 is known as An Act (pmeenligne.ca, The CALA). Conclusion Canadian architects are governed by the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA). They are independent provincial and territorial organizations or association mandated by the Architects Act to administer, protect and ensure that the licensed architects are practicing according to the standards while ensuring that the clients and or the public is protected. However, before the architects can practice they have to pass the established criteria and procedures by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board- Conseil Canadien de Certification en Architecture (CACB-CCCA). Accreditation and licenses to practice based on educational qualifications are governed by the CACB-CCCA. Thus, every architectural graduate has to obtain the certification and licensure from CACB-CCCA as the first mandatory step. Recommendations In order to become an architect, education, experience and passing an examination are needed (www.raic.org, Becoming an Architect). Canadian Architectural Certification Board- Conseil Canadien de Certification en Architecture (CACB-CCCA) has a list of approved and accredited university programs. Aspiring architects can complete their bachelor’s degree or master’s degree to these university programs to get a license and accreditation according to the standards of Canadian Architectural Certification Board- Conseil Canadien de Certification en Architecture (CACB-CCCA). “Apprenticeship” of the RAIC Syllabus program also offers an alternative way to become an architect (www.raic.org, Becoming an Architect). The second way to becoming an architect is to practice through an internship. The list of Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) offers internship programs. It is recommended that the aspiring architects should have the experience according to the rules and standards of these organizations. Given the education and experience from the authorities or organizations that impact and have jurisdiction to architects’ work and practice, the computerized exams or ExAC can be easily achieved and passed. The aspiring architect should only make sure to obtain and comply with the additional requirements of the provincial or territorial licensing authorities. Reference: “Becoming an Architect.” www.raic.org. n.d. Web. 23 October 2011. “Canadian Architectural Certification Board/Conseil Canadien de Certification en Architecture (CACB-CCCA).” www.canberraaccord.org. n.d. Web. 22 October 2011. “Canberra Secretariat.” www.canberraaccord.org. n.d. Web. 22 October 2011. “Certification.” http://pmeenligne.ca. 2011. Web. 22 October 2011. “The Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities.” http://pmeenligne.ca. 2011. Web. 22 October 2011. “The Exac.” www.cexac.ca. 2011. Web. 23 October 2011. Read More