National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
- 2 - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
- 21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences
- 212 - Professional occupations in applied sciences (except engineering)
- 2120 - Architects, urban planners and land surveyors
21200 - Architects
Architects conceptualize, plan and develop designs for the construction and renovation of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. They are employed by architectural firms, private corporations and governments, or they may be self-employed.
Illustrative example(s)
- architect
- architectural standards specialist
- chief architect
- consulting architect
- industrial and commercial buildings architect
- residential architect
Exclusion(s)
- Architecture and science managers (See 20011 Architecture and science managers)
- Database architect (See 21223 Database analysts and data administrators)
- Landscape architects (See 21201 Landscape architects)
- Naval architect (See 21399 Other professional engineers)
- Software architect (See 21231 Software engineers and designers)
- Structural engineer (See 21300 Civil engineers)
- Technical architect - hardware (See 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers))
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Consult with clients to determine the type, style and purpose of renovations or new building construction being considered
- Conceptualize and design buildings and develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules
- Prepare sketches and models for clients
- Prepare or supervise the preparation of drawings, specifications and other construction documents for use by contractors and tradespersons
- Prepare bidding documents, participate in contract negotiations and award construction contracts
- Monitor activities on construction sites to ensure compliance with specifications
- Conduct feasibility studies and financial analyses of building projects.
Architects may specialize in a particular type of construction such as residential, commercial, industrial or institutional.
Employment requirements
- 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 a provincial regulatory body is required in all provinces and the Northwest Territories.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited school of architecture
Additional information
- Progression to senior positions, such as chief architect, is possible with experience.
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