Responsible for providing services in connection with the design of buildings and perfect structures, an architect’s work is a form of art! To become an architect in Canada, you will manage and oversee the design and construction of buildings according to the demands of your clients. Furthermore, architects are professionals equipped with special skills and extensive training to be successful in their field.
Meanwhile, it’s very important to understand the role of an architect to decide whether this is the right career for you. In this article, we’ll discuss what an architect is, the types of architects, and how to become an architect in Canada. We will also take you through the skills that you will need to become a successful architect. Let’s dive in!
What Is An Architect?
An architect is a professional trained to specialize in the planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of buildings. As an architect, you will generally have to handle both the aesthetic and structural plans of a building. You will also play a vital role in the construction, safety, and functionality of a building.
However, when planning and constructing a building as an architect, you will need to consider the budget and other available resources of your client. Below we have compiled some of your responsibilities when you become an architect in Canada. Read on to learn!
- Firstly, you must consider the expectations of your client when developing a project.
- You will manage large architectural projects to ensure that all buildings are appropriately designed and functioning well.
- Furthermore, you will provide quotes that will include the costs, resource requirements, and environmental consequences of the project.
- You will also research safety regulations, building codes, and zoning laws in the region or city where the building is being constructed.
- Additionally, you can use innovative and advanced technologies to draft models of a structure.
- You will work with construction workers to plan and handle the construction of a building.
Types Of Architects
There are different types of architects that you can choose to become in Canada and we will discuss some of them. Scroll down!
Technical Architects
Technical architects are responsible for the technical functions of structural design. For instance, they can work with a structure’s thermal efficacy. They also manage the details of structures to ensure that all safety and local regulations are met before constructing the structure.
Planning Architects
These architects are professionals who focus on the planning of the design process. Planning architects mainly offer advice to teams and companies on how local restrictions and regulations may affect the design of a structure. Furthermore, planning architects can also ask the appropriate local authority for approval of a project.
Site Architect
As a site architect, you will be in charge of managing the design, implementation, and completion of projects. You will work closely and more often with construction workers to ensure that a structure has been completed effectively. And also to verify that safety regulations are being considered.
Design Architect
Design architects majorly work on the design of a building. They often oversee the initial design of a structure, create a draft of the building based on client instructions, and select the materials needed for the project.
Average Salary Of Architects In Canada
When you become an architect in Canada, you will make an average salary of $61.15 per hour. However, this salary will depend on the location where an architect lives and works. Below is an explanation of the average salary that an architect can earn in Canada, based on the province or territory. Let’s check it out!
According to indeed.ca, if you get a job as an architect in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia, you can earn a salary between $60,500 to $104,000 annually. Furthermore, in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, you can earn a salary between $74,000 to $108,000 per year. Provinces like Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador pay an architect between $66,000 to $86,000 per year.
Steps To Become An Architect In Canada
Below, we have highlighted the necessary steps to become an architect in Canada.
Enroll In Post-Secondary Education
To become an architect, your first step is to obtain the right education and qualifications. We have helped you list out some options on how to go about it. Scroll down to learn!
- After five years of post-secondary education which also includes a master’s degree, you can become an architect In Quebec. You will need to complete four years of studies after a two-year CEGEP degree.
- Also, you’ll complete six years of post-secondary education including a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in your preferred program. The six years of studies must include a three-year architectural study.
- Five years in a post-secondary program that includes a bachelor’s degree.
The Canadian Architectural Board typically focuses on outcome-based accreditation.
Apply For An Internship
The Canadian Architectural Accreditation Board mandates that future architects must complete internships before they obtain their licenses. Meanwhile, students can sort out internships themselves or with the internship liaison of the student’s university. Most of these internships often last approximately three years and provide architects with the necessary practical skills to succeed in this field.
Obtain Your License
To become an architect in Canada, it’s very important to apply to the Canadian Architectural Accreditation Board to obtain your license. Generally, students can apply for their internships, but some programs require an internship liaison to assign students to particular internships.
Apply For A Job
Once you have completed your education and obtained a license, you can apply directly for a job as an architect. However, remember to demonstrate your skills in your resume, cover letter, and in your job interview as well.
Job Outlook For Architects
According to government data from 2021, over 15,000 architects are working across the country. The average age of architects is around 45 years old, while the average retirement age is 65 years old. As such, by the year 2028, 6,800 new jobs will be available and 7,500 architecture students will graduate.
The Required Skills To Become An Architect
Here is a list of some skills that are necessary for you to become an architect.
Math Skills
As an architect, you must have sound and good math skills, as well as a good sense of engineering regarding architecture. You will need to make plans and building drafts based on several calculations and land measurements. Therefore, you must have a good grasp of proportions, a basic understanding of physics, and how it applies to architecture.
Problem-Solving
Having superb problem-solving skills is one of the great qualities of an architect. When designing a building, an architect’s vision can be met by a series of obstacles, but must not give in! Subsequently, the architect needs to adjust the plan or find solutions to the obstacles. Also, architects must learn to make fast decisions while maintaining the project’s budget.
Creativity
As an architect, creativity is very essential when designing your buildings. You will need to draft your ideas based on the client’s expectations and budgets. This requires them to be innovative and creative. Additionally, architects need to know AutoCAD and other drafting software to quickly and draft their designs to share with clients. Drafting doubles as a technical skill but requires a creative mind to be successful.
