Architectural Societies History

Historical Overview

• Architectural societies began in the 19th century due to the Industrial Revolution, technological, and societal changes.
• The first society formed in Europe was the Society of British Architects in 1834 (later became Royal Institute of British Architects in 1837).
• Canada's first society was the Architectural Guild of Toronto, established in 1887.
• The Ontario Association of Architects was established in 1889 and incorporated in 1890.
• The Province of Québec Association of Architects was founded in 1890 and became the Ordre des architectes du Québec.
• The Institute of Architects of Canada was formed in 1907 and incorporated as the Architectural Institute of Canada in 1908.
• The Architectural Institute of Canada later adopted the prefix “Royal” and became the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

The RAIC Foundation

• Established in 1964 as a charitable organization to receive financial contributions from RAIC members and the public.
• The RAIC Foundation aims to increase professional knowledge, skill, and proficiency.
• The foundation provides research and financial aid to Canadian architects and students.

Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA)

• Formed in 2008, CALA represents the eleven provincial and territorial regulators of the architecture profession in Canada.
• Each regulator sets standards for entry into the profession and issues registration/licences to qualified architects.
• CALA works collectively to adopt nationally recognized standards and programs to meet regulatory responsibilities.
• All practicing architects in Canada must be registered with a provincial or territorial regulatory body.

CALA Programs

• Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) certification program
• Internship in Architecture Program (IAP)
• Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)
• International Relations Committee (IRC) initiatives:
  • Canadian Reciprocity Agreement
  • Canada/USA (NCARB) Inter-Agreement
  • Canada/USA/Mexico Tri-National Agreement
  • Canada/Australia/New Zealand Agreement
• Negotiations with the Architects Council of Europe (ACE)
• International recognition agreements and negotiations
• Canadian Architectural Certification Board

Canadian Council of University Schools of Architecture (CCUSA)

• Coordinating committee of Canadian schools of architecture.
• Composed of heads (or designates) from the 12 universities offering professional degrees in architecture.
• CCUSA meets semi-annually to coordinate academic matters and foster collaboration.
• A representative of the CCUSA sits on the RAIC Board of Directors.
• CCUSA designates a Canadian Director on the Board of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.

Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)

• Formed in 1976 by nine of the 10 provinces to establish common professional standards.
• The Ordre des architectes du Québec joined in 1991; the Northwest Territories joined in 2001.
• The CACB assesses and certifies academic qualifications of individuals holding a professional degree in architecture.
• The CACB accredits Canadian University Schools of Architecture.

CACB Services

• Certification of academic qualifications for individuals who have not graduated from an accredited Canadian university school of architecture.
• Accreditation of programs offered by Canadian university schools of architecture.
• Certification of foreign licensed architects' credentials and experience for licensure in Canada.

Provincial and Territorial Associations of Architects

• Established through provincial or territorial laws with the mandate to protect the public by ensuring that people are served by qualified architectural professionals.
• These associations are responsible for setting standards for admission to the profession.
• These associations are self-governing and self-regulating, meaning they control the licensure and regulation of architects in their jurisdictions.
• Licensing is controlled by government bodies in other countries, such as the United States.

Appendix Information

• Appendix A: List of Provincial and Territorial Associations of Architects
• Appendix B: List of Provincial Advocacy Organizations for Architectural Practice
• Appendix C: Vital Statistics of Provincial and Territorial Associations of Architects
• Appendix D: List and Vital Statistics of National Architectural Organizations
• Appendix E: Charts with a comparison of practice requirements for each provincial or territorial association.