Architecture 645: Architectural Practice in Canada
Study Guide
Unit 9: Forms of Architectural Practice in Canada
Commentary
Unit 9 outlines the various ways architectural practices can be organized in Canada and the regulations that apply to the establishment of an architectural practice. In addition to the traditional forms of private practice (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation), there are partnerships of corporations, joint ventures, foreign firms, and branch offices. This unit also identifies the necessary legal framework for establishing an architectural practice. Such factors can have important tax and liability implications for an individual firm. See especially CHOP 2.1.1 (pp. 1–2) for a discussion of organizational styles and structures for architecture firms.
Learning Outcomes
After completing Unit 9, you should be able to
- Identify some of the various ways an architecture firm can be established and structured.
- Discuss ownership restrictions with respect to architectural corporations.
- Discuss the legal, accounting, operational, and insurance implications of each different form of practice.
- Identify contents of agreements to establish a practice and the various territorial and provincial regulations governing practices.
Required Readings
- Read the following in CHOP (2009):
- Chapter 1.1.5, The Organization of the Profession in Canada (notably CH-5 Charts: Comparison of Practice Requirements of Each Provincial or Territorial Association)
- Chapter 2.1.1, Organization of an Architectural Practice
- Lewis, B. J. (1988). A new model for successful management of engineering design firms—“superpositioning.” Engineering Management International, 5(1), 31–44.
Self-Study Questions
Work through the following self-study questions. Use the Course Discussion Forum to post comments/questions.
- What is the difference between a partnership and a corporation? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
- What are the various types of agreements needed when a firm includes more than one principal?
- Why is a succession plan important? What are the important issues to address?
- What are the regulations in the jurisdiction of your workplace that affect the firm’s structure? Are there restrictions on the name of the firm? On the ownership of the firm?