AIBC architect lookup: check a BC architect or firm.

What counts as “on the register”

The AIBC is specific about coverage. It states that the register is updated in real time and allows the public to search for current registrants in five groups: Architects, Intern Architects, Architectural Technologists, Retired Architects and Firms. For each, the record can show registration status, employer, location, practice restrictions and discipline history. For Former Registrants the public can verify status and discipline history, and those entries remain on the register for 10 years after registration ends. If you cannot find a registrant, the AIBC asks you to email its registration department.

Active, Suspended, Cancelled

The key definitions are short. Active means a currently registered registrant. Suspended means a currently registered registrant whose ability to practise, meaning to engage in the regulated or reserved practice of architecture or use a reserved title, is suspended, either for a fixed duration or until specified requirements are met. Cancelled means a Former Registrant who is no longer practising architecture in BC, voluntarily or otherwise, and is not permitted to use a reserved title. The distinction between Suspended and Cancelled is that a suspended registrant is still registered.

Three things the register does not show

First, Temporary Licensees (Architect) are not currently included. The AIBC says one must partner with a registered Architect AIBC to provide architectural services in BC, so you ask the AIBC to confirm the partnering architect. Second, discipline records from before 1990 do not appear in the search results; the AIBC points to its professional conduct officer for earlier history. Third, Good Standing status is not currently displayed on the register.

The third point matters. The AIBC’s Good Standing page explains that the Professional Governance Act gave Good Standing a broader definition than under the now repealed Architects Act. In summary, a registrant is in Good Standing when they are not suspended or restricted, comply with continuing education deadlines and audit or practice review requirements, and (for firms) maintain their certificate of practice, liability insurance and other firm requirements, and owe no past-due fees. A registrant can therefore appear Active yet not be in Good Standing, for instance if a fee is overdue. The AIBC advises registrants in writing when they are not in Good Standing; the public does not see that on the register.

Firms: what Inactive Type means

The register note says firms with an Inactive Type do not currently hold Certificates of Practice and are not authorized to practise architecture in British Columbia. Check the firm record before signing a contract with a design firm that advertises architectural services.

A worked example (hypothetical)

A strata council in Victoria is inviting bids for a building envelope review and a firm called “Example Design Group” (made up) says one of its principals is “Architect AIBC”. This describes no real firm.

Select Firm Registrant and search the firm name. If the firm record shows an Inactive Type, it is not authorized to practise architecture in BC. Then select Architect AIBC and search the principal’s last name and city; check the employer matches the firm and read any practice restrictions. If the principal is Retired Architect AIBC, they are retired and the firm needs another architect. If the principal shows as a Former Registrant, the status is Cancelled. If nobody is found, the AIBC asks that you email its registration team. Since Good Standing is not displayed, ask the firm to confirm it in the contract.

What this page does not cover

• It does not run the search or store what you type; there is no form on this page.
• It does not show Good Standing, which the register itself does not display.
• It does not cover Temporary Licensees (Architect), who are not on the register.
• It does not cover architects in Ontario or Alberta; the Ontario Association of Architects and the Alberta Association of Architects have their own listings.
• It does not interpret building codes, Letters of Assurance or permit requirements.