OTTAWA February 25, 2021 – The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is pleased to announce the release of the new Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects. Last published in 2009, this third edition is a comprehensive reworking of an essential professional resource that resulted from extensive collaboration by the architectural profession from every region of the country. It was developed by the RAIC, with guidance and financial support from:
- Architectural Institute of British Columbia
- Alberta Association of Architects
- Northwest Territories Association of Architects
- Saskatchewan Association of Architects
- Manitoba Association of Architects
- Ontario Association of Architects
- Ordre des architectes du Québec
- Architects’ Association of New Brunswick / Association des architectes du Nouveau-Brunswick
- Nova Scotia Association of Architects
- Architects Association of Prince Edward Island
- Architects Licensing Board of Newfoundland and Labrador
The new document includes the work of over 45 experts, guided by the architects of an Editorial Board assembled from across Canada. For practicing architects, those working to become architects and others who engage with the architectural profession, the Handbook is an essential instructional resource and reference manual.
Architecture is a self-regulating profession in Canada with a mandate that architects practice in a manner that preserves and protects the public interest. Architects require a wide range of professional skills. These include the knowledge and skill to design buildings, a thorough understanding of sound and economical construction, proficiency in the application of business and legal principles, and the ability to motivate, coordinate, and manage a complex network of stakeholders. The architect must be a designer, construction expert, manager, and leader. It is anticipated that this new Third Edition of the Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects will contribute to the advancement and evolution of the practice of architecture - and, consequently, enhance the built environment and architecture in Canada.
Providing many useful checklists and sample documents, the new Handbook contains more than 1,000 pages and is divided into six specific sections:
- Theory and Background
- The Context of Practice
- Management of the Architectural Practice
- The Design-Construction Program
- Management of the Design Project
- Phases of the Design Project
The Handbook is available without cost on a comprehensive searchable website in both official languages, English and French. As a living document, this resource will be continuously updated and developed over time to reflect the evolution of architectural practice in Canada. Visit chop.raic.ca.
The RAIC and the Steering Committee wish to acknowledge and thank the many contributors, the dedicated editorial board, and most notably, Editor-in-Chief, Don Ardiel, OAA, MRAIC for his considerable efforts and dedication to completing this initiative.
“Architects must retain a tremendous breadth of current knowledge as they work to enhance the quality of life for Canadians through design. This comprehensive and completely updated edition of the Canadian Handbook of Practice will be an invaluable resource for all Canadian architects and a textbook for those embarking on careers in architecture.”
John Brown FRAIC, B.Sc, M. Arch, M.Sc, PhD
Architect, Alberta
President, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
“The Canadian Handbook of Practice has always been an essential reference, helping architects to better manage our projects and our businesses. This new, expanded Handbook reflects the increasing complexity of the design and construction industry and supports the broad application of best-practices in our profession.”
Emmanuelle Van Rutten FRAIC, B.Arch., OAA, OAQ, PMP, LEED AP BD+C
Architect, Ontario/Quebec
Board Member, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada