2151-NOC

Architects

(NOC 21200)
High opportunity occupation High opportunity occupation
Annual Earnings
$90,244
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
University Degree
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
1,530

Career Overview

Architects conceive, plan and develop designs for the construction and renovation of commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

Architects work for architectural firms, private corporations, governments or they may be self-employed.

Duties

Architects:

  • Consult with clients to determine type, style and purpose of renovations or new building construction
  • Conceive and design buildings and develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules
  • Prepare sketches and models for clients
  • Prepare or oversee the preparation of drawings, specifications and other construction documents for use by contractors and tradespersons
  • Prepare bidding documents, participate in contract negotiations and award construction contracts
  • Monitor activities on construction sites to ensure compliance with specifications
  • Carry out feasibility studies and financial analyses of building projects

Special duties

Architects may specialize in a type of construction such as residential, commercial, industrial or institutional

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$90,244

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$71.79/hr
Median$43.27/hr
Low$25.24/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

3,510

% Employed Full Time

75%
Source: 2021 Census

Work in this field is typically performed in a structured environment, such as an office, although some time may be spent on construction sites.

Career Pathways

Promotion to senior positions, such as chief architect, is possible with experience.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Artistic
Artistic

Job Titles

Architect
Architectural standards specialist
Chief architect
Consulting architect
Industrial and commercial bldgs architect
Residential architect

Education, Training and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of architecture
    or
    Completion of the syllabus of studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is required
  • Master's degree in architecture may be required
  • Completion of a three-year internship under the supervision of a registered architect is required
  • Completion of the architect registration examination is required
  • Registration with the provincial association of architects in the province of work is required
  • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers

 

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Architecture
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Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

75%
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

75%
Operations Analysis

Analyzing operational and product needs to create a design.

75%
Speaking

Talking to others to share information effectively.

75%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

72%
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

72%
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

68%
Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

68%
Complex Problem Solving

Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.

68%
Active Learning

Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.

65%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

3,510
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 10 0.3%
Kootenay 45 1.3%
Mainland/Southwest 2,955 84.2%
North Coast and Nechako 15 0.4%
Northeast 0 0.0%
Thompson-Okanagan 145 4.1%
Vancouver Island/Coast 340 9.7%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

1,530
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo Not available Not available
Kootenay 20 1.3%
Mainland/Southwest 1,170 1.7%
North Coast and Nechako Not available Not available
Northeast Not available Not available
Thompson-Okanagan 100 2.6%
Vancouver Island/Coast 230 2.4%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Professional, Scientific And Technical Services1,460
Construction30
Public Administration10
Finance, Insurance And Real Estate10
Retail Trade10
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Resources