Architects

(NOC 2151)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Architects design and advise clients about building projects. They develop sketches and construction drawings, estimate costs, write specifications, review on-site construction work, and provide design solutions to complex problems. They work for architectural firms, private corporations, and governments, or they may be self-employed. Architects may specialize in a construction like residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate Stable employment change, 2019-2021
Estimate 65 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2019

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Estimate 705 employment change, 2019-2021
Estimate 2585 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Architects most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

The median employment income for 53% of Architects who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $63,192. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$17.00

Minimum

$35.00

Median

$75.38

Maximum

Annual Pay

$3,610

Minimum

$52,098

Median

$96,564

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$37.80

Median

$48.46

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Architects:

Consult with clients to determine the type, style and purpose of renovations or new building construction being considered.
Design buildings and develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs, and construction schedules.
Prepare sketches and models for clients.
Prepare or supervise 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.
Conduct feasibility studies and financial analyses of building projects.

Sample job titles

architect
architectural standards specialist
chief architect
consulting architect
industrial and commercial buildings architect
residential architect

Skills

The duties of an architect require a number of skills: design, technological, managerial, communication, and supervisory. Architectural studies require an understanding of individual and social needs, and knowledge of humanities, fine arts, and technology. Well-rounded personal and academic experience is helpful, as well as experience in drawing, craft, and computer applications. Architecture students often benefit from classes in fields like anthropology, art history, engineering, literature, mathematics, philosophy, and physics.

Job requirements

A bachelor's degree from an accredited school of architecture or completion of the syllabus of studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).
A master's degree in architecture may be required.
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.

Other considerations

Most architects are self-employed or work for small firms. Movement to senior positions like chief architect is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

275

employed in 2016

85.5%

employed full-time

25.5%

self employed

34.5%

65.5%

47.8

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%

80%

42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

88.5%

Halifax

5.8%

Annapolis Valley

5.8%

North Shore

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

89.8%

Professional, scientific and technical services

10.2%

Public administration

What is the age of Employment?

28.0%

25-34

19.0%

55-64

19.0%

65+

19.0%

45-54

17.0%

35-44

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

50.9%

Master

$52,016 median annual income

34.5%

Bachelor

$46,071 median annual income

9.1%

Diploma Above Bachelor

N/A

3.6%

College Diploma

N/A

3.6%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income

29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income

11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income

9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income

6.9%

Apprenticeship

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Architecture (BArch, BA/BSc, MArch, MA/MSc, PhD)

This program is typically offered at the university level.

This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of architecture and to conduct research in various aspects of the field or that provides instruction in basic principles, methods and concepts related to architecture. These programs include courses in architectural design, history, and theory; building structures and environmental systems; project and site planning; construction; professional responsibilities and standards; and related cultural, social, economic, and environmental issues.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Office of the Registrar

Halifax, NS B3H 4R2

(902) 494-2450

admissions@dal.ca

Website

Sustainability studies

This program is typically offered at the university level.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Office of the Registrar

Halifax, NS B3H 4R2

(902) 494-2450

admissions@dal.ca

Website

University of King's College

6350 Coburg Road

Halifax, NS B3H 2A1

(902) 422-1271

admissions@ukings.ca

Website

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Architect

Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.

Regulating body:

Nova Scotia Association of Architects

1361 Barrington Street

Halifax, NS B3J 1Y9

(902) 423-7607

info@nsaa.ns.ca

Website