Architects

(NOC 2151)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Architects conceptualize, plan and develop designs for the construction and renovation of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. They are employed by architectural firms, private corporations and governments, or they may be self-employed. Architects may specialize in a particular type of construction such as residential, commercial, industrial or institutional.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate stable employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 25 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2016

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

Estimate Strong growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 3095 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2016

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. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.

The median employment income for 63% 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

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

$3,610

Minimum

$52,098

Median

$96,564

Maximum

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

Hourly Pay

$17.69

Minimum

$31.35

Median

$47.18

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Architects perform some or all of the following duties:

Consult with clients to determine the type, style and purpose of renovations or new building construction being considered.
Conceptualize and 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 previous classes in fields such as 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) is required.
A 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.

Other considerations

Most architects are self-employed or work for small firms. Progression to senior positions, such as chief architect, is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

250

employed in 2016

91.3%

employed full-time

26.0%

self employed

34.5%

65.5%

47.8

median age

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

25,875

employed in 2016

93.6%

employed full-time

6.9%

self employed

20.0%

80%

42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

83.6%

Halifax

5.5%

North Shore

5.5%

Annapolis Valley

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 Business Services

10.2%

Public Administration

What is the age of Employment?

33.3%

25-34

25.0%

55-64

25.0%

35-44

16.7%

65+

16.7%

15-24

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

32.5%

35-44

32.0%

45-54

18.0%

55-64

13.5%

25-34

3.5%

65+

Top levels of education

54.3%

Doctorate

N/A

37.0%

Bachelor's degree

$52,577 median annual income

6.5%

University advanced certificate or diploma

N/A

4.3%

College certificate or diploma

$54,804 median annual income

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

33.7%

College certificate or diploma

$52,476 median annual income

29.7%

Bachelor's degree

$58,011 median annual income

12.1%

High school

$35,125 median annual income

9.7%

Master's degree

$37,706 median annual income

6.8%

Trades certificate

$54,923 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, and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.

Regulating body:

Nova Scotia Association of Architects

1361 Barrington Street

Halifax, NS B3J 1Y9

(902) 423-7607

info@nsaa.ns.ca

Website