A Look at the Office of the Registrar's Investigations in 2020
The OAA administers the Architects Act to serve and protect the public interest. The Act restricts the practice of architecture to licensed members of the OAA providing professional services through an OAA Certificate of Practice; it is an offence for an unlicensed person (including a corporation) to use, or aid and abet in the using of, the term “architect” or any derivative.
It is also an offence to hold oneself out (or aid and abet in the holding out) as engaging in the practice of architecture without a licence issued by the OAA. Misrepresentation of the protected title “architect” and misleading claims or advertising (inadvertently or purposely) could lead the public to falsely conclude they would be receiving architectural services from a licensed and regulated professional.
The graphic below summarizes the OAA’s enforcement activities over the course of 2020. Download the PDF.
Of 87 investigations:
- 18 were resolved by written agreement with legal counsel;
- 15 were resolved by written agreement with the Office of the Registrar;
- 34 were found to be unsubstantiated or to not contravene the Architects Act, and were discontinued; and
- 20 remain ongoing.
- None of the investigations needed to be resolved through court injunction.
To identify a possible infraction, first check the OAA’s Find an Architect to ensure the individual is licensed with the Association. If you think someone is misusing a title, contact the Office of the Registrar by emailing officeoftheregistrar@oaa.on.ca.
