Membership in the Northwest Territories Association of Architects is required for engaging in the practice of architecture in the NWT. Similar to all provincial jurisdictions, the Architects Act regulates professional practice and professional conduct, and gives the architects the authority to be self-regulating in the NWT. The Act also describes the work that requires the involvement of an architect.
Types of Membership
Architects are fully qualified in the practice of architecture and are authorized by the NWTAA to practice in the NWT. They are permitted to use the title "Architect", to provide architectural services, and to advertize themselves as architects.
Restricted Practitioners have been authorized to practice architecture within a scope specified on their certificate of registration. They are permitted to use the title of "Restricted Practitioner". [Application for membership was only available until March 2002.]
Graduate Architects hold a degree in architecture (or equivalent) and have received academic certification from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). They are permitted to use the title of “Graduate Architect”; however, they cannot practice or offer to practice architecture except under the direct supervision of an Architect.
Intern Architects have satisfied the educational component of the licensing requirements and are in the process of completing the experience and examination requirements for admission as an Architect. They are permitted to use the title of “Intern Architect”; however, they cannot practice or offer to practice architecture except under the direct supervision of an Architect.
Retired Members are Architects who have resigned from the practice of architecture yet wish to retain membership with the Assocation. They are permitted to use the title of "Architect (Retired), NWTAA".
Life Members have practiced their profession with distinction and have notably contributed to the advancement of the profession of architecture. They are appointed by Council and are permitted to use the title of "Life Member, NWTAA".
Honourary Members have rendered valuable service to the profession or have notably contributed to the advancement of architecture. They are appointed by Council and are permitted to use the title of "NWTAA (Hon)".
Student Associates have engaged in a course of study in the practice of architecture or have successfully completed all courses in Part 1 (Level 5) of the RAIC Syllabus Program (or equivalent) and have commenced practical training.
Associates hold a professional or academic interest in the profession of architecture.
Firm Permits
Except for sole practitioners practicing under their own name, all architects and architectural firms must hold a firm permit in order to provide architectural services in the NWT. Permits are issued to an architect who is a director, partner or officer of their firm, and who will serve as the professional representative of the firm, directly supervise the practice of architecture and the professional conduct of the firm.
Visiting Project Architect (Licensee)
Non-member architects who intend to undertake a specific project in the NWT for a specific period of time may apply as a "Visiting Project Architect".
NWTAA issues licences to extra-territorial architects and firms to enable them to practice architecture in the Northwest Territories. This licence limits the architectural work in the Northwest Territories to a single identified project that must be done in collaboration with a registered NWTAA Architect and/or registered firm. The licence extends to the completion of the warranty period of the project, at which time the NWTAA requires a copy of the Substantial Completion Certificate or a letter confirming that the warranty period has expired.
The licensee is allowed to use the title of "Visiting Project Architect, NWTAA".
Registrar
The Registrar reviews applications for membership and maintains the Register of Architects in accordance with the Act and NWTAA Bylaws.
