Architect
Design the buildings and spaces that define Canadian cities - a creative and technically demanding profession.
Architect Salary in Canada
Architects in Canada earn about $55,000 at entry level and around $120,000 in senior roles.
- Entry level: $55,000
- Senior level: $120,000
Principal architects and firm owners earn significantly more. The path to licensure is long - 8+ years total.
About the Career
Housing and infrastructure investment support steady demand - Job Bank rates prospects moderate to good in most provinces, but limited in BC.
Job Outlook
Stable demand. Housing and infrastructure investment support steady demand - Job Bank rates prospects moderate to good in most provinces, but limited in BC.
How to Get There
- 4-yr undergrad + 2-3 yr accredited MArch + internship + ExAC exam + provincial licensing (e.g. OAA)
- Time to career: 7-9 years post-Grade 12
Degrees That Lead Here
- Architecture – mid to high 80s - portfolio is required
- Interior Design – high 70s to high 80s - portfolio required
- Urban Planning – high 70s to high 80s
- Fine Arts – high 70s to high 80s - portfolio is the primary admission factor
Key Skills
- Design & Concept Development
- Architectural Drawing & Modelling
- Building Science
- Project Management
- Client Communication
Typical Employers
- Architecture firms
- Design-build companies
- Government & public agencies
- Real estate developers
- Urban design & planning consultancies
High School Roadmap
- Draw and design constantly. Research famous Canadian architects. Take art and math seriously.
- Build architectural models. Study famous buildings. Research architecture portfolio requirements.
- Build a strong portfolio of drawings, models, and creative work.
- Apply to architecture programs with a strong portfolio. Waterloo, UofT, McGill, and UBC are the top choices.
Top Universities for This Path
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Waterloo – Waterloo, ON
- Toronto Metropolitan University – Toronto, ON
Insider Tips
- Architecture requires both artistic and mathematical ability - it is one of the most interdisciplinary professional programs.
- The portfolio is the most critical part of architecture school applications - start building it in G10.
- Waterloo's architecture program co-op is excellent and unique - students work at firms while studying.