Questions and Answers Arising from the AIBC Special Meeting

Updated February 16, 2009

Section E: Small Firms

E1. Q: Can you explain the relationship between the proposed new act and the issue of small and large firms? How does the new act discriminate against small firms and in favour of large firms?

E2. Q: What percentage of architecture firms consist of “single architect” firms (where only one architect works in the practice)?

E3. Q: How many “single architect” firms are represented on the Task Force for Legislative Renewal?

E1. Q: Can you explain the relationship between the proposed new act and the issue of small and large firms? How does the new act discriminate against small firms and in favour of large firms?

A: The proposed new act does not discriminate. It actually seeks to identify and remove artificial impediments to firms of all sizes. The profession is, and needs to remain, fluid.

E2. Q: What percentage of architecture firms consist of “single architect” firms (where only one architect works in the practice)?

A: The AIBC’s statistical data does not permit analysis that can accurately identify “single architect” firms. However, from the data available (December 2008), we can say that the majority of registered AIBC firms consist of either one or two members.

E3. Q: How many “single architect” firms are represented on the Task Force for Legislative Renewal?

A: The implication that the JTFLC and AIBC Council are exclusively populated by large firms is incorrect. Representatives span that gamut from small to large firms, and the members have, almost without exception, been single practitioners or members of small firms at one time.

Should you have any further questions regarding the proposed legislation, please submit them using the Feedback resource on the New Legislation web page.

The complete Q&A is also available in PDF format. Please click here to download.