Congratualtions to all of the 2025 winners, full list of awards can be found on the BOMA website here
Author: Lara
What is the difference between an Architect of Record (AOR) and a Design Architect? These can be either a single or two very distinct roles when designing and executing a project. The division typically happens when the project is substantial in size and requires niche expertise in different areas. In retail and office design projects however, more often than not, the division is driven by the location of the head office of the client and the physical location of the project.
Roles Defined
Design Architect
- Primary Role: The Design Architect is primarily responsible for the conceptual and aesthetic aspects of a project. They create the initial design, including the appearance, layout, and style.
- Creative Focus: Their work is more focused on the vision and artistic elements of the project, often bringing a signature style or innovative ideas to the table.
- Engagement Level: They are usually most active in the early stages of the project, especially during the conceptual and design development phases with direct and frequent interactions with the client
Architect of Record (AOR)
- Primary Role: The Architect of Record is responsible for the detailed execution and technical aspects of the project. They ensure that the design meets all building codes, local laws, and functional requirements as well as requirements set forth in their local licensing body’s bylaws.
- Technical and Legal Responsibilities: Their role includes producing detailed drawings and specifications, overseeing the construction process, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The AOR is the legally recognized architect of the project.
- Engagement Level: The AOR is actively involved throughout the project, from initial design to the completion of construction. They handle construction administrative tasks and technical documentation. Many Canadian Provinces including Alberta, BC, Manitoba and Ontario require that the plans, drawings, detail drawings, specifications and other associated documents are prepared by or under the personal supervision, direction and control of the Architect of Record.
AIA Canada’s Journal Entry in Canadian Architect is online for October 2023 with the President’s Letter from our Principal Lara Presber
The October issue includes a spotlight on the AIA Knowledge Community: Technology in Architectural Practice, an engaging Article, Navigating AI’s Impact on Visual Communication in Architecture, by Calgary-based architect John van Hemert, and an overview of AIA Canada Society’s June Webinar on The Future of Architecture in Canada
We always love a good before and after photo comparison, especially when the transformation is so close to our hearts and our desks! A labour of love and continuous work in progress with a pause to capture the same view above as the demolition and building progressed for our new office home. The biggest surprise was the original beautiful wooden beams and joists that had been hidden behind the gloomy acoustic ceiling tiles. Stay tuned for final photos once the work is complete.
AIA Canada’s Journal Entry in Canadian Architect is online for June 2023 with the President’s Letter from our Principal Lara Presber
The June issue includes an update from AIA Canada Society President, Lara Presber, AIA Knowledge Community Spotlight: COTE, and an exclusive inspiring interview with Calgary’s own accessibility strategist, Darby Lee Young – founder of Level Playing Field, a consulting accessibility agency focusing on the building industry.
AIA Canada’s Journal Entry in Canadian Architect is online for April 2023 with the President’s Letter from our Principal Lara Presber
The April issue includes a letter from the President and coverage of the 2022 AIA Canada Design Award winners
AIA Canada’s Journal Entry in Canadian Architect is online for October 2022 with the President’s Letter from our Principal Lara Presber
The October issue includes an interview with Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa, winners of the 2022 AIA Gold Medal, probing how sustainability, housing affordability, and design innovation are interwoven.
AIA Canada’s Journal Entry in Canadian Architect is online for June 2022 with the President’s Letter from our Principal Lara Presber
The June issue includes a letter from the President, spotlight on the AIA Conference on Architecture in Chicago, June 22 – 25, 2022, Design Seminar Series and AIA Public Architects (PA) Committee.
Our Principal, Lara Presber, moderated a webinar for the AIA International‘s Spring 2022 Conference featuring Calgary’s own Scott Gravelle, founder and CEO of Attabotics. Scott discusses how warehouse automation can drastically reduce commerce’s carbon footprint (by up to 85%) by repurposing and optimizing obsolete real estate in urban Canadian markets.
The course for 1 LU/HSW for AIA Members can be found here; the video is open for viewing to all.