Going out on your own
How to start an architecture practice in Ontario
"Architect" is a legally protected title in Ontario — you cannot call yourself one, or offer architectural services to the public, without a licence from the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). The path is a recognized degree, logged internship hours, and the ExAC exam.
Architect at a glance
- Credential
- Reserved title — an OAA licence is required to call yourself an architect
- Path in
- CACB-accredited degree → 3,720-hour internship (IAP) → ExAC exam
- Regulated by
- Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
- Insurance baseline
- Professional liability (E&O) through the OAA program
- Professional body
- Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
You must be licensed first. A practice can only offer architect services to the public once it holds the regulator’s firm authorization, which requires a licensed principal and professional liability insurance. Sort the firm authorization before you take work.
The steps to start your practice
- 1
Get your OAA Certificate of Practice
An individual licence lets you practise; a Certificate of Practice lets your firm offer architectural services to the public. The OAA requires the holder to carry professional liability insurance and meet the firm-practice requirements before issuing it.
Certificate of Practice — OAA ↗ - 2
Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
Most professionals incorporate to limit liability and for tax efficiency. Several regulated professions (architects, engineers) can form a professional corporation with a Certificate of Authorization — confirm the right entity type with your regulator before filing.
Full guide: Incorporation - 3
Set up your CRA accounts
Register for a Business Number, HST/GST (mandatory above $30,000 in revenue), payroll if you will hire, and corporate income tax. Professional service fees are HST-taxable.
Full guide: CRA Registration - 4
Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
Errors & omissions insurance is the core coverage for a professional practice — and a firm-authorization condition for regulated professions. It protects against claims arising from your professional advice, designs, or certifications.
Full guide: Insurance - 5
Stand up your practice operations
Business banking, professional accounting, engagement letters and contracts, and the project and document workflows a practice runs on. This is the back office that keeps you paid and protected.
Full guide: Operational Setup
Your launch checklist
The whole page in one list.
- Get your OAA Certificate of Practice
- Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
- Set up your CRA accounts
- Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
- Stand up your practice operations
Turn authorization into a working practice
Once the firm can practise, the next work is commercial: define the fee, prepare a credible proposal, and put a repeatable operating rhythm behind the professional work.
Put the guide to work
Use the setup on a real opportunity.
A business or practice becomes real when it can follow a lead, prepare a pursuit, and carry commercial work forward.