Hi,

Are there any architects on the forum who can guide me with regards to OOA registration.

Thanks

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Originally posted by desiskywalker

Hi,

Are there any architects on the forum who can guide me with regards to OOA registration.

Thanks

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I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.
But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.

Thanks mails4sagar.

Its actually for my Spouse who has experience as an architect from India and Doha.

I am trying to gather info for her.

But
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I wouldn't recommend the OAA stuff to anyone though....(of course, it depends on what u intend to do, and can be a personal decision)
(Most employers too won't require you to have the license, but of course it will help !)
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Thats helpful to know though.

HI!
M4S has already given the introduction.
The process (as i know) is as follows.
Apply to some Canadian Architectural Equivalancy board ( CACB)with portfolio, Sylabus etc... And $1000 cash. In 3 months or 6-7 months , you will get a reply to attend an interview in which you may be given equivalancy or be told to take courses in which your education is lacking. If you are sucessful, then you can apply to the OAA as an Intern Architect for $100-$200 a year. After that , if you get Canadian work expericence (by the hours mentioned) and pass some exams (9 Exams known as ARE exams on specialised computer centres in Cda, USA), then you will be termed as an " Architect" in Ontario. This is $700 a year w/o seal or $1000 a year with a seal.
Also these days , you have to pass (optional only) OBC (Ontario Building code). The subjects depends on what you plan to do.
for e.g. I am in housing and so i did :
1. Legal-Law and Ethics (compulsory)
2. Small Buildings (residential)

If you like commerical architetcure , then you can do
1. Legal-Law and Ethics (compulsory)
2. Commercial

All exams are multiple choice and has a fee of $60. OBC handbook is around $65-100 (depending on paper back, Hard bound). Remember , Passing these exams alone would not guarentee you a job but will put you forward , rather than a person who does not know english nor has passed the exams (may be chinese people)

Remember, that OAA certification itself will not get you a "Canadian Architect's "job. You need to prove that you are good in things that a Canadian Architectural office subjectively needs like White color, Canadian study at a university, Canadian work experience etc..... You will also need to prove that you are good in English, Renderings, 3D renderings Project Management, Drafting, co-ordination of projects, Co ordination with the Town authorities, Being a multi tasking professional, knowledge of the OBC, Knowledge of the Architect's act of Canada, free hand sketching, client discussion, know site grading, parking standards, handicapped parking standards, relavant fire codes, relavant service codes, knowledge of materials and detailing, ability to explain to consulant/ get work done from the consultant and ability to approve shop drawings- aluminum works, steel works, brick/stone works, HVAC, Fire, Plumbing and Sanitary, Trusses, Glazing, etc..., ability to understand wood/ steel/ concrete structural drgs, Ability to work beyond office hours to complete a dead line etc...
For more info. i have given you a PM with my name, e-mail ID and phone number.
All information is given in the OAA website. I have read it 4 years back and so i donot remember if anything has changed. M4S has given the link which has complete info. needed.
In my opinion, I would suggest that your spouse comes to Canada, Look for drafting jobs, move up the ladder , gain confidence and then see if she likes to pass the exams etc... Some offices may even sponser you for the exams once you show the mettle.
My office wanted me to pass the exams. They even told me that they will give me fake Canadian experience hours (as required by the OAA). But i refused since it did not meet my requirements for a decent standard of living.
Indian Architects that i know mostly end up doing :
1. Drafting jobs- Arch. Structural, Mech, Electrical etc...
2. Work in hardward stores like IKEA, RONA, LOWE's, Home depot in Kitchen, Washroom departments
3. Work in Interior Design firms as drafters, Designers
4. Work in Residential companies (House Designers)- I work here
5. Do Additions / Alterations
6. Do Canadian Architectural University studies and hope that they can get references from professors etc...

Please note that the salary for all the above( in gen. cases) shall be from
$10 an hour to a max. of $14-$16 an hour. In very exceptional and lucky cases, Salary can be $18-$20 an hour max... I have never heard of anyone earning more than $20 an hour in this line. My salary is around $13 an hour for 37.5 hours a week and i am expected to work for unlimited hours without overtime pay or vacation/ holiday. I started in oct. 2002 with $10 an hour for 40 hours a week. Things have changed since then to my present state.

Please feel free to put forward any questions that you might have
TK A

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Hi Desiskywalker,

There is a mentoring program started by OAA for Internationally trained architect's. This is being jointly conducted by OAA & JVS Toronto. For more information call OAA or speak to JVS at 416 491 0552.

Also check

http://www.jvstoronto.org/