As the regulator of the practice of architecture in Ontario, the OAA handles complaints regarding the conduct or actions of a member of the OAA. The Architects Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.26 prescribes the complaints process to ensure the public interest in Ontario is served and protected.
A complaint may be made if there is concern a member of the OAA has contravened the Architects Act or has engaged in professional misconduct as set out in the Regulations (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 27, s. 42).
Before Making a Complaint
If you have questions or concerns about an architect’s professional conduct, you should contact the Office of the Registrar at the OAA. In many instances, OAA staff can help address whether submitting a formal complaint is the most appropriate forum to address your concerns.
It is important to note that the role of the OAA is to govern the practice of architecture in the province of Ontario. The OAA does not have the mandate to become involved in the ongoing contractual and business dealings of its membership. The OAA’s complaint process is separate from any legal proceedings you may choose to pursue. It is only in situations where a complainant believes an OAA member has engaged in unskilled practice and/or unprofessional conduct that the Association should become involved.
If you have questions or concerns about an OAA member’s conduct, the usual first step is to talk to the member. If you are unable to resolve the issue, and believe there is a professional conduct or competency concern, please check the online directory to ensure the member or architectural practice is registered with the OAA. If the party in question does not appear in the directory, please contact the Office of the Registrar to let us know that someone is misrepresenting themselves.
Once you have confirmed the individual in question is a member, you can submit a complaint to the OAA. The first step is to fill out the online form link or you can email complaints@oaa.on.ca.
If you have additional supporting documents, please email them directly to complaints@oaa.on.ca after you have submitted the complaint form. In the event your complaint form is incomplete, unclear, or deficient in any way, OAA staff may reach out to you to discuss your complaint before a copy of your complaint is sent to the respondent. Unless you decide to withdraw the complaint, the next step will be to exchange documents.
Please consult the PDF for further information about the complaints process and details related to filing a complaint.