A mutual recognition agreement (MRA) was signed between the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Canada’s Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada / Regroupement des Ordres d’Architectes du Canada (ROAC) in Toronto on April 23, 2025.

The agreement will go into effect on May 14, when eligible architects who are registered in the UK or Canada will be able to benefit from a streamlined process to practise their profession in the two countries, which will create new opportunities across the Atlantic.

“The agreement opens significant new opportunities for architects in the UK and Canada to collaborate, building on the strong professional partnerships that already exist between the two countries. It will at the same time maintain the high standards the public have a right to expect. We are so very excited to see the new route open in May,” said Alan Kershaw, chair of the Architects Registration Board.

According to the Architects Registration Board (ARB), in both Canada and the UK, an architect must be registered with the relevant professional regulator to practise architecture in the jurisdiction as well as to use the legally protected title. “Registration exists to ensure anyone calling themselves an architect has the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience, while meeting the required standards of conduct and practice,” says the board.