Reflecting on Investigations Last Year

In 2024, the OAA remained committed to maintaining professional standards through its regulatory and investigative efforts. From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the Association conducted 42 investigations, including complaints, registrar’s investigations, and good character reviews. Of these:

• 32 cases were successfully resolved; and
  
• 10 cases remain active and are ongoing.
  

Additionally, the Office of the Registrar received 83 inquiries related to member’s conduct. While some of these inquiries led to formal complaints, not all complaints originated from inquiries. Of the 21 complaints filed in 2024:

• three were dismissed after a preliminary review;
  
• two resulted in a caution;
  
• six were dismissed without being referred to discipline;
  
• two were withdrawn;
• three were referred to discipline;
  
• two are currently held in abeyance; and
  
• three remain active

Act Enforcement

The OAA also handled 83 enforcement cases related to the Architects Act in 2024:

• 56 remain active;
  
• nine were resolved by the OAA;
  
• two could not be located; and
  
• 16 were found to have no breach

The OAA remains committed to upholding professional standards and ensuring accountability within the architectural profession. For more details on our regulatory efforts, visit the Illegal Practice and Act Enforcement page.

Background

The OAA upholds the Architects Act to ensure architectural services are provided by qualified, licensed professionals. Under this law, only licensed members with an OAA Certificate of Practice (CoP) can legally offer architectural services.

It is illegal for an unlicensed individual or corporation to:

• use the title “Architect" or “Licensed Technologist” without proper authorization;
  
• claim to practise architecture within the regulated scope of work without an OAA-issued licence or limited licence; or
  
• assist or enable others in misusing the title

Misrepresenting the protected titles of "Architect" or “Licensed Technologist”—whether intentionally or unintentionally—can mislead the public into believing they are receiving services from a licensed and regulated professional. To ensure compliance and protect the integrity of the profession, the OAA actively enforces these regulations. For more information on licensing and compliance, visit the Registration & Licensing page.