Third Edition of RAIC Resource Accessible for Free

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has released a new Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects (CHOP). Last published in 2009, this third edition is a comprehensive reworking of an essential professional resource, resulting from extensive collaboration by the architectural profession from every region of the country, including the support of the OAA. 

The new document includes the work of more than 45 experts, guided by an editorial board led by Don Ardiel, OAA, MRAIC. For the architecture profession, those on the path to licensure, and others who interact with this community, the Handbook is an essential instructional resource and reference manual.  

Providing many useful checklists and sample documents, the new CHOP contains more than 1,000 pages and is divided into six specific sections: 

• Theory and Background;
• The Context of Practice;
• Management of the Architectural Practice;
• The Design-Construction Program;
• Management of the Design Project; and
• Phases of the Design Project.

CHOP is available without cost, on a comprehensive searchable website in both English and French. As a living document, this resource will be continuously updated and developed over time to reflect the evolution of architectural practice in Canada. To access it, visit https://chop.raic.ca/en/home.

Please note: Intern architects who are currently preparing for the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) will continue to focus on the second edition of CHOP, which is available to all OAA members.