I'm a licensed architect based in Ontario, registered with the Ontario Association of Architects, with over 20 years of experience working across Canada, the UAE, and India. Over the past decade, I’ve called Canada home—working on a range of projects from small renovations to major commercial and institutional builds.
Some of the highlights in my career include being part of the team behind the American Dream megamall in New Jersey—one of the largest retail and entertainment centres in North America—and the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centrein Dubai for Emirates Airlines. More recently, I’ve been focused on healthcare design, leading multiple interior fit-out projects in hospitals across the GTA, often taking on both architectural and project management roles.
Whether it's a small space or a large complex build, I enjoy the challenge of solving problems through thoughtful design. I bring a hands-on, collaborative approach to every project, and I care deeply about making spaces that work well and feel right for the people who use them.
Architects use detailed plans and drawings to develop and communicate building designs. In simple terms, an architect is a licensed professional trained in the planning and design of buildings of all kinds. Architects in Ontario must meet rigorous educational and experience requirements – typically completing a professional degree in architecture, a multi-year internship, and a series of licensing exams – to become registered with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). This licensure means they are qualified to design all types of structures, from houses and small businesses to large commercial complexes and public institutional buildings. In Ontario, the title “Architect” is legally protected – only someone with an OAA license can call themselves an architect or offer architectural services to the public. Architects are thus highly accountable professionals who adhere to strict codes of ethics and professional standards while designing safe, functional, and innovative spaces for their clients.
Architects prepare detailed architectural drawings ("blueprints") that will be used to guide construction and obtain permits. Architects offer a comprehensive range of services to take a project from an initial idea to a finished building. At the start, they work closely with you (the client) to understand your goals, budget, and needs for the space. They then develop a design concept – often producing sketches or 3D models – to illustrate the vision. Once you approve a direction, the architect creates detailed technical drawings and specifications for the building. These drawings cover all aspects of the design (floor plans, elevations, structure, etc.) and are used to secure a building permit and guide the construction. Architects ensure that all plans comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and local zoning bylaws, streamlining the permitting process for you. Importantly, an architect doesn’t just hand over blueprints and disappear. They can manage the project through construction as well. This often includes helping you bid out the work to contractors, reviewing contractor quotes, and preparing construction contracts. During construction, architects may perform site visits and general reviews to verify that the work is being built according to their plans and meets required standards. They coordinate with other professionals – such as structural engineers, mechanical/electrical engineers, and planners – on your behalf. By overseeing the project end-to-end, the architect can catch issues early, answer contractors’ questions, and make design adjustments as needed to keep the project on track. In short, architects provide start-to-finish guidance: from conceptual design and securing permits, through choosing materials and contractors, all the way to the final inspection of the completed building.
In Ontario, you might also encounter the term “BCIN designer.” A BCIN designer is not a licensed architect, but rather a type of qualified building designer who has a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) issued by the province. Earning a BCIN involves passing provincial exams on the Ontario Building Code and registering with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This certification demonstrates the person’s knowledge of building code rules. BCIN designers are authorized to create and submit building plans for permit approval on certain types of projects in Ontario. Typically, they operate in the realm of smaller and simpler projects – for example: single-family homes, duplexes, home additions or renovations, small commercial or industrial builds, and similar scale work. It’s important to understand that BCIN designers do not have an architect’s breadth of scope. Their qualifications allow them to design buildings that fall within specific size and complexity limits set out by law. For instance, BCIN designers generally handle projects defined as “Part 9” buildings under the Ontario Building Code (these are buildings of relatively small scale and low complexity). Larger or more complex buildings – such as multi-storey apartments, shopping centers, schools, or hospitals – are outside the permitted scope for a BCIN designer. Those bigger projects legally require the involvement of a licensed architect or professional engineer. In summary, a BCIN designer in Ontario is a building planning professional who can service straightforward projects by ensuring code compliance and producing permit drawings, but they are not licensed architects. They have a more limited practice and are not held to the same regulatory standards as architects.
While both architects and BCIN-qualified designers can produce house plans and other building drawings, there are significant differences in their training, capabilities, and the services they provide. Below are some key differences: Scope of Projects: Architects are licensed to design any building – from a simple home renovation to complex multi-use developments – and by law they are required for certain large or public buildings. BCIN Designers, on the other hand, are restricted to smaller-scale projects. Their work typically covers houses, small additions, and modest commercial or industrial buildings. They are not permitted to design large or complex facilities like multi-story condos, office towers, schools, or hospitals. (In fact, Ontario’s regulations limit unlicensed designers to buildings under roughly 600 m² in area/3 storeys in height for most occupancies.) In short, an architect can oversee big and small projects alike, whereas a BCIN designer is limited to the small-scale end of the spectrum. Education and Qualifications: Architects undergo extensive education and training. In Ontario, becoming an architect usually requires a professional university degree in architecture, followed by a supervised internship (often 2–3 years/ thousands of hours of experience), and then passing rigorous professional exams before obtaining an OAA license. This process ensures architects have broad knowledge in design, engineering principles, safety codes, and project management. BCIN Designers, in contrast, become qualified primarily by passing Ontario Building Code examinations and registering with the province. There is no requirement for a professional degree in architecture or a formal internship to get a BCIN. In practice, many BCIN designers have college diplomas or training in architectural technology, but the credential itself focuses on code knowledge rather than full architectural education. This means architects bring a deeper theoretical and practical background, whereas BCIN designers’ credentials are more narrowly about code compliance. Design Approach and Project Involvement: An architect’s role is comprehensive – they typically provide end-to-end design services, from the initial concept through to overseeing construction. Architects focus on creative, customized solutions for each client’s needs, balancing aesthetics with function, sustainability, and innovation. They will often remain involved throughout the building process to ensure the design intent is followed and to resolve any design-related issues during construction. BCIN designers, by comparison, tend to have a more limited scope of service. They are generally engaged to produce permit-ready plans for smaller projects with an emphasis on meeting code requirements and functional layout, rather than pushing design innovation. In many cases, once the drawings are submitted and approved for a building permit, the BCIN designer’s involvement ends there. They are usually not on site for construction review and do not provide the same level of ongoing project coordination that architects do. In essence, hiring an architect means you have a partner through the whole project; hiring a BCIN designer is often a shorter-term engagement focused on drawings and permit paperwork. Regulation and Accountability: Architects are regulated professionals. They must be licensed by the Ontario Association of Architects, which holds them to strict standards of ethics, competency, and continuing education. Architects are also required to carry professional liability insurance to protect their clients – this means if something goes wrong due to a design issue, the client has recourse for damages. BCIN designers, however, are not members of a self-regulating professional body. Their practice is governed only by the provincial building code regulations and municipal permit authorities. Until legislation in 2006 (Ontario’s Bill 124), many independent designers weren’t even required to have insurance; now they must carry insurance to maintain a BCIN, but they still don’t answer to a professional association in the way architects do. Moreover, architects must continuously upgrade their skills (through mandatory continuing education programs) and adhere to a code of conduct, whereas BCIN holders have no equivalent ongoing professional development requirement aside from periodic code knowledge refreshers. The bottom line is that architects operate under a higher level of accountability, which helps ensure quality and public safety, while BCIN designers have more limited oversight.
Hiring a licensed architect can bring significant benefits to your building project – even if it’s not legally required for your project type. Here are a few major advantages of working with an architect: Expert Design and Creativity: Architects offer design expertise that goes beyond making a building meet code. They are trained to create spaces that are not only structurally sound, but also functional, efficient, and beautiful. An architect will take the time to understand your vision and can propose innovative ideas to achieve it. This creative, holistic design approach means your project won’t be just a generic box that meets minimum requirements – it can be uniquely tailored to you while still being safe and practical. Seamless Project Coordination: Building projects involve many players (clients, contractors, engineers, city permit officials, etc.). An architect acts as your project coordinator, handling the complex interplay between these parties so you don’t have to. They prepare the necessary drawings and documents, coordinate with engineers and other consultants, and oversee the contractor’s work for consistency with the plans. This holistic oversight helps prevent miscommunications and errors. By having an architect manage the design and technical details, you are less likely to face costly delays or construction problems – the project is more likely to run smoothly from start to finish. Navigating Codes and Permits: Red tape and technical regulations can be a headache for any property owner. Architects are experts in building codes, standards, and the permitting process, especially in Ontario. They will ensure your design complies with the Ontario Building Code, local municipal bylaws, and any other regulations before the plans are submitted. This greatly increases the chance of a quick approval. Essentially, the architect handles the bureaucratic and technical compliance aspects on your behalf– saving you from potential pitfalls like failed inspections or permit rejections. Long-Term Value and Sustainability: A great architect doesn’t just design for today – they think about the future of your building. By considering factors like energy-efficient construction, durable materials, and flexible layouts, architects strive to “future-proof” your investment. Their forward-thinking design can save you money in the long run (for example, through lower energy bills or adaptability to future needs) and can increase the overall property value. Good design also means fewer unexpected issues down the road; architects anticipate how a building will stand up to time, climate, and use. In short, an architect’s involvement can pay off many times over the life of the building. Quality, Safety, and Accountability: When you hire an architect, you are hiring a regulated professional who is accountable for their work. Architects put their professional seal on drawings, certifying that the design meets applicable safety codes and standards. During construction, they can conduct site reviews to catch mistakes or unsafe practices. Because architects carry liability insurance and follow a professional code of ethics, you have an extra layer of protection and recourse as a client. This accountability ensures a high standard of quality. By contrast, if you go with an unlicensed designer for a complex project, you might not have the same assurances. Simply put, an architect is your advocate in the project, committed to protecting your interests and the public’s safety. Enhanced Aesthetics and Enjoyment: Lastly, there’s the benefit of getting a building that delights you. Architects are skilled at envisioning spaces that are not just utilitarian boxes but places that feel good to live or work in. They consider light, flow, proportion, and all those subtle design elements that make a difference in day-to-day experience. If having a beautiful, well-thought-out space is a priority, an architect is equipped to deliver that in a way a basic drafter or straight-to-construction approach might not. The results can be seen and felt in the finished product – a cohesive design that reflects your personality or brand and stands out from the ordinary.
