Architecture, Engineering & Planning: find professionals

Architecture, engineering and planning covers architects, structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, and land surveyors, for homes, commercial buildings and development projects.

Architects design buildings and prepare drawings for permits. Structural engineers assess and design the parts of a building that carry loads; civil engineers work on sites, grading, drainage and infrastructure; mechanical and electrical engineers design heating, ventilation, plumbing, fire protection, power and lighting. Land surveyors define property boundaries and prepare survey plans.

These are licensed professions in Canada: architects, engineers and land surveyors must be licensed by the association in the province or territory where they practise, and firms that offer engineering services often need their own permit or certificate as well. Ask for a licence number and check it with the provincial association before work starts.