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In Ontario, the Architects Act lists exceptions to the requirement for an architect. They include designs for a building of not more than three storeys used for residential occupancy that contains one dwelling unit, or two attached dwelling units each built directly on grade, and for certain other buildings of not more than three storeys and 600 square metres in gross area. Houses in those categories can be designed by others, but independent designers and design firms must be qualified and registered with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, which issues a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) in categories such as House.

In Quebec, the Loi sur les architectes requires plans signed and sealed by an architect for the construction, enlargement or alteration of a building, with exceptions. The Ordre des architectes du Québec explains that a detached single-family house is exempt if, once the work is done, it has at most one basement level, no more than two storeys and a total gross floor area under 600 square metres. Semi-detached and row houses and small buildings of up to four dwelling units are exempt under similar limits, but with a total gross floor area under 300 square metres. Other provinces set their own thresholds, so check with your provincial association and your municipality.

Sources: Architects Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.26 — Government of Ontario · Become a registered building practitioner — Government of Ontario · Search architects — Ontario Association of Architects · New Architects Act (2020) — Ordre des architectes du Québec (in French) · Directory of architects — Ordre des architectes du Québec (in French)