The Architects Act

1) Charlie Brown, a registered architect, is thrilled that he has just obtained a new client. Upon meeting with the client, Charlie suspects that the project has previously been managed by another architect, Peppermint Patty. Charlie is wondering what protocol he needs to follow as a successor architect. Please explain.

2) Archie Andrews and Betty Cooper have decided to start a licensed interior design firm together. They are the only two members of the firm, and only Archie is a licensed interior designer, Betty handles the business and administrative aspects of the firm. After several brainstorming sessions they’ve come up with what they think is a name that will set their business apart from competitors: Cooper Andrews, Brilliant Licensed Interior Designers Extraordinaire. Is this name acceptable under The Alberta Association of Architects’ standards?

3) Veronica Lodge is an architect with the firm Jones, Lodge & Mantle Architecture Ltd. which has been in existence for 15 years. Just recently, one of the founding partners, Reggie Mantle was involved in a fatal car accident. Veronica is not sure how to proceed with the firm name. Can they continue to include the name Mantle in the firm name?

4) Lois Lane is a successful architect, and majority shareholder of the firm Lane Architecture Ltd. She has several minority partners in the firm including: Clark Kent, a friend of Lois, and a mild-mannered news reporter who is not involved actively in the firm. Another partner is Lois’s sister Mary Jane Lane, an architectural technologist who often gets involved with the projects Lois undertakes. Which partners, if any should Lois include in her firm letterhead, and what format should she use?

5) Jack Black is an architect who practices in several jurisdictions across Canada. He distributes business cards with the following on it: Jack Black, AIBC, FRAIC, AAA, OAA. Is this card acceptable if Jack is conducting business in Alberta? Please explain.