Finding a Qualified Designer or Firm

Ensure all designers are qualified in the area(s) of design that fits your project and registered where required.

The Building Code Act requires that individuals and firms responsible for design activities regulated under the Act be qualified in their appropriate design area and, when required, registered with the province. Individuals and, in some instances, their firms must file with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to obtain a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN).

The Ministry’s Qualification and Registration Tracking System (QuARTS) includes a public registry of qualified designers and registered firms.

For more information about the Ontario Building Code, visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website.

For certain projects, such as most industrial, commercial, and institutional construction, a qualified or registered designer is insufficient, and the drawings must be stamped by an architect, professional engineer or both. Refer to Division C, Section 1.2 of the Building Code for specific requirements, or contact the Building Department. The seals and signatures of architects and professional engineers must be original on at least one set of drawings. Refer to the Norfolk County permit application requirements for additional information.

Finding qualified designers and registered firms

Ensure all designers are qualified in the area(s) of design that fits your project and registered where required with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing—QuARTS (Qualification and Registration Tracking System). Architects licensed through the OAA and professional engineers licensed through the PEO typically do not need to file with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The following Associations and Organizations have listings or contact information for local designers:

• Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO)
• Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)
• Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
• Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)

The following internet search terms may help you in finding a qualified designer or registered firm:

• BCIN drafting services
• Drafting services
• BCIN qualified designer
• BCIN house designer
• House designer Ontario
• Registered and qualified designer
• Registered and qualified designer BCIN
• Registered design firm
• Registered drafting services

Norfolk County does not specifically endorse any individual designer or organization. This list has been assembled for general information purposes only.

These drawings (PDF) illustrate some of the minimum Ontario Building Code Requirements which apply to typical residential construction in the Greater Toronto Area and are provided for information purposes only. They do not necessarily represent every detail of building construction or all applicable minimum standards. For more detailed information about construction regulations, refer to the Ontario Building Code or a qualified designer.