SUCCES STORIES 
Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects (BEFA) 
Candidates who have been granted CACB‐BEFA 
Certification 

Find out what successful candidates are saying about the BEFA
Program as an alternative pathway to licensure in Canada.
We hope that these success stories will inspire you and help you
to prepare and work on your application.

 
 

My name is Chuan Liang and I have a Bachelor

of Architecture degree from Tsinghua University
in People’s Republic of China. I have been
involved in the practice of architecture for 20
years. Since 2007, I have been working as a
Design Architect for Ian S. Malcolm Architects
(ISM) located in Barrie, Ontario.

Prior to coming to Canada, I worked as Project

Architect for outstanding architectural firms in
Beijing, China.

As registered Architect in China, I had extensive experience in all aspect of the profession with
particular focus on design and management of complex projects. Through the cooperated
working with Ian Malcolm, a 30+ years experienced and very intelligent architect, I picked up
tons of local rules and favourites.

I didn’t pursue licensure in Canada immediately upon arrival because I had to write the course
description of all my university courses to become eligible for the Intern Architect program. I
hated to do that. I brought 14 years of working experience from China which is much more
valuable than the school courses I took.

I heard of the BEFA Program on Radio Canada International. It suited me very well because it
recognized my License in Architecture from China. I had to pass 9 exams to obtain my license
in China and they were not easy at all. I was lucky to hear of the BEFA Program on the radio
and waited one year until it was launched as a Pilot Project.

I registered for BEFA in April 2011 and attended the BEFA interview in January 2012. I had to
complete certain post-interview remedial actions recommended and finally received the official
confirmation for successful completion of the BEFA Program in February 2013.

I believe the BEFA Program will help many other professionals with foreign credentials to get
their license in Canada through a much more wisely arranged process.

Chuan Liang

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My name is Maren Duhoux and I come from the

Netherlands. I graduated with a Master of
Science in Architecture Degree from the Delft
University of Technology in the Netherlands.
After graduation, I worked for four years as an
Intern Architect at Gutierrez/Associates in
Oakland, California before I arrived in Canada.

I am a licensed architect in both, the Netherlands

and California. Unfortunately, the Netherlands
doesn’t have a reciprocity agreement with
Canada. I passed successfully all National
Council of Architectural Registration Boards
(NCARB) exams and the California supplemental exam in order to be a registered architect in
California. However, when I arrived in Manitoba, I learned that I would have go through the
Intern Architect process all over again and I would have to retake the NCARB exams or the
ExAc in order to register with the Manitoba Architectural Association.

For these reasons, I chose not to pursue licensure in Canada. In 2004, I joined Friesen Tokar
Architects in Winnipeg, Manitoba and have been with the company ever since, initially as a
Project Manager and since 2011 as a Principal.

I learned about the BEFA program through the Manitoba Architectural Association and
registered for it as s a Pilot Project applicant in November 2011. The launch of BEFA allowed
me to prove much quicker that I am qualified to be licenced as an Architect in Canada without
having to log my work hours again and sit for exams I had already written.

The self-assessment process was very thorough. It took approximately 60 to 70 hours over 3
weeks to complete. Sometimes, it was difficult to decide what documents to submit because
certain items would include several objectives and a document only dealt with part of them. It
would be good if there were an opportunity to upload more documents.

I was fortunate enough to have stayed with the same company in the last 8 years and I had
access to all the necessary documents I had worked on. It would have been very difficult to get
them if I had changed jobs as those documents are not something you would otherwise keep for
your portfolio.

I attended my BEFA interview in January 2012. The assessment panel followed the same
outline as in the self-assessment.

I received my BEFA certificate in February 2012 and registered as an Architect with the
Manitoba Architectural Association the following month. I am currently a registered Architect in
both, Manitoba and Alberta.

Marten Duhoux, Architect

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My name is Dan Ionescu, an internationally

trained Architect from Romania. I graduated
from the Ion Mincu Institute of Architecture in
Bucharest in 1974 with a Bachelor of
Architecture Degree.

When I arrived in Manitoba in 1994, I brought 20

years of work experience which helped me start
my career in Canada working on small and
large-scale architectural projects.

In the spring of 2011, the Manitoba Architectural

Association notified me of the Broadly
Experienced Foreign Architects (BEFA)
Program. By that time I had over 37 years of working experience and I was eager to be
recognized as a Licensed Architect.
The self-assessment process was demanding, almost a full time job in itself. It took about a year
to complete it. I believe each BEFA participant may have a different experience based on their
background. I had difficulties gathering information from projects I had worked on in Romania,
but was fortunate to have been deeply involved in almost all aspects of the architectural practice
in Canada.
I attended the BEFA interview in April 2012 and found it very professional and thorough. It was
obvious that the panel was fully aware of the content of my submissions and questions were
directed to areas that probably were not fully supported by my documentation. I did not have the
feeling that the intent was “to catch” the candidate, in the meaning of demonstrate him what he
does not know. The intent of the interview was rather to determine if the candidate’s knowledge
is satisfactory and in line with the professional standards.
Having passed successfully my BEFA interview, I registered with the Manitoba Association of
Architects in July 2012.

My advice to foreign-trained architects who are planning to avail of BEFA is to get involved, as
much as possible, in all aspects of professional practice in Canada and once they are accepted
in the program, to make sure they document and record all information that supports their
experience. I would say that the candidate should have documentation ready at the time of
enrolment in the program, since from the moment of enrolment and documents submission time
is limited.

Dan Ionescu

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My name is Furat Ilia. I was born and studied in

Iraq “Mesopotamia”, the land of one of the most
ancient civilization and Architecture in the world.
I completed my Bachelor and Master Degrees in
Architecture at the University of Technology in
Baghdad.

Before I came to Canada, I worked respectively

as Junior Architect in Iraq for five years and as
Architect and Project Manager in the United
Arab Emirates for nine years. I have designed
and supervised the completion of dozens of
buildings and high-rise towers, among which the
Rose Rotana, the highest furnished apartment building in the world.

I landed in Canada in 2006 as a highly skilled immigrant, and settled here in the fall of 2008. A
few months later, I started in my first Canadian position working for Noor and Associated as
Project Coordinator. A year after, I got a job opportunity at Sheridan Institute of Technology and
Advanced Learning as Architectural Technologist/ Project Manager and I worked there for two
years. I participated in the design and construction of many renovations and new buildings for
the College. Later, I worked at Farrow Partnership as Designer and Project Manager on health
care projects. I learned about BEFA during an information session at the Ontario Association of
Architects (OAA) and registered for the program in September 2012, immediately after its official
launch.

I strongly believe that the BEFA self-assessment is a precisely detailed and well-designed
process. During the process, I had a great opportunity to revisit and analyze many of the
projects I worked on during my career as well as to understand many of the competencies and
skills required to practice in Canada and North America.

Following the self-assessment, my BEFA Interview took place in March 2013 which gave me a
unique opportunity to share my experience and soft skills in presentation, communication, and
negotiation. I received my BEFA certificate in early April 2013 which allowed me to start the
registration process with the Ontario Association of Architects. By mid-April the same year, I had
also received my licence to practice as an Architect in Ontario and opened my own firm, Noor
Associates Ltd.

My best advice to the foreign-trained architects who aim to be licensed in Canada, is to get
involved and start obtaining local work experience and keenly study the environmental
difference between Canada and their origin country of practice. This will help them to compare
the required competencies to work in Canada, and apply them properly to the local
environment.

Furat Ilia

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My name is Mariella Salas. I obtained my

Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the
Ricardo Palma University in Peru. I practised as
a registered Architect in Peru for 12 years before
coming to Canada in 2005. I founded Salas-
Aristi-Salas Architectos with Fernando Aristi
(husband) and Milagros Salas (sister). I was
involved in architectural, landscape, interiors and
urban planning projects for which I was awarded
important prizes and received honour mentions
at local and national architectural competitions in
Peru.

Between 1996 and 2005, I also taught at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism in Ricardo
Palma University and at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Alas Peruanas
University. I taught courses on 2D and 3D graphic representation to undergraduate students.

Upon arrival in Canada, I started working at Jerylin Wright and Associates, an Interior Design
firm. It was a great opportunity to gain Canadian work experience. Since 2005, I have worked as
an Architectural Designer/Interior Designer/Architectural Technologist for three different firms.
I joined “Sturgess Architecture” working extensively on the 7th Avenue LRT Refurbishment
Project, starting from schematic design until construction completion. It was an excellent work
experience which allowed me to develop strong skills in Transportation Infrastructure. The
complexity of this project helped me to demonstrate my experience on the 12 templates of the
BEFA Program.

I registered for BEFA as a Pilot Project Participant in April 2011. The self-assessment process
was challenging because I wanted to demonstrate my competencies in a professional way. I
needed to be clear and concise when addressing the narrative section of each competency. It
took me approximately 2 months to compile the documents, complete the self-assessment and
upload the information. I worked an average 5 hours per day during the week and an average
20 hours during weekends.

I was invited to attend my BEFA Interview in April 2012. The interview itself was like an oral
exam on all 12 competencies covered in the self-assessment.
Following the interview, I started the registration process with the Alberta Association of
Architects (AAA) in September 2012. I took the Architect’s act course and attended an interview
at AAA in the end of November. Three days later I was notified that I had been successful at the
interview and in mid-December I became a registered Architect with AAA.

I would advise foreign-trained architects to enter the job market as soon as possible in order to
start getting Canadian experience in an architectural firm. This experience will establish the
basis to apply for BEFA Certification for those who prefer this option, rather than going through
the traditional, IAP process which can take 3.5 years to complete. Intern Architects have to log
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all their working hours and upon successful completion of the 3- year internship, they have to
write and pass the ExAc or the NCARB exams. The BEFA Program, on the other hand, allows
us, foreign architects, to prove in Canada that we are qualified to be licensed by considering our
years of work experience gained in Canada and abroad.

Mariella Salas

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My name is Fernando Aristi. I graduated from the

‘Faculty of Architecture at the Ricardo Palma
University’ in Lima, Peru in 1991 (in the honor roll)
achieving Bachelor degree in Architecture,
followed by my full licensure with a Professional
degree in Architecture in 1993. I have been a
registered member of the National Association of
Architects of Peru (CAP) since 1994.

I founded Salas-Aristi-Salas Arquitectos in Lima,

associated with Mariella Salas (my wife) and
Milagros Salas (sister in-law), both architects. With
our own practice, we won several Architectural
Design Competitions, some of which national. At the same time, we opened a business for service to
other architects called ‘Management Expertise (MANEXSA)’ through which we offered services from
design development, 3D renderings and animations, to full working drawings development, and
taught the use of AutoCAD and 3D Studio to architects.

Owing to this initiative, we were hired by one of the most prominent architectural consultant
companies in Peru, Arana-Orrego-Torres Arquitectos, to do design development and working
drawings and were involved in some of the largest projects that occurred in Lima during the 1990s.
Between 2000-2004 I also completed my Master in Architecture degree and taught at the Faculty of
Architecture at Ricardo Palma University.

I moved to Canada with my family in April 2005. A month later, I was hired by Jerilyn Wright and
Associates, an interior design company, where I started gaining Canadian working experience. In
2007, I was offered a position at NORR Architects Planners, where I still work at present.
At NORR, I had the luck to participate in some of the most important projects taking place in
Calgary. I am happy to be in a great work environment that perfectly suits my expectations as a
design architect and learn from the guidance and leadership of the more experienced.

In March 2011, I submitted my credentials to the CACB to participate in the Broadly Experienced
Foreign Architect (BEFA) Pilot Project as advised by my boss, Bruce McKenzie, VP of Operations at
NORR Calgary, who heard about the program during a conference at the Alberta Association of
Architects. After several exhaustive months of intensive work to provide demonstration of my
knowledge and experience in all the competencies in Architecture in Canada, I was awarded with
the BEFA Certificate that allowed me to register a member of the AAA in October 2012.

The self-assessment process was designed to allow the foreign-trained architect to demonstrate his
experience and main competencies related to the profession. I believe the topics which the self-
assessment templates are based on, helps to demonstrate it. The manner in which the applicant
explains his experience and the projects he worked on, he can actually realize if he is prepared
according to the established requirements. It took me about 2 months to complete the self-
assessment, working at nights and weekends only, because I did my office work during the day. I
submitted the final templates in the end of December 2011, basically on the day of the deadline that,
by luck, was postponed by a week once.

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I attended my BEFA Interview in January 2012. The interviewing panel consisted of three Architects,
They were very well prepared and informed about my work. The panel asked me to explain details of
the projects I presented for about 2 hours, all based on the narratives and competencies of the self-
assessment templates. It was more like an oral exam, than an interview.
The fact that the result is given right after the interview lessens the normal stress of the wait for the
candidate. I think all the interview process was very well planned.

I would advise foreign-trained architects the following:

 Bring along all the documents certifying your education, training, experience and registration
as an architect in your country of origin and/or any other jurisdiction where you have been
trained or registered. If they are not in English, translate the latter accordingly.
 Try to enter the Architectural market under the supervision of a registered architect as soon
as possible. Once you have gained the minimum required experience in Canada, and you’ve
been accepted as a BEFA candidate, work harder. It is not going to be an easy task to
complete the self-assessment templates/narratives. Focus on explaining and describing in
detail how the competencies compare to the work or experience you have.
 Once you have submitted the templates, keep working hard, the interview may be coming
soon and it is more like an oral exam. You need to be prepared to explain your competencies
and answer specific questions about your projects based on the latter.
Best of luck to all future BEFA candidates!

Fernando Aristi

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My name is Michael Koerner and I am from

Germany. I obtained my Bachelor and Master of
Architecture degrees from the Technical
University of Berlin.

I am a registered Architect with the German

Architects Association since 1994 and have
been practising architecture ever since. I worked
in various architectural firms between 1994 and
2000 before I started my own business
eventually. I founded Michael Koerner Architect
in 2000 and ran it until 2008 when I decided to
move to Canada. My family chose to settle in
Alberta and I began working for an architectural firm in Calgary soon after.
I learned about BEFA from the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) and registered for the
Program as a pilot project participant in 2012. The requirements of the self-assessment process
were very detailed as well as thorough and thus appropriate for experienced foreign architects.
It took me approximately 2 months to complete successfully the self-assessment process upon
which I was invited to attend a BEFA Interview Session in March 2013.
The Interview process was conducted on a highly professional level with a strong focus on the
Canadian practice of Architecture. I am currently awaiting my BEFA certificate in anticipation of
my registration with AAA.
I would advise newcomers to Canada who are interested in the BEFA Program that a thorough
preparation of the required documents for the self-assessment is essential for successful
completion of the process. Similarly important is a thorough and detailed completion of the
narrative part on competency templates.

At the interview stage, BEFA applicants should demonstrate a good level of language skills and
expect that the interview would accentuate the rules and regulations on the Canadian
architectural practice and their exposure to those.

Michael Koerner

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My name is Yonathan Melaku Ayalew and I am from Ethiopia. I have a BSs Degree in
Architecture and Urban Planning from Addis Ababa University. I had been practising
architecture for seven years before I arrived in Canada in 2006.

Once in Canada, I started working as an architectural technologist and gaining Canadian

working experience which allowed me to learn how construction, code requirements and other
standards are observed in Canada. I heard about BEFA in October 2011 through one of the
partners in the office where I am currently employed.

The self-assessment process enabled me to identify my strengths and weaknesses even

though in some instances I found it difficult to evaluate myself.

Following my first BEFA interview in April 2012, I was recommended to complete post-interview
remedial actions in order to meet all requirements to be eligible for licensure in Canada. I
followed the recommendations of the Assessment Panel and was able to present proof for
successful completion of the remedial actions by January 2013. I was interviewed a second time
in February and registered with the Nova Scotia Architectural Association in March 2013.

It is important to note during the interview process, I was given the chance to speak about every
detail regarding my working experience which the supporting documentation cannot reflect.

My advice to newcomers would be to start looking for a job as soon as possible as finding one is
the most difficult thing. It is important to start gaining Canadian working experience even if it is
in a position such as an architectural technologist or draftsperson to learn the aspects of
practising architecture in Canada. I would also advise that foreign-trained architects familiarize
themselves with the Canadian Handbook of Practice.

Yonathan Ayalew

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My name is Marcel Shimmori and I have a

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from
Mackenzie University and a Master’s degree in
Architecture from the University of Sao Paulo,
both in Brazil.
I had begun working in architecture in 1994
while still a student and I had become a
licensed architect in Brazil in 1997. I worked for
Nadir Mezerani Arquitetura in Sao Paulo for 7
years and subsequently had my own office for 6
years while simultaneously working as a
professor of Architectural Projects at the
University of Taubate, Brazil for 3 years.
I arrived in Montreal in 2007 and quickly began to work very hard to learn French. Later that
same year I was hired by Gagnier Villeneuve Architects. At this office for 6 years, I was
fortunate to engage in all 12 competency areas required by the Broadly Experienced Foreign
Architects (BEFA) program.
I found out about the BEFA program through a colleague who had heard about it from the Ordre
des architectes du Québec (OAQ). I read the information from the Canadian Architectural
Certification Board (CACB) website and knew that it would be possible for me to fulfill all the
mandatory requirements. In 2012 I concluded that I would register as a BEFA candidate.
For the self-assessment process I developed a schedule with goals and objectives, and
remained focused on them. It took approximately three months to successfully complete the
self-assessment process.
My BEFA interview was held in November 2013. Prior to the interview, I had reviewed the
projects presented in my self-assessment, and I had a good understanding of the National
Building Code of Canada and the Canadian Handbook of Practice. The interview was based on
the 12 competency areas of Canadian practice. The interviewers were very professional; they
knew about my career path and had studied my supporting documents. We spoke about the
strength of my knowledge and my communication skills, and how deeply I was involved in the
projects I had worked on.
Relief is what I felt when the interviewers finally announced that the interview went well and they
will recommend the CACB to grant me BEFA Certification which will allow me to achieve my
Registration/Licensure Process.
I have received from the CACB my BEFA Certification and I have started with it the registration
process with OAQ.
I hope that my experience may encourage future BEFA candidates to persevere to become
licensed architects themselves.
Every foreign architect must pave his or her own path. Based on my own observations and
experiences I would suggest the following for future BEFA candidates:

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1- Have a plan.
2- Improve your language skills, talk to people and create a network. Learn about Canadian
history, politics, music, etc. These things also help integrating with the Canadian people
and culture.
3- Past experiences counts; remain humble; listen, learn and gain.
4- Work hard. Try to find a job in an architectural office as soon as possible. Get involved
with the architectural community: architects, designers, contractors, clients, etc.
5- Be organised; keep your documents and files up to date.
6- Be patient. It may take two years or it may take ten; do not compare yourself to others. It
takes time to learn, to find your way, to find what you need and what you want.

Good luck!
Marcel Shimmori

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My name is Gaurav Sharma. I obtained my

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Guru
Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India in 2002. In
the same year, I registered as an architect with
the Council of India. I have worked in India, the
Middle East and Europe before coming to
Canada in 2007 to pursue a Master Degree in
Architecture at McGill University, Montreal. I am
currently working with the Government of
Alberta’s Ministry of Infrastructure as a Project
Manager, overlooking construction of a
Healthcare Facility in Northern Alberta.
While I was studying towards my Master Degree
in Montreal, I received an RAIC award for a project (Edible Campus) that I completed in
association with my supervisor at McGill University. Soon afterward I was offered a position in
Northern Canada as a project Architect. The Canadian Arctic seemed very interesting and
challenging; I decided to stay in Canada to practice in the field architecture. I became more and
more involved in a variety of projects such as airports, arenas and community centers.
I always desired to become a registered Architect in Canada, but the process was very intense
and involved completing an internship and writing several formal exams. Since I had already
gone through this process in India, I felt that repeating the same process was a waste of my
time, and for quite some time I did not pursue it.
In 2012, I heard about the BEFA Program from colleagues who were applying for the program;
realising that I might qualify for the BEFA Program, I applied and was approved.
The self-assessment process was very demanding and time consuming, as most of my work
experience had been abroad, and to gather documents took me a significant amount of time. I
completed all the requirements and was interviewed in November 2013. I have received from
CACB my BEFA certification in January 2014 and I have started with it the registration process
with the Alberta Association of Architects.
I am very appreciative of CACB’s staff for the BEFA Program, and their continuous support and
encouragement during the entire process. They were very efficient to provide information to the
panel members who assessed my file and interviewed me. The appointed panel members were
very well prepared and the 90 minutes interview touched on every aspect of architectural
practice – from conception to execution. The interview felt like a discussion with fellow
colleagues which made it easier and a no stress process.
I believe it is a great program for foreign trained architects, such as me, who are registered in
other countries and want to achieve their Registration/Licensure Process in Canada. I wish all
the success to future applicants under this program.
Gaurav Sharma

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My name is Suman Chakraborty and I

immigrated to Canada from India in 2007. I have
a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Sir J.J.
College of Architecture, Mumbai. Following my
graduation, I worked in Singapore, India, Bahrain
and Oman until 2007 when I decided to move to
Canada. I worked as an Intern Architect for four
years with Arup Data Architect Ltd. (ADAL) In
Calgary. Before my arrival in Calgary I worked
with various well established Architectural
Offices.
I became a Chartered Architect with RIBA in
2005 and had my license to practise in both,
Middle East and India.
In December 2011, the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) notified me of the opportunity to
join the pilot program for implementing the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects (BEFA)
program which I eagerly accepted. In January 2012 AAA informed me that I was successful in
registering my candidature to the BEFA program. That was a humble beginning of a great
experience.

The self-assessment process was detailed, demanding and time consuming. With all my
experiences and documentation submitted I was unable to proceed to the interview session in
the first attempt. But this did not dampen my spirits and energy and I agreed to pursue the
recommendation provided by the assessment panel. I did progress a step further from what was
expected with lots of support from my Mentor, my family, Colleagues and friends. I am currently
and was then working with AMEC Americas and received excellent support from my Managers.
I did a re-assessment of my Canadian work experience and re-submitted my portfolio to the
assessment panel.

In June 2013, I was invited for an Interview. I attended the BEFA Interview in November 2013
after a thorough preparation of the 12 areas of competencies including reading the Canadian
Handbook of Practice, Architects Act and the National Building Code of Canada. During the
interview, I was very much comforted by a panel of three Canadian Architects as they quizzed
me. They asked questions from all 12 competency areas. The 2 hour interview provided me the
unique opportunity to share my experiences and my future dream of establishing myself as a
registered Architect in Canada.

The BEFA Program is well-laid out and detailed and has legitimate testing competencies of
skills that are required to establish a foreign trained architect in Canada.

My advice to foreign architects would be to obtain relevant Canadian Architectural work

experience. This experience along with experiences abroad will be the basis of a strong
application for BEFA. Good understanding of one’s capabilities with respect to the standards of
architectural practise in Canada is the key for success in BEFA. This platform helps build-up the
confidence of gaining real work experience rather than writing an exam of theories and

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standards. After completing the BEFA program I am now confident that I can contribute to raise
the bar of the architectural industry in Canada and will provide any help that a new comer would
need to travel through the BEFA program to become a Canadian certified architect.

Suman Chakraborty

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My name is Jeff Shen and I come from China. I

graduated from Shenzhen University with a Master of
Architecture.

I have been a registered architect with The National

(China) Administration Board of Architect Registration
since 1997, with more than 15 years architectural
experience in China before I came to Canada in
2008.

Since 2011, I worked as an architectural technologist for almost 2 years in Atelier Pacific
Architectural Inc. located in Vancouver, British Columbia. In APA, I got great opportunities to be
involved in all phases for several projects, where I gained the valuable local experience and
built my confidence in this field.

In order to step further in this professional field, in later of 2012, I decided to get my education
assessed by CACB for Architect Internship program. In early of 2013 I was enrolled as an intern
architect by Architect Institute of British Columbia. During a workshop held by AIBC, I learned
about the BEFA program, and realized it would be a streamlined way for me to pursue licensure
in Canada. So I provided eligible documents and registered for BEFA in early of 2013.

The self-assessment is a very detailed process, while also a great opportunity for me to review
and refresh my knowledge in comparison with the competencies required for practice in Canada.
I started the self-assessment paper work in early October; it took me approximately 3 months to
complete the self-assessment templates as well as compile the most suitable supporting
documents.

I attended the BEFA interview in May 2014. The two hours process covered all 12 areas
included in the self-assessment templates. I received from CACB my BEFA certificate in the
following month and currently in progress for registration with AIBC.

I strongly encourage the eligible foreign-trained architects to take the BEFA program. To be
successful in this program, there are several tips I also would like to share with the newcomers:
 Have a goal for your professional career and never give up,
 Be well prepared both for language skills and knowledge of the profession in Canada,
 Carefully choose the supporting documents which should most effectively demonstrate
your competency in the specified area.
 Again, have the faith and never give up!

Jeff Shen

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My name is Pablo Rojas and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in

Architecture from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia.
Before I came to Canada, in early 2001, I worked in Colombia
as a Registered Architect for approximately five years in both,
private and public sectors.

In Canada my first job was a design-build partnership for

“turnkey” development. I then worked as Senior Designer, for
approximately four years, at a boutique firm called
ICONSTRUX. I gained an additional four years of experience
with two subsequent jobs after that.

I heard about the BEFA Program through the Architectural

Institute of British Columbia (AIBC). I decided to register for
BEFA in early 2013 and was approved.

The self-assessment process is a very complete evaluation of your experience framed in the
twelve competency areas of the Canadian Standards of Practice. It makes you review and
organize the relevant information you want to present in your portfolio. The breakdown of these
categories also gives you a good sense of where you are in relation to your experience.

I attended the BEFA Interview in May 2014. It was a very thorough interview that touched on all
twelve competency areas. The panel made me feel comfortable which is very important to be
able to answer properly. I have received from CACB my BEFA Certification in June 2014 and
my registration is being processed at the AIBC. I am expecting to hear from them by mid-July
2014.

My advice for newcomers would be to join a firm with a registered licensed architect and learn
about the Canadian architectural industry. There are resources such as the Canadian
Handbook of Practice (CHOP) that can help you in detail about the practice of architecture in
Canada. This information combined with the experience from a local office is a great platform to
apply for BEFA Certification.

Pablo Rojas

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My name is Luz Marina Henao Vargas and I have a

Bachelor of Architecture from the Universidad
Autómoma del Caribe in Colombia. I practiced
nineteen years in Colombia and spent the last ten
years working and learning the Canadian
architectural standards of practice and procedures
in Ontario.
Throughout my career in Colombia, I founded a
design studio and was appointed General Manager
at CAMACOL, a private non-profit association of
architects, engineers, manufacturers, and financial
mortgage institutions; received various awards such
as the Centennial Order from the Municipality of
Armenia.
I arrived in Canada in 2004. I had the opportunity to
work in various roles with the Waterloo Catholic
School board, KML Building Solutions and
Formworks Architects. I have been with J.L.Cortes
Architect Corporation since 2012.
I learned about the BEFA Program in September of 2012 through the Ontario Association of
Architects (OAA) website. After reviewing the BEFA Eligibility requirements and seeing that I
qualified for the program, I started towards obtaining my certification in Canada. Writing about
each of the twelve competencies in the self-assessment step, I thought at one point that this
process would never end but with perseverance and my children’s support I finished the self-
assessment process.
In March 2015 I was invited to my BEFA interview. I prepared by reviewing my documents and
the twelve competency areas along with the Canadian Standards of Practice. I read the OAA
By-laws and the Architects Act.
On May 23, 2015, I attended my interview and was granted BEFA Certification. With my BEFA
Certificate, I immediately started the registration process with the OAA; licensure was granted
on July 6, 2015.
My advice to BEFA candidates: work hard with dedication and devotion. Relevant Canadian
Architectural work experience along with your experience abroad is the key for success in
BEFA.

Luz Marina Henao Vargas, B.arch, OAA

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My name is Pablo Gaston Cadiz and I come from

Argentina. I have obtained my Degree in Architecture
from the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires,
Argentina.
I have ten years’ experience as a registered
architect, and as associate partner and project
manager at Lopez Delgado – Sanchez Architectural
Studio in Argentina; leading several projects from
schematic design through production phase and
administration, as well as site supervision and
different type of contracts.
I immigrated to Canada in 2003 and began to work
with DCYSM Architecture and Design located in
Montréal actually known as NEUF Architects.
I first learned about BEFA in 2012 from my
colleagues when it was launched as a pilot project and looked further deep into the steps of the
BEFA Program during 2013 when I decided to register and undertake the certification process.
I find it a very detailed and well-designed process that includes knowledge in the architectural
field through a clear view of all twelve competencies in architecture in Canada.
It took me approximately two years to successfully complete the self-assessment process upon
which I was invited to attend a BEFA Interview Session in May 2015.
The Interview was conducted on a very professional level, effective and respectful.
I have received from the CACB my BEFA Certification and I have registered with l’Ordre des
architectes du Québec (OAQ). At the moment I’m waiting for the results of the french language
proficiency test that is required to perform in order to be a member of the OAQ.
I would advise to newcomers to Canada to start your immersion in the profession as soon as
possible; any job related to the architectural field would be helpful towards your goal of being a
certified architect in Canada.
As per my personal experience, one of the most important barriers to overcome was to set in
motion the process and gather all documentation required needed in order to start the validation
process.

Pablo Gaston Cadiz

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My name is Mohammad Hossein and I have a

Master’s of Science in Architectural
Engineering from the Jordan University of
Science and Technology.

Before I came to Canada, in August 2003, I

worked in Iraq and Jordan as a Registered
Architect for approximately twelve years.

In Canada, I started as an Architectural

Assistant in Windsor, Ontario and after one
year, moved on to senior architect/intern
position in Toronto; invested time to
understand the Ontario Building Code, local
by-laws and building technologies helped me
to excel in my career.

I heard about the BEFA Program through the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). I decided
to register for BEFA in March 2014 and was approved.

It is important to read and understand the BEFA guidelines related to the various
steps/processes. The self-assessment step is a thorough and detailed process requiring
patience and focused attention. Applicants must ensure to give concrete examples of their
personal architectural experience, referencing the supporting documents in order to ensure an
effective submission.

The interview was exciting, efficiently coordinated and professionally conducted. The panel
members were welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Candidates should be well prepared
for the interview by understanding the twelve competency areas and reading the Canadian
Handbook of Practice (CHOP). I attended my BEFA interview on May 28, 2016 and was granted
BEFA Certification; licensure was granted by the OAA on July 5, 2016.

My advice to newcomers to Canada: immediately invest time to find an architectural related job
– with a registered architect – to gain the required experience in all twelve competencies;
specifically in local codes, design and construction processes.

Mohammad Hossein

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My name is Gerardo Peschard and I have a

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the
Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico, D.F.
I worked as a registered architect in Mexico for
over twelve years, involved in several mixed-use,
residential, commercial/office, retail and hotel
projects.

In April 2012, I moved to Canada and later that

year I started working in a local architectural firm
as a project coordinator.

I heard about the BEFA program as an option

towards registration in Canada at the AIBC in late
2012 and submitted my application for the program
in November 2013, being approved by the CACB a
few days later.

The self-assessment phase of the program is a very demanding process in which you must
demonstrate your knowledge and personal experience in all 12 areas of competency through
detailed narratives and supporting documentation. It took me several months to complete all the
required templates and related information (including translating various documents).

My BEFA interview was held in May 2016. It was extensive and conducted in a very
professional manner by a panel of 3 respectful architects who thoroughly assessed my
knowledge and experience to ensure that I meet the Canadian practice of Architecture.
After obtaining my BEFA Certificate, I started the process towards registration as an architect at
the AIBC and was approved in July 2016.

Some advice for foreign experienced architects who may be interested in obtaining their
registration in Canada would be:
- Apply for a job in a Canadian Architectural Firm;
- Approach their corresponding local Architectural Association to learn about the options and
process towards licensure, as well as bylaws and regulations;
- Get familiarized with the CHOP and their local Building Code;
- Research and learn the Building Envelope requirements for building assemblies in the
locations where the projects they are involved in are located;
- Along with your Canadian experience, knowledge of codes, bylaws and regulations, your
foreign experience in Architecture is very important and does matter in this process.

Good luck to all the foreign architects in obtaining their registration in their corresponding
Canadian jurisdiction!

Gerardo Peschard

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Mon nom est Julio Cardenas, je viens du Pérou,

pays de la saisissante architecture Inca. J’ai un
baccalauréat en Architecture obtenu à l’Université
privée de Chiclayo. J’ai eu le plaisir de travailler
comme architecte, à mon pays d’origine, pendant
14 ans.

Je suis arrivé au Canada en mars 2010. J’ai étudié

le français et j’ai aussi fait une formation technique
en architecture. J’ai commencé mon premier
emploi en juin 2012, comme technicien en
architecture chez Les architectes FABG. J’ai eu la
chance de pouvoir rester dans la même firme
d’architectes jusqu’à avoir fini le processus AÉVE.

J’ai entendu parler du programme AÉVE dans une présentation à l’Université de Montréal,
l’année 2011. Je me suis inscrit au programme AÉVE le 3 mars 2013. Je pense que le
processus d’auto-évaluation est une méthodologie efficace pour faire le transfert de
connaissances du système de nos différents pays d’origine au système canadien d’exercice de
la pratique de l’architecture. À niveau personnel cela m’a pris plusieurs mois, dans lesquels il y
a eu plusieurs périodes d’arrêt, prévues et imprévues, dû à plusieurs causes, entre autres, le
travail et les affaires personnels.

Mon entrevue AÉVE a eu lieu le 4 février 2017. L’entrevue s’est très bien déroulée, grâce au
bon accueil et à la disposition du jury, car ils ont créé une atmosphère professionnelle et
agréable. Ils avaient vraiment pris connaissance de mon dossier et ont démontré une attitude
très positive pendant toute l’entrevue. Depuis le 3 mai 2017, je suis inscrit à l’Ordre des
Architectes du Québec.

Quelques conseils, pour les candidats à compléter le processus de certification AÉVE :

- Marathon, je pense que c’est bon de visualiser le processus de certification en architecture
comme un "marathon" pour lequel nous avons besoin de beaucoup d’énergie, de persévérance
et de résistance pour atteindre notre objectif.
- 12 compétences, une des premières choses que je ferais, c’est de prendre connaissance des
12 compétences requis pour pratiquer l’architecture au Canada.
- Pratique, une autre chose que je pense c’est important, c’est de parler avec son employeur
de ses plans de certification et lui solliciter la possibilité de pratiquer les compétences
demandés pour la certification dans lesquels on a besoin d’expérience.

Beaucoup de persévérance et ne pas se laisser décourager par les obstacles. Bonne chance à
tous les candidats au programme AÉVE!

Julio Cardenas

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