Master of Architecture

Our MArch program is shaped by our situation in Vancouver, and the strength of our faculty. Community engagement and collaborative leadership are core elements of our program, and are applied throughout students' time at SALA. Our low student-faculty ratio means we know our students by name, and we're proud of our small studios, intimate seminars, and personalized learning opportunities. 

We take full advantage of Vancouver's position as a locus for innovative sustainable design. In addition to our internationally-renowned faculty, we routinely bring in local practitioners to lead studios and courses, as well as offer insight into the contemporary profession. Study topics often require our students to deeply engage with the diverse communities in our city, as well as those further afield. 

Our architecture and landscape architecture programs are closely connected, and share many core courses and electives, including design build and study abroad opportunities. Architecture students are also able to register for a landscape architecture studio. This cross-pollination of ideas fosters a holistic design culture within the school; one increasingly reflected in the profession. 

Outside the classroom, students have a number of opportunities to develop their leadership skills. We offer well over 100 course support positions every year, from teaching assistantships to researching in faculty-led labs. Frequent professional development workshops cover networking, interviews, and portfolio development. ARCHUS, the architecture student group, is very active in the life of the school with a mission of encouraging connections between students, faculty, and industry through hosting social, wellness, and academic events.

Our Master of Architecture program prepares you to enter the world of practicing architects. Your degree is certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board, which is recognized in Canada, the US, and several other countries under the Canberra Accord. Each province has its own regulatory body for the architectural profession. In British Columbia, you must complete the Intern Architect Program to become eligible to register as a licenced architect with the AIBC.

How you practice architecture is up to you. Today’s firms range from small, one- or two-person teams to large multinational groups. The public and private sectors alike need architects to lead building projects with their creativity and technical knowledge. The Government of Canada predicts fair to strong growth across the country for the profession, with low levels of unemployment.

While the majority of our graduates have gone on to careers directly in architecture, that path is by no means the only one. Over the course of your studies here, you’ll gain invaluable skills in:

• design and visualization
• a variety of digital media tools
• communication and presentations
• project management and organization

There are a number of positions that benefit from an education in architecture. Some of our alumni have pursued:

• community engagement
• environmental consulting
• sustainable building consulting
• construction
• public art
• graphic design
• planning
• temporary infrastructure planning for sporting events
• research management

You can also pursue further education through a post-professional degree program. Our Master of Urban Design and Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture programs are geared towards those who already have degrees in architecture and want to continue exploring the academic side of the field.