Architects today are involved in widely diverse areas of business. There are specialists and generalists in private practice. As well, architects are employed by a variety of corporations, institutions and small businesses applying their skills in research, innovation, design and creative problem solving.

So-called ‘traditional practice’, focusing on the design and construction of buildings, is still a popular career choice for many architects. Planning a new building, renovating or restoring an old one, solving a particular functional or space planning problem, are all within the scope of an architect's expertise.

A typical range of ‘traditional services’ for a project can include:

• helping the client understand and articulate needs and aspirations
• developing the formal set of requirements for the project – the program
• helping the client establish a realistic and achievable budget and schedule for the project
• providing the client with a list of required site information such as survey and soils information – and assisting the client in obtaining that information when requested
• obtaining and coordinating structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services
• preparing a comprehensive analysis of the requirements of authorities having jurisdiction, including zoning, site plan control, Ontario Building and Fire Codes
• College degree from an accredited school of architecture, requiring five or more years of professional studies
• preparing concept or schematic design, often several alternatives
• reviewing those concepts with the client, and assisting the client in deciding on the most appropriate design
• reconfirming the schedule and the budget
• developing the selected design in more detail and reviewing with the client, including any changes to the schedule or budget
• preparing the detailed construction documents – plans and specifications – which will be used to apply for building permit, determine the construction cost, and build the project
• help the client decide the most appropriate method of building – stipulated sum construction contract, construction management, design/build or other method
• assist the client in obtaining bids, and executing the appropriate construction contract(s)
• administering the contract, and certifying payments to the constructor(s) when they are due
• carrying out general review during construction – reviewing random samples of the construction as it proceeds to assure that the project is being built in general conformity with the plans and specifications
• identifying deficiencies in the work and facilitating their correction
• helping the client ‘take over’ the completed project, and showing the client how to use the building and its equipment
• assisting the client in getting warranty repairs if problems arise