Norfolk County > Business > Building in Norfolk County > Finding a Qualified Designer/Firm

Finding a Qualified Designer/Firm

The Building Code Act requires that a range of individuals and firms responsible for design activities regulated under the Act be qualified in their appropriate area of design 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 in general, visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website at www.mah.gov.on.ca.

For certain projects, such as most industrial/commercial/institutional construction, a qualified or registered designer is not sufficient 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 are required to be original on at least one set of drawings. Refer to the Norfolk County permit application requirements for additional information.

There are several resources available to find a qualified designer or registered firm, including local online classified listings and internet searches. 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

Note: 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).
In addition to the internet search, the following Associations and Organizations have listings or contact information for local designers:

Note: 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.

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