During this time, he developed a deep appreciation for nature and became convinced that human beings could not live without an awareness of their surroundings. His work and ideas developed into a new form of architecture called "ecodelic."
In 1942, Erickson moved to Toronto to study the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and came back to Winnipeg in 1945 with plans to establish himself as a full-time architect. During the war years, he had met Helen Louise Wilson, who became his wife in 1946.
Together they established the firm of Arthur E. Erickson & Associates in 1949. Arthur built his own home on a twelve acre property near Stonewall, Manitoba, with a view of the old trading post which is now a museum.
In 1953, he graduated from the Canadian National Institute of Architecture with a Master's Degree in architecture and began work on what would later become known as the Erickson Home for Living Wellness and Education at Stonewall.
In 1959, Erickson established himself as one of Canada's foremost architects by designing the Canada Centre for Inclusive Education at Mount Royal College in Calgary. The building was recognized internationally as an example of ecodelic architecture
He was also involved with the design of the University of Manitoba's Fine Arts Building (1963), University College at Western University (1969), and York University
(1988). In 1969 he published his first book, "The Human Equation: A New Design for Life." This book described what he believed were the seven basic needs that humans have as they move from birth through death: safety, security, acceptance, love/belongingness, esteem/esteem, recognition/appreciation and education/enlightenment
In 1972 he wrote "The Success Equation: Winning Through People," exploring how people could be used effectively to create success.
The book documented his attempts to develop an effective system for leadership development through people which enabled individuals to remain true to their true selves while reaching their true potential. He expanded this concept into his next book "People Unlimited" (1977) which presented the principles that would allow people to be more