At the July 11, 2017 council meeting, the following items were discussed:
Council Motions
- Based on member feedback, council’s previous support in principle, and recommendations from the Bylaw Review Committee, council approved proposed PLI bylaws be advanced to members for electronic vote. Council was reminded that the rules authorized by the proposed bylaws have their own process for drafting, council review and notification to/feedback from members, and would follow after the bylaw voting period, should the vote be successful.
- Council approved May 7, 2018 as the date of the next Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held on the first day of the Annual Conference, May 7–9, 2018. Mark your calendars.
- Council approved the consideration of the Member Motion from the Floor (MMTF), put forward at this year’s Annual Conference. Of note, a staff-led review of the full suite of documentation related to the Tariff of Fees is currently underway and in alignment with the Member Motion. Read Council’s response to the MMFF.
- In an effort to reduce barriers to registration per Council Policy 1.35 and maintain rigorous and consistent standards, a motion was passed allowing candidates who transfer from the Broadly Experienced Applicant (BEA) program to the Intern Architect program (IAP) to carry over a certain number of local work experience hours, as reviewed by the Registration Board.
President Report
- The President participated in the CALA Meeting (in Ottawa) focused on the Future of Architecture initiative; presented an award to a deserving graduate at the UBC Graduation Awards ceremony; and, delivered welcome and congratulatory remarks at the AIBC Induction and Retirement Ceremony.
FICOM
- The AIBC continues to be in a comfortable cash position.
- Of note, the “long standing recognition” waivers amounted to $5.8K; financial waivers consisted of $6.7K for family leave and $13K for financial reasons.
CEO Report
External Items
- From May to June, the CEO participated in a number of meetings coinciding with the RAIC Festival (in Ottawa):
- May 25 CALA Administrators – 1/At the request of the Ontario and Quebec associations, a presentation on AIBC’s Risk Register was given and was very well received. The auditors of both organizations have insisted that risk registers be implemented over the next year. 2/ The RAIC attended to discuss the CHOP (Canadian Handbook of Practice), and it was agreed to quickly develop an MoA.
- May 25 CACB Standing Committee – it was announced that the government funding had been confirmed for a review of the BEFA program.
- May 26 International Relations Committee (IRC) – work continued on the (European) ACE agreement. The draft agreement was finalized, and will soon be distributed to all jurisdictions for approval.
- May 26 RAIC/CCUSA/CALA – the RAIC organized a meeting between the schools and the regulators; the RAIC survey results were shared, and a discussion on the concept of “registration upon graduation” ensued.
- May 27 CALA Regulators – at this formal meeting of the regulators there were two items of particular interest: 1/ the revised CALA Terms of Cooperation were signed by all presidents, enabling the hiring of a part-time CALA support person, based out of the AIBC office, 2/ it was agreed that the administrators would draft and approve a simplified MoA to revise the CHOP.
Subsequently, management of the federal government grant aimed at reviewing the BEFA program (administered by CALA) and the revisions to the Syllabus Program (run by RAIC) were confirmed. Of note, at a meeting with the federal government where details of the BEFA grant were discussed, the achievements of the profession regarding registration of foreign architects was praised.
- In addition, the CEO attended the celebratory AIBC Induction and Retirement Ceremony, with close to 200 attendees; met with ED Judith Moseley, Vancouver Heritage Foundation to discuss areas of cooperation.
Internal Operations
Canadian Handbook of Practice (CHOP)
- Following the Regulators’ meeting a draft MoA was circulated for review, and all of the AIBC’s suggestions and changes were accepted. The MoA is now approved and work on populating the various committees will now begin. The 2017 cost to the AIBC to contribute to this project will be approximately $30,000 (less than the $40,000 estimated during last year’s budget discussions), which will draw down our unallocated reserve. In addition, the AIBC has volunteered to prepare the licensing agreement that will apply once the handbook is complete.
Registration and Licensing
- Architects AIBC continue to increase. Membership now stands at 2,027 Architects AIBC and firm numbers stable at 928, as of June 30, 2017.
- Three sets of oral reviews were completed in June for 30 candidates, including two BEA candidates. Oral reviewer recruitment has yielded a good response with four observers participating during the June round.
- There has been a renewed uptake in the BEA program since lifting the moratorium last fall, with eight new applicants since September 2016. Seven of the applicants applied under sec 37(a) of the Architects Act, having more than 15 years of architectural work experience employed in the office of a member or members of the institute.
Continuing Education System (CES)
- Based on past reporting period cycles, the majority of non-compliant members tend to be out-of-province or those newly registered. The AIBC is proactively reaching out to these audiences to ensure they understand their CES obligations, and meet the deadlines.
- In addition, a CES Reminder Campaign (“8,760 Hours To Become Compliant”) launched in AIBC’s monthly newsletter, Connected, in addition to new and updated CES Frequently Asked Questions posted on the AIBC website.
- In an ongoing effort to support CES participants meet their CES obligations, the AIBC is introducing a monthly PD Speaker Series starting in the fall:
- September – Introduction to the BC Step Code (Presenter – Andrew Pape-Salmon P.Eng, Executive Director, BSSB)
- October – Use of a Digital Seal (Presenter – Notarius)
- November – Changes to the 2015 National Building Code and implications to the upcoming 2017 BC Building Code (Presenter – Gordon Richards Architect AIBC)
- The AIBC and Passive House Canada have partnered on a three-day condensed Passive House Design and Construction course (Aug 23–25) geared specifically towards architects with professional training in building envelope design. It is approved for 21 Core LUs. Space is available. Register today!
Annual Conference Wrap-Up
- This year’s “Interpreting Integration” conference united more than 500 Architects AIBC, associates, staff and stakeholders. Feedback received so far points to some of the highest individual session scores compared to previous years.
- One of this year’s goals was to increase intern architect participation. This was achieved by offering a customized registration package where 75+ interns signed up and by hosting Connect 360, a structured intern/architect networking event.
- Conference feedback:
–“Connect 360 provided a platform and opportunity to “bridge the gap” between architects and intern architects by encouraging an exchange of information and ideas in an environment filled with individuals who inspire innovation.” –Intern Architect AIBC
–“Charming and illuminating presentation punctuated by universal architectural issues. The presenters used a great deal of humour, wit and passion. Truly well done!”– Comment about the ‘Passive House and Beyond: What Does Passive House do to Architecture?‘ plenary session, presented by Sebastian Moreno-Vacca Registered Architect in Belgium and Julie Willem Registered Architect in Belgium
–“Loved to hear the stories from the older generation – particularly about iconic buildings.” –“Comment about the ‘An Icon Transformed: From West Coast Transmission Building to QUBE’ session, presented by members of the original design teams from both periods: Sandra Korpan Architect AIBC LEED AP; Jean-Pierre Mahé Architect AIBC AAA MRAIC LEED AP BD+C; William Rhone Retired Architect AIBC
–Thank you to the staff and personnel who coordinate and execute this event. It’s not an easy task. From my point of view, it was seamless. Thank you also to the speakers who commit time, energy and expense to put together a discussion topic then present it. It’s a privilege to see their work displayed within the context of the topic.” – Comment regarding the conference.
- Social media engagement (likes, comments, shares) amongst delegates, speakers and sponsors more than doubled compared to last year (2.6% vs. 0.9%).
- Planning for the 2018 AIBC Annual Conference is underway.
Outreach
AIBC Architectural Awards
- A total of 7 awards were given in four categories in a celebration on the final evening of the Annual Conference. Achieved 10 media placements, from outlets such as Canadian Architect to Vancouver is Awesome.
Walking Tour Program
- Two guides have been hired for Vancouver, both graduate students from UBC; one guide for Victoria with extensive tourism experience. Tours are offered July and August in Vancouver (Thursday to Monday) and Victoria (Saturday and Sunday), with a promotional campaign including social media underway.
Doors Open Vancouver
- AIBC offered assistance connecting with architects and was featured as a supporter on the Doors Open website.
AIBC Gallery
- Bing Thom Architects will be presenting an exhibit ‘Building Beyond Buildings’ throughout July and August.
- UBC SALA’s Comprehensive Studio projects will be on display in late August through September.
Other Business
- Motions were also passed for AIBC council meeting minutes, committee changes, examination results and register amendments.
- Read adopted May 8, 2017 council meeting minutes.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of AIBC Council is scheduled for September 12, 2017. It will be held at the AIBC office between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For those interested in attending an AIBC Council Meeting, please confirm your attendance in advance by email to ttough@aibc.ca.