The Architectural Institute of British Columbia and the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia (AFBC) are pleased to announce that the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
This MOA signifies a renewed and reinvigorated working relationship between the Institute and Foundation. While both entities relate to the architectural profession, they have mutually distinct mandates. The AIBC regulates the profession of architecture in British Columbia in the interest of the public. By contrast, the AFBC makes architecture and design more accessible by promoting awareness and excellence through a variety of programs and annual events. Both organizations are committed to working together to support their respective mandates throughout the province.
“We are delighted that the relationship between the Foundation and the Institute has been revitalized. The AFBC is in an excellent position to deliver advocacy-focused initiatives which increase the understanding and appreciation of the profession. This is particularly important given the limitations posed by the Institute’s self-regulatory mandate in the area of advocacy,” says Mark Vernon, CEO of the AIBC. “They have our full support, and we look forward to working together in the years to come.”
The AFBC is now directed by a 10-person board which manages the Foundation. The executive team will lead the AFBC through various programs in order to connect B.C. communities with matters related to design. This includes educating the general public on the profession of architecture, and supporting the design community through the provision of grants and scholastic awards. In addition, the AFBC coordinates events and fundraising activities in support of their initiatives.
Front row (left to right): Sehr Bokhari, Veronica Gillies Architect AIBC, Jim Toy R.I.D.
Back row (left to right): Karl Gustavson Architect AIBC, Jeff McLellan, Brando Ciccone, Scott Kemp Architect AIBC, Christopher Pollard R.I.D.
Absent: Kim Barnsley Architect AIBC, Grace Battiston, Darryl Condon Architect AIBC
“The AFBC board is pleased with the progress we have made over the past 12 months, especially in regard to the revitalized relationship with the AIBC,” shares Jim Toy, Board Chair of the AFBC. “As believers in the power of design to solve problems and improve lives, the AFBC will fulfil a mandate to raise awareness about the value of design in the built environment through programming and advocacy.”
The new AFBC board consists of:
- Kim Barnsley Architect AIBC
Senior Manager, Design & Development Keltic Canada Development Ltd.
(AFBC board term starts in June) - Grace Battiston
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Architectural Institute of British Columbia - Sehr Bokhari MSc Arch
Department of Interior Design
LaSalle College, Vancouver - Brando Ciccone
Marketing Manager
Stilewood International Door & Window - Darryl Condon Architect AIBC Managing Principal
HCMA Architecture + Design - Veronica Gillies Architect AIBC Managing Principal, Western Canada
HDR Architecture Associates, Inc. - Karl Gustavson Architect AIBC
Principal, Karl Gustavson Architect Inc. - Scott M. Kemp Architect AIBC
Principal, Scott M. Kemp Architect - Jeff McLellan
Architects & Engineers, Practice Leader (Western Region)
BFL Canada Insurance Services Inc. - Christopher Pollard R.I.D.
Principal and Managing Partner
RATIO Architecture Interior Design Planning - Jim Toy R.I.D. (AFBC Board Chair)
Principal
False Creek Design Group Ltd.
The two entities will be supporting one another on several initiatives, including the Architectural Awards Program–call for submissions opening soon. With the renewed relationship between the AIBC and the Architecture Foundation of B.C., it has been recognized that the promotional and advocacy opportunities of the awards are better aligned with the mandate of the AFBC; therefore, the awards program is being transferred in order to fully realize its potential. Interested parties are invited to email info@architecturefoundationbc.ca to be kept apprised of these and upcoming events led by the Foundation.