The AIBC is the self-regulatory body of the profession of architecture. Effective communication is key in ensuring the Institute upholds its public-interest mandate, and that registrants understand and comply with professional standards and regulatory requirements. To this end, the Institute shares a wide range of content, from regulatory information to Institute happenings and industry news on a regular and consistent basis, across a variety of platforms.
This Regulatory Review will provide an overview of the communication methods utilized at the AIBC, as well as an update on the results of the 2019 AIBC Communication Survey that was distributed late last year.
AIBC Communication Methods
From the AIBC website to the monthly newsletter, here is an overview of each of the AIBC’s communication methods. These are the primary places you will find updates on the Institute, regulation, and the architectural profession:
AIBC Website (News Items, AIBC Calendar)
The AIBC posts regularly on its organizational website, aibc.ca. Here, you can find information on Registration, Programs & Services, Professional Development, Protecting the Public, News & Events, and Resources.
Refer to the Registrant Resources pages (one customized for each registrant category) for key information and forms needed to maintain registration.
The website also features an Events Calendar, which houses a variety of professional development opportunities, including both AIBC and external events, such as Recognized Educational Provider (REP) courses. This is a helpful resource for finding professional development offerings.
Notices
On an as-needed basis, the AIBC will distribute regulatory information to registrants via dedicated emails, called Notices. Content can include anything from Professional Development opportunities to reminders about the Annual Renewal of Registration.
In addition, there are several subject-specific Notices. For example, Discipline Notices (previously GreenSheets) cover findings of unprofessional conduct. Illegal Practice Notices focuses on illegal practice resolutions. Intern Architect Notices are specifically relevant to intern architects, and contain information on Oral Reviews, ExAC, Internship in Architecture Program, and other applicable content.
All Notices contain mandatory information, and cannot be unsubscribed.
Monthly Newsletter – Connected
Connected is the official e-newsletter of the AIBC. Published on the first Thursday of every month, it provides information on Institute happenings, regulatory updates, volunteer opportunities, events, programs and courses, as well as industry news.
Previous editions are archived on aibc.ca.
Social Media
The AIBC is active on several social media platforms; we share Institute news, regulatory reminders, event photos, and topics relevant to the architectural profession.
Join the conversation and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Flickr.
2019 AIBC Communications Survey Results
In late 2019, the AIBC sent out a Communications Survey to registrants. The purpose of the survey was to gauge registrant opinion on AIBC communication methods, particularly in regard to content, frequency and layout, as well as identify strengths and areas for improvement. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey – we received over 200 responses representing all four registrant categories.
Highlights:
- 97% read all, or some, of the newsletter
- 95% find the newsletter useful
- 90% click at least one link
- 70% think the amount of content included in the newsletter just right
- 85% prefer the monthly distribution format
Respondent Commentary:
- “Communications from AIBC to its members is vitally important to the proper functioning of the institute.”
- “Seems to cover everything well.”
Institute & Regulatory Updates
“I would like to see more updates from committees and task forces. I also would like to see summaries of conduct issues and illegal practice measures.”
The AIBC is committed to keeping registrants up to date on key Institute initiatives. Over the past year, there have been updates on the Tariff of Fees for Architectural Services project, as well as the Bylaw Review as the committee works through the 2019-2020 Bylaw Work Plan. With many significant program and initiative milestones coming up over the next year, stay tuned for regular updates.
While the AIBC has always published matters of professional conduct and illegal practice to the website, as well as through Notices, the AIBC has recently added two new and separate sections to Connected: “Professional Conduct Matters” and “Illegal Practice Matters”. In addition, both sections are pinned respectively to the homepage of the website. These improvements are in alignment with the Institute’s public-interest mandate.
Practice Resources
“Of use to me would be more practice related information”
“Practice links, information”
“More practice-related resources and links to helpful practice-related content, tips, document templates, etc.”
Out of those who responded, many registrants indicated they would like to see more practice-related information included in the newsletter.
Last year, the AIBC introduced a new section to Connected, called Resource Roundup. In this section, a variety of resources relevant to registrants are included such as links to frequently-used AIBC Bulletins, and Practice Guidelines, as well as volunteer opportunities. Depending on current Institute happenings, relevant links to Annual Renewal, Firm Information Updates, etc. may also be included. After receiving feedback from the survey, the Resource Roundup section will look to include additional links to practice related documents.
Advocacy Stories, Building Features, Hot Topic/Opinion-Editorials
“Opinion pieces”
“Featured architectural stories”
“Achievements in the architectural world”
“No more needed. Less is more. As AIBC is a regulatory body and not an outreach or advocacy organization the content should reflect a more limited scope...”
Several responses also mentioned the inclusion of more stories that cover opinion or advocacy pieces.
The content of the AIBC newsletter, and all other communication methods, is primarily focused on the happenings of the Institute, regulatory news, and industry updates that directly impact the profession. This is to ensure that all information shared is directly in alignment with our mandate: to regulate the profession of architecture in B.C. in the interest of the public. Opinion editorials, and similar content, fall outside of the AIBC’s purview.
The Institute recognizes that these types of articles and stories are topical and of-interest for registrants. One of the questions asked in the survey was “Where do you go to find information about the profession, the industry and the built environment?”. Here are the top places your peers visit to access these types of articles:
- ArchDaily
- Archinect
- Architect Magazine
- Architectural Record
- Canadian Architect
- Dezeen
- RAIC
- Urban YVR
Thank you again to everyone who responded to the AIBC Communications Survey. The Institute looks forward to refining communications over the next year and beyond. In the meantime, please continue to review all of the resources and websites available to you.
Supporting Documentation
- AIBC Website
- Previous versions of Connected
- AIBC Social Media Channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, FlickR
AIBC Contact
For more information, please visit aibc.ca or email communications@aibc.ca if you have any questions.
Issues of AIBC Regulatory Review will be published on a regular basis, announced via Connected and archived on the AIBC website.