The following is an announcement from the AIBC’s Chief Executive Officer & Registrar, Mark Vernon.
After more than a decade of service at the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, I will be retiring from my position as CEO & Registrar in early 2026.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve experienced significant change and steady growth at the AIBC. The team has accomplished an exceptional amount since the beginning of 2015, all of which has strengthened our work as a regulator and advanced our public interest mandate in meaningful ways. Some highlights that come to mind include:
- Introducing and implementing a modernized governance structure
- Transitioning provincial legislation, with the retirement of the Architects Act and introduction of the Professional Governance Act
- Leading the execution of three five-year strategic plans, which have served as the AIBC’s roadmap and guided long-term priorities, as well as creating and continually updating an organizational risk register
- Establishing international Mutual Recognition Agreements, including with Australia, New Zealand, and most recently, the UK. The EU agreement will be in effect shortly, with more in the works
- Expanded the AIBC’s online presence, through launching the Course Portal and Registrant Portal, as well as conducting the Oral Exams both virtually and in-person
- Providing leadership and guidance at the national level, including leading the formalization and incorporation of the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC)
- Strengthening our regulatory mandate by transferring all advocacy initiatives to the Architecture Foundation of BC, who have been able to fully realize the programs
… to name a few.
It has been wonderful to work alongside such a committed team at the AIBC, and such a dedicated group of individuals who have served on successive Boards/Councils. I am confident the Institute is well positioned for continued success in the years to come. The Board will soon begin the recruitment process for the Institute’s new Chief Executive Officer & Registrar and, when the selection is finalized, a formal announcement will be published on the AIBC website and shared with Registrants and the public. As for timing, it is anticipated that the AIBC will be welcoming a new CEO in early 2026. I will be supporting the transition throughout the entire process.
If you have any questions about the leadership transition, please email oceo@aibc.ca.
Thank you for your support over the last decade.
Sincerely,
Mark Vernon CPA, CA, CPA (IL)
AIBC Chief Executive Officer & Registrar