The Institute of Bermuda Architects (IBA) has been in existence since the
early 1970’s.
It was formed to act as a central viewpoint representing specifically the
interests of Registered Architects in Bermuda and the architectural profession
in general. Whilst full membership is restricted to the Registered Architect,
Associate membership has been available for many years to others within
the architecture and design world. Our membership includes interior designers,
building technicians and draughtspersons. Currently our membership is approximately
150.
By far our biggest task is to uphold and strengthen the recognition of
the status of the qualified, Registered Architect. Several times a year
we receive complaints from the Public regarding the service they have received
from their chosen practitioners. Sometimes the complaint concerns one of
our members and the matter is dealt with. However, more often than not,
the complaint concerns an unregistered practitioner and furthermore the
consumer is not aware of the very significant differences between qualified
and non-qualified practitioners. The title Architect is protected uner
Bermuda Law and anyone calling or referring to themselves as an Architect
in Bermuda must be registered to do so.
Registration is granted only on
the basis of proper training and most Registered Architects are also qualified
and registered in jurisdictions outside Bermuda. In addition, Registered
Architects are required to carry Professional Indemnity Insurance, which
protects the Public from damages resulting from negligence on the part
of the Architect. Property development represents considerable investment,
especially in Bermuda, and it is apparent that consumers are currently
not aware of the risks they expose themselves to in the hiring of non-qualified,
uninsured practitioners. The claim by some unqualified practitioners that
their services are less expensive does not in most cases adequately redress
the reduced value of the product in terms of quality of service and design.
In addition, lack of qualifications more often than not means that important
aspects of a building project such as life safety and egress, as well as
many other Code-related issues, are not adequately addressed. While these
may not be significant issues for small renovation projects, they are increasingly
important when the size and value of the project is significant. This state
of affairs is misleading to the Public and the IBA is seeking to redress
this.
The Institute of Bermuda Architects, together with the government-appointed
Architects Registration Council, is negotiating with Government for the
passing of a new, better-defined Registration Act. The new Act will strengthen
the profession of architecture and offer the Public considerably more protection.
The new Act involves revocable licenses to practice and the creation of
tough measures for a revised code of practice. The Registered Architect
is, then, qualified, professionally accredited, works within a code of
practice and is insured and accountable. The new Act is intended to reduce
the number of complaints made to the Institute where the IBA is helpless
to assist or respond.
In the last few years the Institute has taken on more and more representative
duties for the architectural profession. We have organized and administer
collective health insurance schemes for our members. Additionally, similar
programmes exist to cover collective rates for professional indemnity insurance
and a pension plan.
Continued professional development is also an important part of a Registered
Architect’s obligations to the profession as well as the Public.
The Institute’s CPD Committee organizes and sometimes sponsors educational
seminars for the membership.
The IBA’s Education Committee addresses questions regarding the quality
of further education. This Committee also selects the recipients for the
educational grants issued annually. Every year, the IBA adjudicates the
disposal of over $20,000 in grant aid.
The pages of this directory contain the names and contact information of
practicing, Registered Architects in Bermuda. It is published for the convenience
and protection of the Public.
All in all we are a busy organization, very active in many aspects of the
profession. We do have a lighter side when a very popular BBQ to raise
educational funds is held every summer and, of course, the now famous Sandcastle
Competition held at Horseshoe Bay Beach each year. All good fun.
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