Oral Reviews: June 19-20, 2012
(Updated May 22, 2012)

The AIBC will be hosting its next set of oral reviews on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 19 and 20, 2012. The oral review is an interview-based examination open to those intern architects who have:

• completed and logged at least 2800 hours; and
• completed the required AIBC courses.

Click here to view complete details and download the application form. Applications, along with an employer’s letter and fee payment, must be received by Wednesday, June 6. Eligibility will be confirmed by the Registration & Licensing Department. In addition, the AIBC will be hosting a free Oral Review Preparation Workshop on Wednesday, June 6, 6:00 p.m. at the AIBC offices. All IAs and alternative qualifications candidates are welcome to attend. For any questions or to r.s.v.p. for the Oral Review Preparation Workshop, contact Administration Assistant Emily Tyler at etyler@aibc.ca.

Another Successful Annual Conference

The 2012 AIBC Annual Conference wrapped up on spectacular fashion on Friday evening with the annual President’s Dinner & Awards Gala, featuring the announcement of this year’s AIBC Architectural Awards recipients. Over the course of the two-and-a-half day conference, attendees enjoyed an inspirational keynote presentation from noted Chicago architect Jeanne Gang, a wide range of informative information sessions, and valuable opportunities to network and reconnect with colleagues and friends. Thanks goes out to the delegates, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors and other supporters who made this year’s conference such a success.

Position Papers –
Associates Resolution Working Group

At its strategic planning session in June of 2011, AIBC Council formed the Associates Resolution Working Group. The members of the group are: Gord Richards MAIBC, Paula Grossman MAIBC, Robert Chester MAIBC, Eszter Csutkai MAIBC, Michael Currie AT, Dave Boswell BD and Scott Kemp MAIBC. In 2008, AIBC Council introduced new associate categories in the institute. Some members of the institute support the initiative, others do not. The mandate of the Associate Resolution Working Group is... (more)

Building Regulatory System Submission to Government

Recently, the provincial Office of Housing and Construction Standards, part of the B.C. Ministry of Energy’s Building and Safety Standards Branch, requested the AIBC’s feedback on a series of government white papers concerning the province’s building regulatory system (see March 13 eNews). These white papers covered modernization of the... (more)

Member Advisory: Energy Performance of Buildings

Complying with the various energy performance requirements for buildings can be a challenge. A building may be required to meet a third-party certifying program’s requirements (such as LEED™) as a condition of the development process or as a client’s requirement.

The BC Building Code  and the Vancouver Building By-law  both reference the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers  (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1, Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, yet each requires compliance with different versions, and the referenced versions are likely to change when new editions of these codes are issued later this year. In addition, the BC Energy Efficiency Act, through its BC Energy Efficiency Standards Regulation (BCEESR), contains minimum performance levels for windows, doors and skylights (as well as a wide variety of other products) regardless of which building code is applicable.

To further complicate matters, buildings that comply with ASHRAE 90.1 are exempt from... (continue reading)

The AIBC and ExAC

Negotiations continue with regard to the AIBC signing on as a participant in the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC). The institute believes that ExAC participation is worth pursuing as it would provide another valuable option for intern architects in this province. However, recognizing any benefits this may afford the AIBC’s IAs, it is a complex decision involving numerous factors such as the long-term viability of the program; its effect on U.S.A. inter-recognition; transition; accessibility; administration, support programs, and cost for both participants and the AIBC. Consideration must also be given to future participation in the  NCARB/AREs, in which many IAs are already invested, as well as the professional advantages which flow from reciprocal licensing with the U.S.A. While the AIBC is confident any concerns can be addressed, it requires diligence and careful consideration before an agreement is reached. It remains the AIBC’s hope and expectation that ExAC will be offered in the Fall of 2013. Meanwhile, the institute will keep you updated to the extent possible, bearing in mind that the status and details of negotiations are necessarily confidential until an agreement has been reached. Your understanding is appreciated, and your thoughts are welcomed.

Executive Director Michael Ernest  Architect MAIBC (mernest@aibc.ca)

Changes to the Internship in Architecture Program

Effective January 1, 2012, several changes were made to the national Internship in Architecture Program (IAP). These changes include:

• Reduction of the total length of the work experience requirement from 5600 hours (three years) to 3720 hours (two years);
• Elimination of the Discretionary Experience requirement; and
• Effective January 1, 2013, all experience hours must be gained as an intern architect. Credit will not be granted for experience gained while a student at a school of architecture. Note: this change does not affect individuals in the Syllabus Program.

The major intent of these changes is to move towards a shorter, more focused program that reflects current and relevant experience gained by intern architects while working under the supervision and mentorship of architects.

Internship in Architecture Program Manual

Detailed information about the changes to the program can be found in the revised Internship in Architecture Program Manual.

AIBC Appendix B:  British Columbia Requirements

An updated version of AIBC Appendix B detailing B.C.-specific information, requirements and transition period details is also available online.

Reciprocal Licensing Agreements with U.S.A.

The overall reduction in hours will have an effect on the reciprocal licensing agreements that have historically been in place between the United States and Canada. In response to the concerns expressed by many intern architects, the AIBC will continue to offer and administer the 5600-hour version of the IAP to accommodate those intern architects who would like to preserve their reciprocity options. Details of how and when selection between the 3720-hour and 5600-hour programs can be are explained more fully in AIBC Appendix B.

More Questions?

For additional information or questions, see the FAQ document on the AIBC’s IAP web page or contact Registration & Licensing Administrative Assistant Emily Tyler by e-mail (etyler@aibc.ca) or phone (604-683-8588, x. 324).

AIBC GreenSheet - February 22, 2012

The AIBC publishes the GreenSheet on disciplinary and illegal practice matters, with links to professional conduct and illegal practice documents, including summaries of decisions from disciplinary committees that were formerly mailed in hard copy.  The GreenSheet will be published and distributed to AIBC members, associates and honorary members as disciplinary decisions, illegal practice undertakings and other related matters of interest and importance to the profession arise... (More...)