West Vancouver Aquatic Centre - Hughes Condon Marler: Architects

How It All Began: A Brief History of the AIBC

by Donald Luxton (Adapted from an article in the Journal of the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (Volume 23, Number 1, 1998).

For more information see Building the West: The Early Architects of British Columbia, compiled and edited by Donald Luxton (Talonbooks, Vancouver, British Columbia, 2003).

In the early 20th Century, two competing architectural societies emerged and fought to be recognized as the official voice of the architectural profession: the British Columbia Society of Architects (BCSA) and a splinter group, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC). The two groups differed in that the BCSA was inclusive of virtually anyone who wanted to join, whereas the splinter group wanted to serve the public’s best interest by regulating the profession and reserving it for those who were properly trained and qualified.

In 1913, R. MacKay Fripp led the breakaway group, which formed a parallel society that reflected the British and American models for professional organizations. Despite the obvious dominance of the BCSA, this breakaway group established itself in Vancouver as the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. Application for incorporation was made in April 1914. Once incorporation was obtained in June of that year, the search began for other suitable members. On June 25, 1914, the first AGM was held, and an official application was made for affiliation with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

It took four years, with competing applications for RAIC membership requiring resolution, before either group could gain admission. Of the competing factions, only the AIBC survived the First World War; its application to the RAIC was accepted on October 5, 1918. On February 13, 1920, a private member’s bill was introduced, “Bill 51”, concerning the regulation of architects in BC. It was subject to a great deal of public comment and scrutiny; the bill was part of a wider debate - with popular sentiment favouring “hard-working, self-made” men rather than “elitist academics”. Women were not considered.

On March 30, 1920, Schedule A was added to Bill 51. This schedule set out, among other changes and conditions, a fee for architects of six percent on works over $4,500. Bill 51 was sent on to the legislature and was passed with some amendments, on April 7, 1920. After 30 years of debate and controversy, the profession of architecture was regulated in BC.

On May 20, 1920, the first AIBC council was chosen. Their first meeting was on June 10, and individuals engaged in architecture were notified to apply for registration. At their second meeting on July 14, an official seal was chosen, designed by Robert C. Kerr. The first Annual Meeting following incorporation was held on December 4, 1920. Council then began the task of approving applications to the Institute; to this day, the Institute continues to uphold its tradition of excellence.