President’s Message – February 1, 2013

As you are aware, this year’s AIBC Council has been focused on resolving the issues surrounding associate categories of registrant. Most recently, your council sought an external legal opinion with respect to the institute’s authority to regulate associates. Council has now received that opinion, which outlines a range of options, factors and ramifications that merit careful, thorough examination. While the details of this legal opinion must remain privileged and confidential, council has accepted it for the purpose of informing council’s review of the future of AIBC associates, with the expectation that council will develop a policy direction on the “associates’ question” and make decisions appropriate to such policy direction.

At its meeting last week, council established a task force to properly assess the information, options and advice brought forth in this legal opinion, and bring back to council some recommendations as to how best to proceed (detailed terms of reference including task force membership will be available online once finalized – visit http://www.aibc.ca/aibc/council/index.html). Consideration will be given to council’s own deliberations over recent months, as well as the valuable feedback and commentary provided by members through council’s recent engagement survey.

Since the election last May, this council has acknowledged as its most pressing challenge, the lingering issue of the appropriate regulation of associate categories. It also committed to bringing about a resolution to the associates’ question. While our work has consumed more of our time and energy than anticipated, this external legal opinion reinforces just how complex this issue, and its resolution, truly are.

I am encouraged that we are close to resolving this matter, and hopeful that council’s decisions and directions can be shared with you prior to this year’s annual meeting. It is a troublesome but important issue that has preoccupied the institute for far too long.

Meanwhile, your council members are about to undertake a forward-looking strategic planning process. In the public interest, it is important that we begin to turn our attention to other matters that are impacting architects and architecture in this province, and articulate the leadership role that the AIBC can and should play in shaping the long-term future of both the institute and the profession.

As always, should you have additional questions, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

David Yustin Architect AIBC
AIBC Council President
davidyustin@gmail.com

A Better Path to Practicing

Creating a robust knowledge loop and halving the time needed for licensure
By Renee Cheng, DesignIntelligence

February 1, 2013

Last June, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) released data on a wide variety of topics across several decades related to internship, examination and licensure for architects. “NCARB by the Numbers” revealed that the mean time from graduation to completion of the Intern Development Program (IDP) is 6.4 years with an additional two years to complete the exam and achieve licensure. In real numbers that means the total amount of time from high school to licensure for architects in America is 14.5 years. More … https://www.di.net/articles/a-better-path-to-practicing/.

Sustainable Region Initiative

Sustainable Community Breakfast: Creating Spaces For Arts And Culture

The Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues and Sustainability Community Breakfasts are outreach components of Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI). They involve a series of high-profile debates and discussions intended to help decision makers shape the future of the region by presenting a range of views and stimulating fresh thought on regional issues such as housing, industry, labour and immigration, drugs and crime, regional economy, transportation, energy and agriculture. Please check the web site often to find out about future dialogues in your community.

Sustainable Community Breakfast: Creating Spaces For Arts And Culture

Arts and culture are often considered the fourth pillar of a sustainable community. This Valentine’s Day breakfast will explore the importance of creating and retaining cultural spaces in the region. How can we ensure these spaces are given due consideration as cities develop and property prices escalate? Hear three expert panelists speak about the intrinsic, economic and core value of arts and cultural spaces, including how they are supported by local municipalities, and how they can play an integral role in complete communities. Featured speakers include: Jacqueline Gijssen, Senior Cultural Planner – City of Vancouver; Howard Jang, Executive Director – Arts Club Theatre Company; and Greg Magirescu, Manager – Arts & Cultural Development, City of New Westminster. It takes place Thursday, February 14, 2013, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. at the British Columbia Institute of Technology – Downtown Vancouver Campus, 555 Seymour Street. Register online at http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=184. Live streaming will also be available; go to http://www.metrovancouver.org/region/breakfasts/Pages/default.aspx.

What’s Next For Post Building?

By Sam Cooper, The Province
January 27, 2013

Heritage advocates are sounding the alarm after Canada Post’s monumental modernist building in downtown Vancouver was sold to a B.C. pension fund manager with plans for a “mixed-use” redevelopment. The Heritage Vancouver Society says the 1958 building which takes up a city block at Georgia and Hamilton streets – with “impressive exterior columns of polished grey granite” – has been earning “increasing respect as a modernist downtown landmark.” More … http://www.theprovince.com/business/What+next+Post+building/7878573/story.html.

2013 Canadian Green Building Awards

The Canada Green Building Council has teamed with Sustainable Architecture & Building Magazine to bring the Canadian Green Building Awards to a wider audience. The CaGBC is pleased to be involved in a national awards program for the Canadian green building industry with the purpose of advancing knowledge and recognizing excellence in the industry for sustainable design, architectural merit, and innovation.

Submissions are now open for the 2013 program. Consideration will be given to new and existing sustainably-designed buildings, including housing, and interiors of all types. The deadline for submissions is March 6, 2013. In addition, the program organizers are also accepting sponsorship opportunities. For more information on the 2013 Canadian Green Building Awards and how to submit, visit the awards website at http://www.sabmagazine.com/sab-awards.html. For information on becoming a sponsor, contact SABMag Publisher Don Griffith at dgriffith@sabmagazine.com.

City of Vancouver Building Code Changes

Effective January 1, 2013, a number of changes come into effect regarding applications, payments and the granting of building grades for the City of Vancouver. Building grade applicants should now be aware of the following:

• There are now two fee rates:
  • Where city staff are required to complete a survey; and
  • Where the applicants provide approved building grade their own survey information.
  • Prior to any work being undertaken, applicants are now required to pay all building grade fees in full.
  • Fees can be paid at Engineering Services, 5^th Floor, 507 West Broadway, 8:30 a.m.  -5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Note: building grades are still required prior to application of a development permit. For the new 2013 rates, visit www.vancouver.ca/files/cov/csg-fees-2013.pdf. For further information or questions, contact Engineering Services at (604) 873-7316.

The Biggest Housing Bubble in The World Is in … Canada?

By Matthew O’Brien, The Atlantic
January 25, 2013

Canada has a new worthwhile initiative. After years of booming prices, that bastion of politeness north of the border is looking to avoid a catastrophic housing bust for something more, well, boring. Initiatives don’t get more worthwhile, and perhaps not more difficult considering Canada just might have the biggest housing bubble in the world right now. Not exactly boring, eh? More … http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/01/the-biggest-housing-bubble-in-the-world-is-in-canada/272499/.

Fake RAIC LinkedIn Account

Architecture Canada | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada has been successful in shutting down a fake LinkedIn group on the popular business-focused social networking site. As reported by the Journal of Commerce, the fake U.S.-based site was using the RAIC seal. According to the RAIC, many of its members had joined the group unaware that it was not connected to the organization. The RAIC is encouraging its members to join the official RAIC LinkedIn group through the Architecture Canada web site (http://www.raic.org/index_e.htm).

Taking The Architectural Registration Exam (ARE)

By , Life of an Architect
January 21, 2013

In order to call yourself an architect (or even state that you provide architectural services) you have to pass the architectural registration exam – the ARE. It is a grueling 7-part test that if you sat through them end to end, it would take you 33 and a half hours. 33 AND A HALF HOURS !?!?! More … http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/taking-the-architectural-registration-exam/.

The 10 Things You Must Know About Architectural Copyrights (U.S.A.)

By Nexson Pruet and Jeff Reichard, Lexology
January 29 2013

Some people say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, under architectural copyright law, imitation could be a very costly endeavor. Here are ten tips to help contractors, owners and architects protect themselves from architectural copyright disputes. More … http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=c3e7b0fd-6a12-4deb-bd12-ee18acd34ac2.

Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada

Tech Expo Vancouver

Architects, designers, specifiers and contractors are invited to the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada’s 9th Annual Tech Expo, taking place Friday, April 12, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Topics include:

• Innovations in Grout Technology;
• Ventilated Facades;
• Ceramic Tile: An Eco-logical Choice;
• Moisture Management in Tiled Showers;
• Deciphering Design and Trends in 2013;
• Rain-screen Principle Wall System for Porcelain Tile and Stone Veneer; and
• Panel Discussion – 2012/2014 Tile Specification Guide 09300 Made Simple.

To register for this free one-day event, go to http://www.ttmac.com/upcoming-events.html. Coffee and lunch will be provided.

Maximum 4.25 Core LUs

 

Terrazzo Tile & Marble Association of Canada – Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile

This seven-hour introductory course covers the history of ceramic tile, its applications and uses, its various types, how it is made, specification, installation and maintenance. This is a web-based (online) course with continuous intake. You can register at http://www.ttmac.com/training-courses.html.

7 Core LUs