Building Act Information Now Online

The Building Act is now available on the Building Act website at www.gov.bc.ca/buildingact.

The website includes a link to the final text of the Building Act as well as the first two sections of the Building Act Guide. The guide provides plain-language information about the Building Act and will be prepared in sections as corresponding parts of the Act come into force.

In addition, the new Building Codes and Standards website is available at www.gov.bc.ca/buildingcodes. The Building and Safety Standards Branch will complete the transition from the former website to the new website over the coming months.

AIBC Celebrates Honourees at 2015 Induction & Retirement Ceremony

More than 180 newly-registered architects and architectural technologists as well as retired architects were recognized at the annual AIBC Induction & Retirement Ceremony held on June 10, 2015. Many honourees joined the AIBC along with their family and friends to celebrate their achievements.

Since last year’s ceremony, 153 new architects were approved for registration, a 16% increase from last year. Having successfully completed a rigorous program, they are now able to practice as architects for the first time in B.C.

Several paths to licensure are available in order to become an Architect AIBC. The largest group (76) registered through the Intern Architect Program – a substantial rise over the past few years. Six newly registered architects did so through the alternative qualifications process available under Section 37 of the Architects Act. Finally, 71 of the new architects obtained registration through mutual recognition agreements with other Canadian provinces or American states: 61 from Canadian jurisdictions; nine from the U.S.; and one through the recently introduced Tri-National Agreement between Canada, United States and Mexico.

Also recognized were the nine newly-registered Architectural Technologists AIBC who demonstrated they met the required standards. The 26 architects who retired this year were feted for their years of service to the profession and encouraged to maintain a continued and fulfilling connection with the AIBC.

This year’s ceremony included the bestowal of honorary membership in the AIBC upon Mr. Bogue Babicki, P.Eng by AIBC president Mr. Darryl Condon, Architect AIBC. Mr. Babicki’s nomination was ratified by the membership at the AIBC annual meeting on May 2, 2015. This recognition, sparingly conferred, recognizes individuals who have made especially noteworthy contributions to the profession of architecture in British Columbia.

Appreciation goes out to all who made the evening a success. Congratulations to the honourees.

Download a copy of the 2015 Induction & Retirement Ceremony program.

Visit AIBC’s Flickr account to view full size photos from the 2015 AIBC Induction & Retirement Ceremony.

AIBC Awards Presented to BCIT Graduates

Congratulations to the five BCIT graduates who received AIBC awards totaling $3,000 at the school’s graduating awards ceremony on June 18, 2015.

The AIBC is one of BCIT’s oldest awards donors, and its commitment to supporting top students has been in place since the AIBC awards were first established in 1966.

This year’s awards were presented by AIBC CEO Mark Vernon to the following students:

• Andrew Martins – AIBC Achievement Award ($500) – top student from Building Science or Architecture going into the degree program;
• Francis Garcia – AIBC Achievement Award in Architectural Science ($750) – “Most Improved” student in the degree program;
• Casey Conway – AIBC Award in Architecture ($500) – “Most Improved” student in the diploma program;
• Noah Covington-Jarvis – AIBC Award in Architectural Science ($750 and medallion) – top student in the degree program; and
• Emily Huser – AIBC Award in Architecture ($500 and medallion) – top student in the diploma program.