Virtual Building Tour – Infinitus Plaza by Zaha Hadid Architects

Photo credit: Liang Xue

The 2023 series of the AIA UK Chapter’s “Building Tours” continued on 31 July as we welcomed back Zaha Hadid Architects’ (ZHA) designer, Satoshi Ohashi, who had also presented Leeza SOHO to the AIA UK back in April 2021.  This time he took us on an insightful virtual tour of Infinitus Plaza in Guangzhou, China. 

Infinitus is arranged around central atria and courtyards, echoing the symbol for infinity “∞”.  The design creates a variety of shared indoor and outdoor spaces that builds a strong sense of community  or ‘Si Li Ji Ren’, which means “considering collective benefits before acting”, and also defines Infinitus’ corporate culture.  Infinitus Plaza, situated within Guangzhou’s subtropical monsoon climate, has been designed and constructed to LEED Gold certification and to the equivalent 3-Stars of China’s Green Building Program.

In his remarks, Satoshi discussed ZHA’s long standing relationship with Chinese building developers, which has significantly expanded over the past decade. Given its success on various projects in China, ZHA has developed a deep professional relationship with a variety of developers and private clients that, in Satoshi’s opinion, has been the fundamental ingredient in being able to build iconic architecture. 

Satoshi highlighted the site’s fundamental physical constraint - a site bisected by an underground subway rail line. The building was divided into two unequal masses to accommodate the position of the rail line below. The two buildings are physically connected by two bridges which provide connectivity and usable space for fitness and events. Their presence provides a sculptural form in the physical shape of a mobius strip. Each building is highlighted by an atrium providing biophilic, private and public spaces including a civic space with connectivity to Guangzhou’s transport network.

The deliberate positioning of the building mass, or plates, straddling the “underground,” coupled with the bridges facilitating connectivity provides a unique relationship and a three-dimension composition. It’s sculptural “second skin” allows a significant amount of natural light to permeate through the external spaces and into the office spaces. The second skin also assists in solar shading of the buildings, as well as contributing to its unique geometry and relationship between the buildings. The double-insulated, low-e glazing, internal skin is cost effective and contributes to a comfortable indoor temperature year round.  

Photo credit: Ach20

Satoshi was deliberate in his detailed insights with respect to the development of the project’s sustainable design elements. He emphasised Infinitus’ double-insulated, stick built, glass-curtain wall system that provided an inexpensive way to thermally enclose the building. These features enabled the more complicated geometry of the second skin to not only present a dynamic elevation but assist in creating an efficient environmental solar control system, where necessary. Annual solar irradiation analysis determined the width of the outdoor terraces to self-shade the building. The atrium also has a built-in system for regulating and filtering in-coming air. The advanced 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) management system monitors environmental controls and drives energy efficiencies. 

The project’s system of rainwater collection, filtration, and reuse also supplies micro-irrigation to the surrounding landscaping. The gardens on the roof of the 3rd, 7th, and 8th floors grow herbs and plants native to the region and are naturally irrigated. These outdoor communal areas are linked together with the rooftop jogging track and walking paths. All these unique amenities contribute to building of a sense of community - “considering collective benefits before acting.”    As a result of the combination of innovative and proven technologies to reduce energy consumption and emissions, Infinitus has earned a variety of sustainable credentials.

As in a majority of ZHA’s buildings with the such complex geometries, Zaha Hadid Architects exhibits its position at the forefront of 3D BIM applications - not only in design, but also in construction management and building operations. During the tour, Sartoshi showed the participants how the use of technology enabled ZHA to optimise the complex façade geometries of the external solar control cladding, resulting in the efficient construction of the building on time and within budget.  

ZHA, in a similar fashion to Leeza SOHO, took a building site that may have been otherwise compromised due to the need to incorporate an operating subway tunnel and manipulated building geometry to its advantage.  The result is a testament to the firm’s inventive design approach and powerful use of technology. 

The AIA UK Chapter continues to host its virtual building tour series for the 2023 season based on the Winners of AIA UK 2022 Excellence in Design Awards. This series offers architects and interested parties the opportunity to visit notable buildings that have particular design interests in the UK and abroad. Follow this link for further information to participate in the next tour of Le Dome Winery by Foster + Partners on 07 September 2023. 

Written by Gregory Fonseca, AIA

Virtual Building Tour – Alder Centre

Photo credit: Infinite 3D

The AIA UK Chapter’s Building Tours Series resumed in 2023 on 11 May with a virtual visit to the award-winning Alder Centre, part of the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital campus in Liverpool.  The Alder Centre was the winner of the 2022 AIA Design Excellence Award for a small project.  This virtual tour was an inspirational one based not only on the operational purpose of the building but also the lead architect’s deep personal connection to the project.

Paul Monaghan, Executive Director at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the RIBA Stirling Prize winning architecture practice, led an engaging discussion of the project. The Alder Centre is a place of healing for bereaved parents and/or anyone affected by the death of a child. As a dedicated place for people to meet, talk, and access specialist counselling services, it is the home of a national child bereavement helpline and counselling services for hospital staff and possibly the only one of its kind in England. The tour provided a poignant moment for participants when we discovered that Paul had grown up on Alder Street. That he would later develop a building, celebrated as much for its design as for its purpose, which would have such a profound impact on the people it serves within his home community, was heartwarming.

In his tour remarks, Paul revealed that for AHMM’s submission they produced a short video which highlighted the key design elements of their proposal and set the video to the soundtrack of ‘You’ll Be In My Heart’ by Phil Collins. Furthermore, the Alder Centre design competition’s theme was based around 'The Secret Garden', as inspired by the Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel. Themes around loss and childhood run deep through both the novel and the song lyrics. Paul believed making the emotional connection between the Centre’s purpose through their design choices and their musical selections made all the difference in AHMM’s appointment and may have been the winning factor in securing the commission.

The design concept offers a series of intimate spaces that relate to individual counselling rooms, which have been specifically designed to maintain privacy for users, with access to “secret gardens.” Two larger garden spaces are linked with the more public, communal parts of the building. The simple plan provides views and access from all occupied spaces to private gardens, providing a contemplative environment for counselling to assist in the bereavement process.

Photo credit: AHMM

Although the buildings are based on simple forms, they are beautifully crafted and proportioned. A simple plan of a series of varying-sized spaces yields volumes of varying dimensions to accommodate diverse functions from a public kitchen and living quarters to private or family counselling. Each volume is capped by a pyramidal-pitched roof. Using the same angle results in height and volume variations due to the size of the footprint being covered. The pyramidal tops were further angled cut and positioned to capture natural light and assist with natural ventilation, helping create variations in the overall form.

Designed primarily with brick, glass and clay tiles, the combined simplicity of the materials and volumetric forms results in a stunning composition.  A similar attitude was adopted in the interiors.  Exposed brick, glass, and the internal expression of the pyramidal roofs, drenched by natural light from the angled skylights, defines each room.  The collective design of volume space and visuals, as well as the physical connections from each space to the series of “secret gardens,” creates a calming environment where individuals and families can manage their emotions.

The AIA UK Chapter will continue to host a combination of live and virtual buildings tours throughout the year, offering architects the opportunity to visit notable buildings that have particular design interests in the UK and abroad.

Written by Gregory Fonseca, AIA

AIA International Spring Conference 2023: Detail & Storytelling

Over three days from March 9th - 11th 2023 we held the 3rd annual AIA International Spring Conference, with 22 talks presented live from around the globe on the theme Detail & Storytelling. We were delighted to get a record 1205 registrations from 75+ countries! In our open call for proposals, members were asked to describe a project through the evolution of key Details, or to look at Storytelling as part of the design process. 

The AIA UK Chapter was strongly represented, hosting 3 events across the 3 days. First was a panel on Not Dead Yet: Historic Buildings and the Climate Crisis with Katharine Storr, AIA, Adam Watkins, Sam Harvey, and Morwenna Slade. On the second day, AIA UK’s Etain Fitzpatrick, AIA presented The Northcliffe Story, on the history and refurbishment of the former headquarters of the Daily Mail newspaper, a Grade II-listed building in the City of London. David Martin, AIA and Aaron Taylor shared Science in the Age of the Invisible, about the new facility for the Institute of Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh.

These sessions along with the rest of the conference program are available to view via the AIA International website HERE.

To learn more about the 2023 Spring Conference, read the full recap HERE.

An Evening with Kimberly Dowdell: Strengthening Ties & Sharing Perspectives

Attendees with Kimberly. Photo by Gregory Fonseca, AIA.

This article recounts the highlights of the recent dinner hosted by the AIA UK at 67 Pall Mall on Friday, July 14th, 2023. The event brought together the executive committee of AIA UK, including President Gregory Fonseca, Vice President Taylor Rogers, Treasurer Alex Miller, and Secretary Adelina Koleva. Also attending were Lorraine King and Lester Korzilius from AIA UK.

The guest of honour for the evening was Kimberly Dowdell AIA, who holds the titles of 2023 First VP/2024 President-elect at AIA National. Kimberly had recently returned from the UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen with the AIA National delegation when she kindly made time to meet with AIA UK representatives during her stay in London.

The dinner served as an opportunity to discuss various matters concerning the architecture profession and strengthen the connection between AIA UK and AIA National. President Gregory Fonseca had arranged the meeting with Kimberly after she expressed interest in meeting with the AIA UK executive committee during her time in London.

One of the topics discussed was Vice President Taylor Rogers' research into adding AIA UK to the HMRC list, which is currently under investigation. Such a move could potentially offer UK tax relief benefits for firms and members with AIA UK Membership dues. Kimberly Dowdell expressed support for this idea, seeing it as a sensible request.

In addition to administrative matters, the group engaged in conversations about the state of the architectural profession in general. They discussed concerns about the perceived undervaluation and underpayment of architects, a sentiment shared by many across borders. Kimberly Dowdell offered valuable insights on how this issue could be addressed through policymaking at the Washington, D.C. level. She was keen to hear the thoughts of others at the table and shared her recent transatlantic discussion with Muyiwa Oki, the 2023-205 RIBA President, on architectural leadership.

Amidst these discussions, Kimberly asked everyone at the table to share stories of how they began their architectural journeys, and how they came to be in London. Her own journey was particularly interesting, starting in Detroit with a fascination for a downtown department store that unfortunately no longer stands. Despite this setback, she pursued a career in architecture, becoming Principal at HOK and holding significant leadership positions within NOMA and AIA.

The evening was not just about business; it was also a time for enjoyment. Attendees had the pleasure of sampling delicious food-wine pairings, thanks to President Gregory Fonseca's extensive knowledge. The atmosphere was warm and convivial as attendees engaged in casual conversations about life in London, the MRA agreement, and other architectural interests.

Kimberly Dowdell's presence left the group with the impression of being an intelligent listener and gifted conversationalist. The AIA UK extends their appreciation to Kimberly for taking the time to meet with representatives and exchange insights.

The AIA UK is committed to fostering meaningful connections with leaders like Kimberly Dowdell to strengthen ties with AIA National and address international challenges facing the architectural profession. Thank you to all those who attended the dinner and contributed to its success through active participation!

Written by Adelina Koleva, AIA

NCARB & ARB JOINT Q&A SESSION AT RIBA LONDON

Photos by Adelina Koleva

On Friday 17 February 2023, the UK Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the US National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) held a joint Q&A session at the RIBA headquarters to discuss the landmark UK-US architect Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). The session delved into the details of the MRA, focusing on the following question as a prompt: what will this new MRA really mean for US and UK architects?

Introduction & Opening Statements

The session began with a welcome by RIBA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick, whose organisation represents 50,000 British architects including many expatriates. According to the RIBA, the UK architecture industry generated £524 million in 2022, the majority of which were services exported to countries outside of the EU. “The most significant non-tariff barrier to trade is a lack of mutual recognition of professional qualifications,” said Vaughan-Dick. “Fifty-nine percent of [RIBA] members believe this is a top priority if we're going to boost trade in architecture.” The MRA will also welcome talented foreign architects interested in working in the UK. “We know international architects bring a wealth of design skills and market knowledge that helps to make the UK a leader for creativity and innovation,” said the RIBA CEO.

Following these initial statements, AIA National President Emily Grandstaff-Rice took the floor. The AIA President represents 96,000 American architects both in the US and abroad. Grandstaff-Rice had flown from Washington, D.C. to attend the previous day’s signing, which opened the 60-day window for the Agreement to take effect on April 25th. According to Grandstaff-Rice, the MRA addresses one of the AIA’s post important strategic goals: helping the public “recognise the value of [architectural] work in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.”

“The problems that we face don't necessarily respect the borders that we have put down,” said Grandstaff-Rice. “So a Mutual Recognition Agreement… helps both the UK and the US to share knowledge to come together to solve the world's most pressing issues.” She also took time to acknowledge the AIA UK members in the room. “The beauty of the AIA is that we’re not just a national organisation,” she continued. “We’re a collective of components [that] are really the lifeblood of this organisation.” 

“This has been a very historic time,” added NCARB President, Bayliss Ward, “because this is one of the first MRA's that we have done under a whole new process.” He spoke about how difficult it was to get the MRA approved on both legislative fronts and thanked everyone for their effort. “It's been a very, very big ball to push up the hill,” he said. “We finally have crested, and we're on the downhill side of it!”

In both the UK and the US, routes to qualification still occupy a narrow bandwidth. In recent years, however, there have been small but important shifts on both sides. “Rather than looking at a very narrow definition of qualifications, it's looking about how we can assure the public that people on the register are competent,” said ARB Chief Executive, Hugh Simpson. NCARB Chief Executive, Mike Armstrong echoed Simpson’s comments. “Historically, NCARB had been very conservative if it didn’t look exactly like how we do licensure in the United States,” he said, and described this attitude as “outdated.” According to Armstrong, the new MRA is “a public statement to the global community that NCARB has changed its perspective.”

ARB and NCARB have found common ground on identifying the most important issue regarding architectural qualification: protecting the well-being of the public. The mechanism by which the MRA seems to operate is through the idea of a competency model inherent to both the ARB and NCARB pathways. The integrity of the MRA hinges on identifying broader competency criteria that demonstrate equivalency on both sides of the agreement.

Though the MRA took 5 years to formally develop, it has been the result of discussions over 20 or so years – discussions which often included vocal AIA UK members. “[The relationships] over the last couple of years - and from a basis point, probably a lot longer – have been very much about understanding trust, understanding the process on different sides of the Atlantic,” said Simpson. “There's a lot more that we want to do, and will be able to do, in the future.”

The MRA: Everything You Need to Know

The US-UK Mutual Recognition document was developed by four key people: Emma Matthews and Rob Wilson from ARB, and Harry Falconer and Patricia Ramallo from NCARB. The AIA UK developed ties with the MRA team when collaborating on events in 2022. All four team members participated in sharing information about the MRA last year at a highly anticipated webinar and follow-up live event hosted by AIA UK sponsor, Roca London Gallery.

For a US Architect to register in the UK, the following will be required:

• An active Architect’s Licence in good standing in a US jurisdiction. (An NCARB jurisdiction refers to the licensing board of an individual state or territory).

• An active NCARB Certificate in good standing with NCARB.
  The NCARB Certificate must be earned through the Standard Path to Certification, which comprises of the following:

  • Successful completion of a professional NAAB-accredited degree programme. This can be either an accredited Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Doctor of Architecture.

  • Successful completion of the AXP (Architecture Experience Programme) or its predecessor, IDP (Intern Development Programme).

  • Successful completion of the ARE (Architect Registration Examination).

• Lawful authorization to work in the United Kingdom (i.e., the Locality in which the MRA candidate seeks authorisation to practice as an Architect).

• Successful completion of the ARB UK Adaption Assessment.

For a UK Architect to register in the US, the following will be required:

• An active Architect’s Registration in good standing with the ARB.
  The Registration must be earned through the UK Qualified Route to Registration, which comprises of the following:

  • Successful completion of ARB prescribed qualifications at Parts I, II, and III issued by an accredited UK school of architecture.

• Lawful authorization to work in the United States (i.e., the Locality in which the MRA candidate seeks authorisation to practice as an Architect).

• Creation of an NCARB Record and receipt of an NCARB Certificate

• Successful completion of any jurisdiction-specific requirements, such as supplemental examinations or education. (An NCARB jurisdiction refers to the licensing board of an individual state or territory).

The ARB will then certify the individual who holds those qualifications. And then we will hand that certificate and the credentials over to NCARB, who will take things forward. From that point, NCARB will issue that certificate, and then the individual being able to go on to the state level jurisdictions and register accordingly. 

Again, mirroring NCARB's requirements, UK architects will need to be in good standing. So that means no disciplinary issues to report and have lawful authorization to work in the UK. Some jurisdictions have specific requirements to register in those areas, such as some additional jurisdictional examinations. 

Exclusions and caveats – The MRA is a kind of licence or registration level agreement. There's no mutual recognition at the qualification, M.Arch-level or Part II-level. One needs to be fully licensed or registered to benefit from the agreement. 

Registration and licensing is on a state-by-state basis. So NCARB will act as a passporting body and then individuals will be able to go to the relevant states from there. It has been noted not all US jurisdictions will participate initially though expansion of this list is a priority. 

Individuals who have already benefited from other MRAs will not be in scope of this agreement. For example if one has joined the UK register through another agreement, or joined the US register, or licensed in the US [through another agreement], then they won't be able to benefit from the agreement. Additionally, individuals who have been through our Prescribed Exam process are not within scope currently. 

NCARB and ARB did note that they are committed to reviewing the agreement on a regular basis and over time, in hope to expand its scope. There's a 60-day standstill period from the point of the MRA being signed giving both the ARB and NCARB the opportunity to prepare for applications, promote the agreement and explain how it works to people. Both ARB and NCARB will open simultaneously on the same date to applications, which is planned to be April 25th. We will be posting information on our website, there'll be numerous social media messages issued through the normal channels. 

The UK Adaptation Assessment: Everything You Need To Know

For an NCARB Certificate holder licensed in a US jurisdiction that accepts the MRA, the UK Adaptation Assessment is the only requirement to join the ARB Register.

This means that the Prescribed Examination no longer applies to eligible MRA candidates. The ARB anticipates this to translate into significant savings in both cost and time. The current PE route involves one undertaking equivalency examinations at Part I & II with the applicant then undertaking a Part II course.

The ARB & NCARB anticipate that there will be significant cost and time savings – perhaps as much as 50 percent, and for many, be at least six months quicker. Some cases may be even quicker due to demonstrated experience. Individual experiences will vary as each case may involve unique circumstances. 

The cost of taking the UK Adaptation Assessment is currently set at £2950, which to many will seem quite steep. The ARB states this is purely an operational cost and is examining how best to reduce this cost.  

According to Emma Matthews, the UK Adaptation Assessment is a domain-specific requirement focused on the context of UK architecture practice. This Assessment was specifically designed to focus on things like UK legislation and building regulations. It will therefore not re-test anything that US Architects have already been assessed on.

The Assessment will consist of two key parts. The first will be to ask candidates to submit a short reflective career summary, which will be templated and for which guidance and support will be available. The second part will be to provide candidates with scenario-based questions to help them prepare for the professional interview portion. Once completed and passed, the MRA candidate is then accepted onto the ARB Register.

Audience Questions & Answers

Following the presentations, there was an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. Some of the highlights have been paraphrased below – note that these are paraphrased.

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Q: Sandy Rattray / Allies + Morrison

If you look at the work that British architects have done in the US historically, nearly all of it is in five states:  New York, California, Florida, Washington D.C., and Texas. Can NCARB confirm whether all five of those states or jurisdictions are currently party to this?

A: Harry Falconer, Jr. & Michael J. Armstrong / NCARB

New York will not be included in the MRA Agreement. The reason for this is that New York has always had its own separate legal framework for mutual recognition and licensing foreign architects. Though there is a widespread desire to see this change, it would be very difficult for NCARB to achieve. Nonetheless, NCARB will continue working on this matter.

For the other jurisdictions mentioned (California, Florida, Washington D.C., and Texas), the negotiations are still in progress. NCARB has informal confirmation from the individual state licensing boards, but they still must formally act and NCARB cannot make official announcements ahead of the official April 25th launch date.

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Q: Lester Korzilius  / AIA Strategic Council & AIA International

Educational requirements have tripped up a lot of young people in both directions. Is there an appetite down the road to get equivalency of education for the UK Parts I, II, & III and the US NAAB-accredited degree?

A: Hugh Simpson  / ARB

The simple answer is there is an appetite for looking at anything which might open different routes based on competency. The most significant barrier to achieving educational equivalency has generally been ARB's Prescribed Examinations. There is work ongoing now to review and reform this process significantly – it is something that ARB are likely to consult on later this year.

A: Michael J. Armstrong  / NCARB

In the United States, the NAAB is responsible for the educational accreditation process. The NAAB is an independent organisation which is not part of NCARB or the AIA. The difficulty would be in creating consensus between the academic, professional, and regulatory agendas. These organisations are nonetheless connected and there is individual interest in using NCARB’s influence to try and initiate change.

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Q: Muyiwa Oki  / Mace, RIBA President-Elect

What is the financial impact of the MRA in terms of price and costs?

A: Hugh Simpson & Emma Matthews  / ARB

The board has set the fee for the UK Adaptation Assessment at £2950. This is based on a cost recovery model so there's no profit being made. ARB are keen to get the cost down as quickly as possible.

A: Harry Falconer, Jr.  / NCARB

Applying for an NCARB Certificate costs $1,210. There is also a $450 transmittal fee. Once the NCARB Certificate is issued, there will be costs associated with obtaining the state license, including processing fees and any supplemental examinations. These amounts will vary according to jurisdiction. These will be in addition to any transmittal fees payable to the ARB.

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Q: Robert Rhodes  / Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors

As a New York registered architect practising in the UK, what options do I have to get on the ARB Register?

A: Harry Falconer, Jr. & Michael J. Armstrong  / NCARB

The MRA route might be open to New York registrants who obtain a licenced in another jurisdiction using the NCARB Certificate to obtain a reciprocal licence. However, it is recommended that anyone planning for this approach get in touch with the NCARB support team. In the meantime, NCARB will continue to pursue discussion with New York State regarding the MRA agreement.

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Q: Phil Obayda  / Principal, SOM London

Will individuals holding both UK and US qualifications be expected to maintain these qualifications independently in terms of continuing education?

A: Harry Falconer, Jr.  / NCARB

This will be completely independent. The systems for documenting CPD (UK) and CES (US) are separate.

A: Catherine Davis  / US RIBA Council Representative

However, the AIA accepts RIBA CPD credit and the RIBA accepts AIA CES credit for their respective transcripts. This agreement has been in place for a long time. The only requirement is for the either the RIBA or the AIA to be the continuing education provider.

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Q: Catherine Davis  / US RIBA Council Representative

Is there an ARE Examination requirement for ARB registered architects?

A: Harry Falconer, Jr.  / NCARB

No. If you come through the MRA, you are considered to have already passed the ARE. The UK Parts I, II and III are deemed equivalent.

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Q: Maryam Al-Irhayim  / Gensler, RIBA Vice President for Students & Associates

What kind of steps are you thinking of taking forward in terms of educating students that part of their NCARB or ARB benefit is that they have access to the Mutual Recognition Agreement? Will we see more further collaborations and events?

A: Emma Matthews  / ARB

Yes. We hope this is the start of a long and happy conversation. ARB used to have a very active outreach programme for students at all levels. It is something on our radar, which we are working on re-establish.

A: Harry Falconer, Jr.  / NCARB

Yes. NCARB has a robust outreach programme to schools and universities, as well as AIA chapters and components. In the US, Patricia and I have worked with the RIBA USA. We were also here in London last year. Thanks to AIA UK, we did our first joint presentation with ARB before the MRA was even signed. AIA International has also been very welcoming to us. We look forward to welcoming those opportunities so we can get this message out to everybody.

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Q: Larissa Kelly & Audience Member  / Unknown

As a US registered architect who does not have lawful authorisation to work in the US, would I be eligible to register in the UK through the MRA?

[Note: there was some confusion regarding this question which has since been clarified below.]

A: No nationality/citizenship requirements apply under the agreement. Nonetheless, to apply for Mutual Recognition, the candidate must have lawful authorization to work in the locality in which they are registered. (Please consult the ARB and NCARB web pages for more information.)

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Q: Etain Fitzpatrick 

As a US registered architect who has completed the Part III, could this take the place of the UK assessment application?

A: Emma Matthews  / ARB

This is not something we've currently factored in, but it's something that the ARB will need to look at very carefully.

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Q: Helen Logan  / Allies + Morrison

Is there a possibility for the ARB to arrange a similar Mutual Recognition Agreement with Canada?

A: Hugh Simpson & Emma Matthews  / ARB

Yes. They've approached the ARB for conversations.

A: Michael J. Armstrong  / NCARB

The US currently a Mutual Recognition Agreement with Canada as well.

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Q: Sarah La Touche  / Allies + Morrison

Will candidates who have completed the ARB Prescribed Examination be eligible for Mutual Recognition? Is that any part of the Prescribed qualification, or full?

A: Emma Matthews  / ARB

Initially, no - but the ARB will be looking at that when the opportunity arises to review and broaden the scope of the agreement with NCARB. It is really helpful to hear input on cases like this to take up in the review.

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Maryna M.  1:00:33

Regarding the UK Adaptation Assessment, will there be a course offered to learn about UK regulations? Is there a requirement to work for practices that offer UK-based work?

A: Emma Matthews & Hugh Simpson  / ARB

This is an idea the ARB would like to implement eventually to help candidates prepare. It will take some time to improve the process through real life case studies. We will give as much support and signposting as we can initially, but longer-term things may change. We ask that people stay in contact as they move through this process.

This article is part of an ongoing story; please refer to NCARB and ARB for the latest information.

Written by Adelina Koleva, AIA and Taylor Rogers, AIA

AIA Attends Architects’ Roundtable

Chapter sponsor Beale & Co held their Architect’s Roundtable on the 6th of July at their offices in the City. This annual event invites representatives from numerous prominent London architectural practices to meet and discuss topics of mutual interest. AIA UK secretary Adelina Koleva, AIA, and board member Michael Lischer, FAIA attended this year representing the AIA.

The Roundtable was very well attended with over 25 people participating from the RIBA and practices such as Gensler, Hawkins Brown, Allies & Morrison, BIG, and David Chipperfield, to name a few. The discussions were well managed by Beale representatives and this year addressed:

• Building Safety Act – Latest updates.

• Project Suspension/descoping – Dealing with stop start projects and client changes.

• Mutual Recognition Agreements - New opportunities for UK architects?

• Insolvencies and Late Payment – How to protect your position and recover sums when overdue.

The discussions were very informative, and among the points coming out of each topic are the following:

Building Safety Act

• The first section of the Act, Gateway 1, came into force in 2021 and the remaining sections, Gateways 2 & 3, come into force this October.

• New responsibilities and liabilities are placed on the architect as they take on the Principal Designer role.

• Some firms are looking to outsource this role in a similar manner to the CDM responsibilities, although this is frowned upon.

• Taking on the role of the Principal Designer may impact your PI insurance.

• Practices are encountering “push back” from clients regarding the additional fees required to comply with the Act.

Project Suspension/descoping

• Due to the current economic climate participants reported a few of their projects have been cancelled or are experiencing significant delay.

• It is important to include suspension and prolongation clauses in your contracts!

• Have regular discussions with your clients about budget and schedule.

• One way to illustrate your ongoing cost when a project is delayed is to continue to invoice your client listing your time spent on their behalf while their project is in delay.

• The AIA’s standard general conditions has good contractual language that could be used as a reference when drafting your contracts (be aware of copyright infringement!).

Mutual Recognition Agreements

• Secretary Koleva gave a comprehensive overview of the recent USA/UK agreement.

• The USA/UK agreement is based on the assumption the education in each country is the same. Unless you have a “traditional” architectural education, the agreement does not apply.

• It appears to be easier and less expensive for UK architects to get licensed in the USA than USA architects to get licensed in the UK!

• Even if a UK licensed architect gains recognition in the USA, there may be other barriers to setting up a practice there. Issues like restrictions on foreign ownership of a USA business should be considered.

Insolvencies and Late Payments

• The number of insolvencies in the design and construction industry have nearly doubled in the first six months of 2023 compared to all of 2022. (2,500 in 2022 vs. 4,000 in 2023).

• Make certain you have a “step in clause” in your contract. This obligates the new owner of a failed project to pay the delinquent design fees.

• Have a clause in your contract that states you retain copyright on your intellectual property, or it reverts back to you, if your invoices are unpaid.

• Keep detailed records including time expended to use as evidence when dealing with late payments.

Having attended several of the Beale & Co hosted roundtables, I find it interesting to learn most of the problems and issues facing small practices are the same ones facing the large international practices. The Beale roundtables are an ideal forum to compare issues and learn how our colleagues in the profession have dealt with them.

Thank you to Beale & Co for providing the opportunity to discuss these common concerns in our profession!

Written by Michael Lischer, FAIA