AIBC and AFBC sign memorandum of agreement

VANCOUVER – The Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) and the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia (AFBC) have signed a memorandum of agreement to continue in their own distinct roles regarding the profession in B.C.

The AIBC regulates the profession of architecture in the province while AFBC promotes awareness through a variety of programs and annual events. “Both mandates are committed to working together to support their respective mandates throughout the province,” an AIBC statement said.

“We are delighted that the relationship between the Foundation and the Institute has been revitalized. The AFBC is in an excellent position to deliver advocacy-focused initiatives which increase the understanding and appreciation of the profession. This is particularly important given the limitations posed by the Institute’s self-regulatory mandate in the area of advocacy. They have our full support, and we look forward to working together in the years to come,” AIBC CEO Mark Vernon said.

“The AFBC board is pleased with the progress we have made over the past 12 months, especially in regard to the revitalized relationship with the AIBC. As believers in the power of design to solve problems and improve lives, the AFBC will fulfil a mandate to raise awareness about the value of design in the built environment through programming and advocacy,” AFBC board chair Jim Troy said.

The AFBC is directed by a 10-person board which manages the foundation, and the executive team wil lead the organization through various programs intended to keep B.C. communities informed about design and the architecture profession as well as provisioning grants and scholastic rewards.

The new AFBC board comprised of:

Kim Barnsley Architect AIBC, senior manager, design & development Keltic Canada Development Ltd.;
Grace Battiston, director of communications and stakeholder engagement, Architectural Institute of British Columbia;
Sehr Bokhari, MSc Arch, Department of Interior Design, LaSalle College, Vancouver;
Brando Ciccone, marketing manager, Stilewood International Door & Window;
Darryl Condon Architect AIBC, managing principal HCMA Architecture + Design;
Veronica Gillies Architect AIBC, managing principal, Western Canada HDR Architecture Associates, Inc.;
Karl Gustavson Architect AIBC, principal, Karl Gustavson Architect Inc.;
Scott M. Kemp Architect AIBC, principal, Scott M. Kemp Architect;
Jeff McLellan Architects & Engineers, practice leader (Western Region), BFL Canada Insurance Services Inc.;
Christopher Pollard, R.I.D. Principal and managing partner, RATIO Architecture Interior Design Planning;
Jim Toy R.I.D. (AFBC Board Chair), principal, False Creek Design Group Ltd.

The two organizations will be supporting each other on several initiatives including the annual golf tournament on August 12 and the Architectural Awards Program, which will soon open its call for submissions.