We have been so lucky to have the RIAI (The Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland) as an award partner this year. RIAI sponsored the Housing Crisis offering our incredibly fortunate students some invaluable advice and experience on their B!G projects, bringing them to a whole new level.
The RIAI supports the profession of architecture in Ireland, maintaining the Register for Architects. This means that the high standards we expect from architecture are maintained at all times and that Architects and Architectural Technologists have access to plenty of supports and services. This way they can keep in touch with changes in design and legislation and have someone to turn to when feeling out of their depth. Membership to the RIAI also means that Architects have access to a community of other professional peers, both nationally and internationally, which is invaluable to any career.
The three main roles that the RIAI plays for architects in Ireland are:
Support – RIAI Members receive access to a wide range of services and supports which enables them to practise architecture to the highest standards.
Promotion – The RIAI is the voice for architecture in Ireland. They encourage both Architects and the public to engage with architectural issues through education, events, awards, public relations and campaigns.
Registration – The title ‘Architect’ is protected by Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007 (the Act). This means that only Registered Architects can use the title ‘Architect’. Businesses can use the word ‘Architect’ in their business name so long as the business is under the control and management of a Registered Architect.
The purpose of this provision of the Act is to protect the public from dishonest individuals who deliberately mislead people by implying that they are something which they are not. A Registered Architect has demonstrated through their education, training, and experience that they have the level of skill, knowledge, and competence required to practice as an Architect in Ireland.
It is not hard to see why The B!G Idea are thrilled to have RIAI on board as an award partner and we look forward to many more years of working together. On speaking to Sandra Campbell, Director of Education at the RIAI, it is easy to see how this relationship works so well.
Why did you support The B!G Idea?
‘Why I decided to support The B!G Idea is because creativity, critical thinking and innovation are key skills of an architect. They are key attributes that an architect would bring to a design process so we are really interested in supporting an award that recognises that type of creativity and we really look forward to seeing these students when they come out into the world and bring those skills to society’.
Read on to find out more.
