Architects council inducts 44

Forty-four new architects have been incorporated into the Standing Register of the Architects Registration Council (ARC) of Ghana after undertaking the Council’s Professional Practice Examination (PPE) in 2013.

At the 14th Induction ceremony held last Friday at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan ICT Centre in Accra, the Council described the event as an annual one meant to ensure the highest standards in architectural practice.

The induction ceremony bridges the academic and professional life of every architect. It climaxes six years of academic qualification at the university, a minimum of two years coaching and apprenticeship under a qualified senior architect, then six weeks of intensive seminars and tutorials and the passing of a two-day PPE by the Council to gain state licensing.

This year’s ceremony, attended by key stakeholders of the built environment industry, saw Barbara Simons adjudged the Overall Best Candidate for the 2013 PPE.

In her welcome address, Registrar of the ARC, Arc. Stella N.D. Arthiabah, noted the importance of the event on ARC’s calendar, stressing that it showcased the high caliber of architectural practitioners in the country, who were ready to lead the creation of healthy, safe and secure built environment; a total number of 883 registered architects and 211 registered firms to date.

Mrs. Arthiabah urged the architects to desist from relying solely on professional skills but adapt to evolving management and entrepreneurial skills.

“One needs interpersonal skills, strategic management, business and leadership savvy. “Today’s client seeks an all-round professional who can deliver competently, give value for money and also provide high-level customer service,” she said.

She also stressed the need for local government, built environment professionals and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to collaborate in creating safe and healthy communities as a means of promoting public health.

Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Collins Dauda, who was the special guest, urged the newly-qualified architects to exhibit professionalism in their line of duty, avoid short cuts and be creative with building designs that exhibit our culture and most importantly are affordable.

He announced that the draft National Housing Policy to guide housing delivery in Ghana had been finalized and awaiting cabinet approval.

“Cabinet has also given approval for the Real Estate Agency Bill to be laid in Parliament and the purpose of this bill is to regulate real estate brokerage practice and practitioners, real estate transactions and prevent the use of real estate transaction for the purpose of money laundering and other vices.