Setting Standards
The Big Project attends the official launch of the American Institute of Architect’s fifth international chapter, in Dubai
Promoting the “artistic, scientific, and practical profession of its members”, the American Institute of Architects
(AIA) was founded in Washington DC, 1857. Now comprising an international network
of five chapters hosting 80,000 members globally, the latest chapter, AIAME, was officially launched at a reception in Dubai last month.
Covering the MENA region, AIAME also has country representatives in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, in addition to the UAE; with a physical office located in Abu Dhabi.
“The feedback we have received from the architectural community has been very positive. We have received a lot of support from both existing and prospective members and the construction industry at large,” says chapter president, Thierry Paret.
The AIA’s objective is to establish and extend the services provided to members of other chapters, while also engaging with the region’s architectural community, government bodies and educational institutions.
The profession is also ever evolving and as such we will focus on new topics as they become more relevant to the industry”
The chapter seeks to address the differences in professional practices between the American and MENA industries, including helping members with the adoption of local codes such as Estidama.
The aim is to uphold high design standards and educate members via a series of networking and seminar events, tours and
lectures. The chapter also offers “a means for local recognition of credentials and professional experience” and is supported by other overseas members.
Seminars will be used to reinforce the organisation’s values and discuss professional issues, primarily concerning ethics and conduct, particularly ownership of intellectual property.
“We will address technical excellence in construction methods; in terms of means, sustainability, promotion of excellence design and mentorship of students and young professionals; ethics and continuing education for architects,” Paret explains.
“The profession is also ever evolving and as such we will focus on new topics as they become more relevant to the industry.”
Additionally, Paret comments that the collaboration such initiatives will provide can facilitate much needed “cross pollination” between the different firms practising in the region.
“For American architects practising locally, being away from home tends to lead to a more solitary approach to design,” Paret explains, adding: “We want to change this by making the professionals part of the 80,000 strong AIA community.
“This is a great opportunity to learn, teach and engage with our peers. I believe this is a win-win situation for all.”
