Innovation Fall 2024

Photo: Luis Leamus/AdobeStock

Joint statement clarifies roles of engineers and architects for existing buildings

regarding the practice of Architects and Building Envelope Engineers in the context of repair, renewal and rehabilitation of existing buildings. In response to a directive from the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG), the AIBC developed Descriptive Materials to assist in the application of the Architects Regulation. These Descriptive Materials respond to some of the questions that have been raised. Engineers and Geoscientists is continuing its work to decrease confusion. "It's important to us that our registrants have clear scopes of work to guide their professional practice," said Heidi Yang, P.Eng., Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s CEO. "We're committed to working with the AIBC to achieve this

Engineers and Geoscientists BC and the Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC) issued a joint statement on August 12 to provide clarity on the Architects Regulation and the role of engineering professionals and architects in the repair, renewal, and rehabilitation of existing buildings. The Architects Regulation defines the reserved practice of architecture and was introduced on February 10, 2023, in line with the AIBC being brought under the Professional Governance Act (PGA). Following the Architects Regulation coming into force, the AIBC repealed Bulletin 34, its professional practice bulletin on building envelope services. In response, feedback from registrants, local governments, others in the building sector, and the public indicated more clarity was needed

clarity for building enclosure engineers, in service to the public's safety and environmental protection." Engineers and Geoscientists BC and AIBC will work to: • Replace guidelines for the AIBC’s building enclosure-related bulletins • Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Professional Practice Guidelines: Building Enclosure Engineering Services • Provide greater clarity to the professions’ practice in this area If you have any questions, please contact practiceadvisor@egbc.ca . Specific questions about the Architects Regulation and AIBC Descriptive Materials should be directed to the AIBC ( practiceadvice@aibc.ca ).

Innovation Fall 2024

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