HISTORY OF THE IBA

Until the early 1970s, there were few Bahamian architects in the Bahamas. Most of the architectural work was undertaken by foreign architects, some resident, some not. However, in the early 1970s there came a new attitude with many young Bahamians returning from studying Architecture abroad.

 

These young Bahamian Architects found that there was little respect for the professional architect in The Bahamas and no vehicle for training of developing the skills of younger aspirant architects.

 

Furthermore, there were many persons in The Bahamas, claiming to be architects who had no training, or professional standards who were foisting themselves on to an unsuspecting public.

 

A group of these returning architects, led by Rodney Braynen, Amos Ferguson and Anthony Jervis set up the Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) to be an organization specifically to deal with these issues.

 

One of the main platforms of the IBA was the legal recognition and registration of architects.

 

This was realized in the Architects Registration Act 1994 and the setting up of the Professional Architects Board.


BRIEF HISTORY
THE INSTITUTE OF BAHAMIAN ARCHITECTS

The Institute of Bahamian Architects was formed in July of Nineteen Seventy Three, with a number of objectives:



  1. The promotion of the regulation of the practice of architecture in the Bahamas.
  2. The encouragement of a high standard of professional conduct.
  3. The encouragement of the protection of the environment.
  4. The promotion of a genuine understanding of architecture by way of public education.
  5. Making available comprehensive professional service for all building types and range of prices.
  6. The promotion of the development of Bahamian Architecture in general.

In 1976 the Institute became a member of the Commonwealth Association of Architects. In 1978 became a member of the International Union of Architects and the Association of Caribbean Society of Architects. In 2007 the Institute became a member of the Federation of Caribbean Association of Architects.


During the years IBA was instrumental in setting up the architecture program at the College of the Bahamas, and the Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology Kingston Jamaica.


During most of the time IBA was led by Rodney Braynen and subsequently by Mike Isaacs, Amos Ferguson and Anthony Jervis. Rodney Braynen served as vice President of the Americas on CAA Board and also as Chairman of ACSAC.


After lobbying for many years the Institute generally achieved its goal of Registration for the Architecture profession, with the passage in Parliament the Professional Architects Act of 1994.