Architects body in drive to advance professional practice

Isaac Pinielo | Thursday October 27, 2016 15:53

CPD refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience that one gains both formally and informally as one works, beyond any initial training.

Tshoganetso Ramogale, an architectural official at the registration council, said CPD is a record of what one experiences, learns and then applies.

“The Architects Registration Act of 2015 promotes the CPD, seeking to improve the quality of architects, enhance their competence, and ensure that they keep up with new technologies and practices,” he stated. He also pointed out that the act requires all registered architectural professionals to undertake CPD, noting that the current level of local architects is the reason to emphasise the importance of this programme.

Ramogale also said the programme is necessary for architects, architectural technologists and architectural draftspersons operating in Botswana for them to keep abreast with the latest trends in their profession.

“Architectural professionals are encouraged to undertake this programme because not doing so will mean their licences will not be renewed upon expiry,” he said.

In the meantime, the ARC has called on organisations and individuals with the capacity to deliver CPD courses to come forth. They will be responsible for facilitating CPD workshops and trainings, drafting and developing training materials for the relevant and appropriate training activity, subject or courses.

“The information the council will collect from submissions will enable the council to select relevant and appropriate CPD courses for the architectural profession,” the ARC stated. Furthermore, the information provided by applicants will be needed to determine whether or not the proposed CPD activity can be approved and awarded points or credits based on the requirements of the specific CPD programme and activity.

The ARC said there are about 156 registered architectural professionals. To be registered as an architect, ARC requires that one should have obtained a five-year professional degree in architecture.

The person should also have performed the work of an architect and gained experience on at least two projects, one of which shall be of sufficient nature to demonstrate competency to serve the public as an architect.

Additionally one would also be required to have had at least two years of postgraduate experience.