This presentation discusses role of Indian Institute of Architects in professional practice for architects in India

1. Professional Practice-3
Lecture-3
Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni
M. Arch., A.I.I.A.
Architect

2.  History
 Indian Institute of Architects began in 1917 as a an association of
students of architecture from Sir J. J. School of Art, which was the
only institute teaching architecture in India at the time.
 The title was changed in 1922 as 'Bombay Architectural
Association' to include both the students and practicing architects.
 The Institute was affiliated to the Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA) in 1925 - its members were now eligible to
become members of RIBA
 In 1929 the title was finally changed to 'The Indian Institute of
Architects' to include all architects and students of architecture in
India
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

3.  To encourage the study of Architecture
 To elevate the standard of Architectural Practice
 To promote the interests of Architects throughout India, by mutual
support
 Comments:
 The purpose of IIA is
 To promote the interests of architects and the field of architecture
 Elevation of standards of architectural practice was sought by
 providing a code of ethics and standardized format of architectural
services and fees
 Providing continuing education of architects through seminars,
workshops & conferences
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

4.  The Indian Institute of Architects is registered under the Societies
Registration Act XXI of 1860 as a voluntary organization of Architects
 The membership is voluntary – there is no legal requirement to join IIA
unlike the registration with the Council of Architecture under the
Architects Act 1972.
 However, it is in the interest of a practicing architect or student to become
an IIA member, as IIA is meant to promote the interests of its members.
 This is different from the objective of Architects Act which seeks to
protect the interests of the general public against unqualified persons and
hence COA is assigned the task of regulating the architectural practice.
 Collective action for betterment of the profession and professionals can
only be undertaken by IIA
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

5.  The main functions of IIA are:
 Promote the practice of architecture by making the general public aware
of the importance of architects in design of built environment
 Take collective action on behalf of architects to redress issues.
 Help members in their professional issues/problems
 Prescribe code of practice and norms - including standard format of
agreement with client, standard forms of contracts etc.
 Promote architectural education by involving practicing architects in
education and research.
 Promote continuing education of architects by organizing seminars,
workshops, training programmes etc.
 Promote fellowship amongst the members by organizing conferences and
public events-to nurture fraternity amongst architects
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

6.  Architectural profession in its present form and architects as professionals
are not very well known in India, unlike other professionals like the
Doctors & Lawyers
 IIA thus has a major task of creating awareness about the profession, and
thus has engaged in various activities through its Chapters & Centers all
over India - which include public events, exhibitions and presentations
through visual media like television and internet
 IIA also participates in the national programmes like disaster
management and earthquake and fire safety
 IIA has participated in the drafting of various codes of practice at national
level- including the National Building Code, Energy Conservation
Building Code
 IIA also interacts at various levels with the Government – Local Planning
Authorities, District & State Government and Central Government to
raise awareness about architectural practice
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

7.  There are many issues facing the profession about which an individual
architect is unable to tackle and hence IIA takes up the task on behalf of
its members. They include:
 Representation to the Government about problems faced by architects
and trying to find remedies – it can be about taxes, preferential
treatment to architects in design, unfair competition by unqualified
persons, unfair targeting of architects as a group etc.
 Representation to the Government about problems faced by the
building industry – by the Owners, Builders/Developers, Contractors
and workers
 Representation to the Government about development of the city or
the region – issues related to public conveniences and design of new
development in the interest of the people in the city and environment.
 Develop programmes for betterment of the specific areas of the city,
define and develop programs for built heritage, eco-sensitive areas,
waterfronts etc.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

8.  IIA with many resources at its disposal and the large body of experienced
architects who constitute the Professional Services Board of IIA. It help
the members by:
 Guidance on matters related to architectural design and execution of
project
 Guidance related to administration of office and other professional issues
 Guidance (and intervention if required)
 In cases of disputes with clients, resolution through arbitration or
through Courts
 In cases where architect is facing civil or criminal action with reference
to design or execution of a project
 In cases where the architect is facing action by government on matters
related to administration of the office or taxes
 In cases a member seeks remedial action against any injustice by
government or public agencies
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

9.  IIA, as a National Organization, has been instrumental in formation of
many Codes and Guidelines for the Architectural Practice
 Standard format of Agreement between the Architect & Owner and
Norms for Architectural Services and Fees – later superseded by the
Regulations made by Council of Architecture.
 Standard format of Contract between the Owner and Contractor,
incorporating the role of the Architect.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

10.  IIA has also constituted a program for membership of IIA through
examinations – initially to create opportunities for career advancement
for persons employed in architects offices. Passing the exams would make
such a person eligible for IIA membership and hence registration with
COA. (Now available to only those having Diploma in Architectural
Assistantship)
 IIA has established a regular infrastructure for this program.
 IIA also promotes research in architecture through its Journal JIIA
 IIA promotes interaction with educational institutions through Student
membership of IIA, organizing various programmes and competitions for
students of architecture.
 As a professional organization, IIA encourages its members to engage in
interaction with students
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

11.  A professional needs to update his/her knowledge in the field in tune
with the new technologies of construction and design.
 There is also a need to re-orient when the focus of design and regulations
change or when emergence of sustainable practices changes all aspects of
practice.
 IIA plays a great role in educating its members on issues of professional
practice by organizing workshops and seminars on various subjects.
 IIA provides a platform for its members to present their projects – which
also help others to understand the new trends in design based on new
regulations like ECBE or sustainable practices and alternative
technologies.
 IIA also publishes and circulates information about the new regulations
and newer trends in design through its Journal and other media.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

12.  But the most important activity of IIA is to promote fellowship
amongst its members – which brings together the diverse practices
from all over India and creates a forum for informal exchange of
ideas.
 It is the bringing together of the architectural fraternity that
facilitated many functions of the Institute – be it continuing
education or support for a collective action on many issues faced
by the profession.
 IIA is part of UIA (Union de International Architects) and thus
promotes updating of knowledge and interaction with architects
from other countries through conferences and seminars.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect

13.  IIA is a voluntary organization that promotes the interests of architects
and the architectural profession.
 IIA promotes fellowship amongst its members – leading to informal
exchange of ideas.
 IIA is instrumental in providing continuing education to its members and
promotes research in architecture
 IIA supports the architectural proactice by providing standard
documentation for practice as well as making its members aware of the
current trends in practice – be it new regulations or the emerging trends
in architectural practice like sustainability.
 IIA is part of the global architectural community and promotes
interaction with the world architectural community through conferences
and workshops.
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Professional Practice for Architects in India by Prof. Rajeev Kulkarni, Architect