There are a number of voluntary professional organizations of

Architects which have been formed to serve the interests of their members
as well as to contribute to the growth of architectural profession. The aims
and objects of some of the important organizations are discussed in this
chapter. The foremost among such organizations is the Indian Institute of
Architects.

The Indian Institute of Architects

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) was established in the year 1917
as Bombay Architectural Student's Association' in Mumbai. It was
converted into the Indian Institute of Architects in the year 1929. It is a
voluntary organization registered under the Indian Societies Act XXI of
1860 and the Charitable Trusts Act. It has a membership of about 7000
members all over India and in other countries like. the United Kingdom,
USA, the Middle East & Africa.

In broad terms the main objectives of IIA are as under:

1) To organize and unite Architects in India.
2)
2) To promote the architectural profession.
3)
3) To encourage growth of architectural education and to institute awards
for teachers and students.
4)
4) To prescribe syllabus and conduct examinations for those who do not
have access to formal education in Architecture.
5)
5) To bring about necessary changes in laws relating to architectural
practice.
6)
6) To organize conferences, seminars, lectures, etc. on matters relating
 to architecture and to award medals, certificates, prizes, etc.
7) To co-ordinate activities relating to architecture with other like
7)
minded bodies.
8) To promote improvement ofliving standards and to increase awareness
among the public about architectural profession.

The IlA has six classes of membership.

a) Honorary Fellows
b) Fellows
c) Associates
d) Licentiates
e) Students
Retired Members

The qualifications for these members are as under:

a) Honorary Fellow: Any individual who is not necessarily a qualified
Architect but has contributed to the growth of architectural profession
in some way can be elected by the IIA Council as Honorary Fellow.
So far, IIA has elected eminent persons as Honorary Fellows who
have either been administrators, writers, designers or persons
connected with architectural institutions, This class of membership
does not entitle the recipient access to registration under Architects
Act, 1972.
b) Fellow Member : An Asociate member who has attained the age
of 36 years and has either practiced independently or served in a
 architectural otfice private
responsible capacity in an
- -

senior and
contribution to the profession can
or public, and made a significant

Fellow. In the year 1 985, IIA amended its bye-laws to

be elected as a
member
to be elected as a Fellow
make it possible for a non-architect
Fellow
contribution to architecture.
on the basis of his valued
Arbitrators in arbitration matters
if the
members alone can act as

by IIA has been adopted. Fellows are

contract form prescribed
IIA in conducting
to help and advise junior members of
expected with
the suffix of FIIA along
practice. Fellow members can
use
their
their degrees and diplomas.
who has attained the age of 21 annd
C)Associate member : Any person
institutions recognized by IIA or has beeen
graduated from one of the
become
Architecture under clause 25A can
registered with Council of
who pass IIA
an Associate member of
IIA on application. Those
Associate members. An
examinations are also eligible to become
practice or 10 years
Associate member after 7 years of independent
An
can apply for Fellow membership.
service in a responsible position
Associate member can use the suffix AlIA.
who is registered with Council of
Any person
d) Licentiate member :

Architecture constituted under

the Architects Act of 1972 under section
Licentiate membership. A Licentiate
member
25B is eligible to apply for
Associate member except that he is not eligible
has all the privileges of an
to change in IIA constitution and bye-laws.
to vote on matters relating
member for seven years, a member can apply
After serving as Licentiate
Licentiate member can use the suffix LIIA.
for Associate membership. A
of the architectural
Student member : A student enrolled in any one
e)
 institutions --whether recognized by IIA or not, can on application, becomne
a student member. A student member has limited privileges of attending
conferences, seminars, lectures etc.; but can not attend General Body

Meetings or in any election conducted by IIA. He can have

participate
access to Sohrab Bharoocha Library of IIA. He can seek the assistance
of
lIA in his academic and for seeking placement as trainee in an
problems
Architect's office. At times, IIA organizes special lectures, training
members. A
programmes and other co-curricular activities for student
student member cannot use any suffix.
f) Retired members : Any Fellow, Associate or Licentiate after attaining
the age of 55 and on profession cann
completely retiring from service or

apply for Retired membership. Such members are exempted from payment
of annual membership subscription. They enjoy all the privileges enjoyed
election
by full-fledged members except that they are not eligible to seek
to any IIA post or vote in such elections. If a retired member
resumes

active practice, he must notify the IIA and resume payment of normal
subscription. A retired member can use the suffix of MIIA (Retd).

Election of members : Every person who desires to become a member of

IIA is required to make an application in prescribed form which is available
from the head office of IIA or offices of Chapters and Centres on payment
of prescribed entrance fee and annual membership subscription. At present
the rates prescribed by IIA are as under:-
1. Application Form :Rs.5/- & Rs.20/- for IIA Handbook.
2 Fellow member Entrance Fee Rs.750/-
Annual Subscription Rs.600/-
 3 Associate member Entrance Fee Rs.375/-
Annual Subscription Rs.300
4.
4. Licentiate member Entrance Fee Rs.375/-
Annual Subscription Rs.300/
5. Student member Annual Subscription Rs.30/-

The application for membership must be substantiated with

documentary proofs of qualification and/or registration with Council
of Architecture. It is also necessary for the applicant to make a
declaration stating that he will abide by IIAs constitution and bye-
laws and carry out his duties in an ethical manner. Every application
must be endorsed by three members of IIA . On receipt of application
at the IIA head office in Mumbai, the names of applicants are
published in IIA Newsletter for the information of members.
Applications are duly scrutinized and then placed before IIA Council
for election. IIA Council is empowered to accept any application or
reject it without giving any reason. Upon election, every member is
given a membership certificate which can be displayed in the
member's offrice. The membership certificate is IIA's property and
must be returned to IIA on retirement or resignation. Any member
who remains in arrears of subseription for two years is liable to be
removed from membership. IIA Council may re-instate such a person
on payment of arrears and entrance fees. Any member who is held
guilty of un-professional conduct or of any act which is not in the
interest of IIA can be removed from membership after proper inquiry
as prescribed in IIA constitution and bye-laws.
Similarly any member who has been found guilty by Council of
Architecture and whose name is struck off from the Council's
Register
can be removed by IIA Council from
IIA membership without any further
inquiry. The defaulting member is given proper opportunity by the IIA
Council to represent his case before action is taken
against
him.

The affairs of IIA conducted by its Council which consists of its

are
President, immediate Past President, 2 Vice- Presidents, 2 Joint Honorary
Secretaries, Honorary Treasurer, 10 nationally elected members.
5 regionally
elected members, chairmen of its chapters and the Hon.
Editor. The Council has powers to co-opt 2 members from
categories or
regions which are not represented on the Council. The term of IIA
Council is of 2 years. This Council lays down
policy and manages the
funds and property of IIA. IIA has at
present 15 chapters and 30 centres.
The jurisdiction of chapter extends over a
particular
state or a Union
territory having at least 50 members. The centre's jurisdiction extends
to any city having at least 20 members. The affairs of centres and chapters
are conducted by their elected executive committees. The
property of
IIA is overseen by three trustees who are senior members who have
served either as President or office-bearer for a number of years.

IIA brings out a journal

called the Journal of the Indian Institute of
Architects (JIIA). It carries write-ups on members' and
students
work, critical comments on current issues and technical information
about building products and systems. It also brings out a
monthly
IIA Newsletter which gives an account of lA activities all over the
country and information relating to national and international events
concerning architecture, environment, etc.Over the years IIA has built
a library of audio-visual cassettes which are duplicated and sold to
its members and architectural institutions.

The IIA has a library donated by one of its past-presidents -- the late

Sohrab Bharoocha. It is named after him. It is located at the head office

of IIA at Prospect Chambers Annexe, Dadabhoy Naoroji Road, in Fort
area of Mumbai. Some of the centres and chapters also have their
own

libraries located in their respective offices. IIA is affiliated with Union

Internationale des Architects (UIA), Commonwealth Association of
Architects (CAA), Architects Regional Council - Asia (ARCASIA)
and SAARCH. It has successfully hosted CAA, ARCASIA and
SAARCH conferences in India in the past. IIA also conducts
competitions for students on behalf of these international organizations.

Its
The strength of any organization depends upon its membership.
effectiveness depends upon the following:
1) How dedicated and selfless its leaders are?
2) With what interest its members are involved in its activities? and how
united they are?

3) To what extent they are conscious of thepublic interest?

subscription regularly;and
4) Whether members pay their annual
whether they are concerned how the funds are utilized ?
leaders and
5) To what extent members are vigilant in election of their
monitoring their performance?
One ofthe most significant achievements oflIA has been to get the "Surveyor's
License" abolished in many states and Union territories. There are a few
states where this practice is still prevalent; but it is a question oftime before it
is removed in all the remaining states. It is necessary for Architects in such
states not to meekly agree to obtain such "Licernses". The Supreme Court has
ruled that in view ofthe creation of Council of Architecture, no local authority
in any state can issue such "licenses" to Architects.

As oftoday IIA has established following awards for its members and students
1. IIA Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal This award is given annually to
an outstanding Architect for his significant contribution to the architectural

profession throughout his career. This award was instituted by the late
Baburao Mhatre when he was the president of IIA.
2. IIA Prof. Madhav Achwal Gold Medal This award is given
annually to an outstanding teacher who has contributed significantly
to the growth of architectural education and community service, in
India. It has been established in the memory of the late Prof. Achwal
who was HOD of Dept. of Architecture of M S University at Baroda
for many years. Apart from being a dedicated teacher he was an expert
in Housing. Through Baroda Citizens' Council he did rehabilitation
of flood-affected people.
3. JIIA Awards : These awards are given on World Architecture day
i.e. 1st July every year for contribution to IlA Journal. There are six
main categories of these awards (a) Urban Architecture (b) Industrial
Architecture (c) Rural Architecture (d) Research projects or papers
(e) Landscape design and (f) Interior design. The awards are in the
 torm of metal plaques. The awvard-winners are invited to present the

projects well-attended function in Mumbai, every year.

at a
4. 1A -Snowcem Award : This award is given annually for excellence
in

some form of urban architecture. It carries a cash prize

of

Rs.15,000/- and a This award is sponsored by M/s Snowcem India

plaque.
Ltd. Snowcem India has been actively associated with IlA since 1972.
They have, among other things, sponsored students' training camps
memorial lectures and practically every national convention since 1972.
5. IIA Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar Award:This award is given
annually for an outstanding project in rural area which is in keeping
With itS environment. It carries a cash prize of Rs.10,000/-. It is
sponsored by Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwar Trust in Karnataka.
6. IIA - KITPLY Award: This award is given annually for outstanding
project or study in the field of architectural heritage conservation. It carries
a cash prize of Rs.1 1,000/-. It is sponsored by M/s Kitply Industries Ltd.
7.11A Surfa Coat-Piloo Mody Award This award is given annually
to a student of a llA recognized college for a design project the student
has done in the penultimate year of his studies. It carries a cash prize of
Rs.5,000/. It has been instituted in the memory of late Piloo Mody who
was the past vice-president of IIA, a renowned Architect and respected
member of Lok Sabha who was instrumental in passing the Architects Act
of 1972. It is sponsored by M/s Surfa Coat India Ltd.
IA has been involved in promoting architectural education.It has conducted
training programmes for teachers and students in architecture-related
subjects and helped some non--architectural institutions by granting its
recognition, so that students from these institutions can appear for its
examinations. Apart from IIA's own recognition, IIA nominates Resource
persons to serve on Visiting Boards sent by Commonwealth Association
of Architects. It has been the policy of IIA to extend every help and co-
operation to Municipal Corporations, Bureau of ndian Standards and other
statutory bodies, in the formulation of rules, regulations, etc. It makes
constructive suggestions in matters connected with built environment.

It is extremely important that every Architect is actively involved in the

activities of lIA for personal benefit as well as advancement of profession
and improvement of built- environment.
IIA functions through the following boards which are reconstituted every
two years.

IHA Board of Examinations : This board was established in the year

1974 as a result of assurance given to the Joint Select Committee of Lok
Sabha at the time of passing Architects Act of 1972. There was a concern
among MPs that some channel should be available for students from non
formal stream to become qualified Architects. These students mainly come
from 3 year - Architectural Assistantship courses run by Polytechnics or
Diploma courses in Civil Engineering or Civil Draughtsmanship. While
working in Architects offices, these students can study privately to improve
their knowledge and enhance their careers by appearing for examinations
conducted by the IIA Board of Examinations.
The board normally consists of members of Council of IIA, heads of
leading architectural institutions and leading professionals. The number
ofboard members is usually six and is headed by the Chairman. The Board
Board is assisted by a Controller of Examinations who is a paid employee
having experience of conducting such examinations. The Board mets at
least twice every year.

At present IIA Examinations are conducted in four parts at seven

examinations centres all over the country. These are held twice in a year
in the months of June/July and December/January. The details of scheme
ofexaminations such as syllabus, subjects, passing standards, etc. is given
in a booklet entitled IIA Scheme of Examinations. It is a priced publication
available from the office of IIA. Any person who wants any clarification

regarding IIA's examination can write to the Controller of Examinations.

This Board has formulated a system of granting exemptions to holders of

Degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering.
each
Interior Design, Architectural Assistantship etc. The Board considers
candidates have to
and every application for exemptions on its merits. The
at these examinations.
pay prescribed fee for appearing

The Associate Membership acquired by passing IIA Examinations has

of a Bachelor of Architecture
been accepted as a qualifiçation equivalent
an Indian University by the Board
of Assessment of
Degree awarded by
taken by this Board is
Government of India. One of the important steps
for students appearing for IIA
preparation of Distance Learning packages
students do not have access to any tformal
Examinations. Since most of the
will help them
such Distance Learning packages
process of learning, that
theoretical knowledge. It has generally been the evperienee
acquire
the percentage of failures among these candidates is quite high owing to
lack of formal training

Board of Policy and Finance: This board is headed by the President and
consists ofHon. Treasurer as its Secretary, trustees of IIA and few members
of IIA Council are its members. This board deals with all issues relating
to general policy of the institute and its financial matters such as investment
of funds, auditor's remarks, etc.

Board of Education : This board is headed by an educationist member of

the IIA Council. It consists of some members of IIA Council and heads of
all theIIA-recognized colleges in India. This board deals with all matters
relating to education except Examinations. Apart from meeting at the
headquarters, the Board normally meets during the National Convention
which is held every year at different centres. This annual meeting enables
heads of institutions to know what IIA does for students and faculty
members. The board members get an opportunity of knowing the status
for
of architectural education in the country and perhaps initiate steps
problems which cannot be tackled by the Universities or
solving some

Council of Architecture.

There is a feeling in some quarters that since architectural education is being

guided by Council of Architecture (COA) IIA's Board of Education has no
role to play. This isa totally erroneous perception. COAs role is to prescribe
minimum standards of education and conduct periodical inspections of
colleges; while IIAs role is to ensure desired and adequate standards of
professional competence. IIAs board can initiate Personal Development
Programmes (PDP) for Teachers, give encouragement for conducting
research, organize seminars, workshops and conferences on educational
matters which COA cannot undertake. At the very least, a meeting of teachers
at the national convention can serve two useful purposes. Firstly of enabling
teachers to take part in the national conventions to know the status of the
profession; and secondly of having an informal dialogue with the professional
body on matters or mutual interest and concern.

Professional Services Board: This board is headed by a member ofthe

IIA Council and consists of members of the IIA Council and leading
professionals. It deals with all matters relating to the profession such as
code of conduct, conduct of architectural competitions, dealing with
government and semi-government bodies in subjects like building
regulations, laws governing buildings and complaints made against
Architects by members of public and fellow professionals about un-
professional conduct. The board also acts as an advisory body and gives
advice on professional matters referred to IIA either by its own members,
by the public or by government and semi- government bodies.
Membership & Public Affairs Board: This board is usually headed
by one of the Vice-Presidents. It deals with activities such as Young
Architects Festival, Employed Architects' issues, problems of members
in general, liaison with government and semi government bodies in
matters other than professional issues which are tackled by Professional
Services Board.
Publications Board: This board is headed by a member ofthe IIA Council
and consists of the Hon. Editor and other members who have interest in
the Journal ofthe Institute and other publications. One ofthe main functions
of this board is to bring out IIA's Journal at least once in three months.
JIIA publishes award winning projects of members and students, articles
on issues of current professional concern, research conducted in areas
relating to architecture such as heritage conservation, etc. It also publishes
a newsletter which gives information about activities conducted at different
centres such as national conventions, seminars, exhibitions, study tours,
etc. It also gives information about forthcoming events, activities of
international organizations such as UIA, CAA, ARCASIA, and SAARCH
and architectural competitions being organized all over the world. It is an
important link between IIA's Council and the members at-large. The board
also brings out a Directory of Members giving their names and addresses
city-wise and region-wise. This board conducts JIIA Awards function
every year on July 1s. There are six awards given for different categories
such as Institutional Buildings, Industrial Buildings,
Housing, Research,
etc. Over the years these awards have acquired prestige and
popularity.
International Affairs Board : This board is normally headed by the
immediate past president. It maintains close links with international
organizations like UIA, CAA, ARCASIA and SAARCH. It also has
close links with agencies like USIS, British Council, Max Mueller
Bhavan, Alliance Francaise, etc. This board promotes contacts with
local Architects and students whenever overseas Architects and
academics visit different cities in India.
Young Architects' Board: This board is headed by a younger member of
the Council. It oversees the annual Young Architects' Festival which is
one
ofthe significant activities of IIA in the recent years. The main purpose
ofthese festivals is to encourage talented young Architects in professional
as well as cultural sphere.

IIA's Role In Future: In my opinion IIA needs to focus on the following

areas to make it more meaningful to the society and its own membership.
1) Organize CPD and PDP programmes for design issues, practice
procedures and technical innovations.
2) Create a machinery for resolving disputes among Architects and
between clients and Architects.
3) Promote research and documentation.
4) Provide encouragement to faculty members for writing text books,
manuals and Distance Learning Packages.
5) Serve as Resource centre for providing information and guidance to
the public, students, and its own members concerning building industry
and the profession.

Other Professional Bodies: Apart from IIA which is the premier voluntary
professional organization, there are international, regional or special-
interest organizations of Architects. Following are some of the other
professional organizations.

Union Internationale des Architects(UIA): UIA is a unique world-

wide network of professionals. It was founded in 1948 to unite Architects
from all nations regardless of nationality, race, religion or architectural
schools of thought. It has 106 member sections representing nearlya
million Architects all over the world. The entire membership is divided
in five regions-- namely, Region I-Western Europe, Region II- Middle &
Eastern Europe, Region II - The Americas, Region IV - Asia & Australia
and Region V - Africa.

The main aims of UIA are as under:

1) To unite the world community of Architects on a democratic basis.

2) To represent Architects at international and governmental levels.

3) To promote their creative, technical and cultural skills, as well as
their services to the public.
4) To defend the status and rights of Architects in every country.
To see to the progress of professional practice, taking into account
5)
the requirements of different communities.
To promote the emergence of new technologies, ideas and dynamism
6)
in architectural creations.
To provide assistance for sustainable development of built
7)
environment.
8) To promote architectural education and encourage exchanges of
architectural students and teachers throughout the world.
It has the status of a recognized non-government organization (NGO) by
United Nations and its agencies such as UNESCO, UNCHS, etc.
UIA has constituted many work-groups on public health, education and
cultural spaces, sports & leisure, architecture & heritage, places of
worship, architecture & tourism, habitat, etc. These work-groups meet