Architects Registration Board | Guide to Becoming a Registered Architect in Barbados
Revised December 16th, 2011
REGISTRATION OUTSIDE OF BARBADOS
PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW
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If registered as an architect in another country whose requirements for registration are, in the opinion of the Board, no less exacting than those required for registration in Barbados. This allows consideration for exemption from the B.A.R.E to be given to candidates who qualify. This Determination will be made by the Board only after subjecting the candidate to a Professional Interview. The Interview is aimed at determining the applicant’s understanding of ethics and professionalism within the practice of architecture in Barbados.
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All candidates (including candidates with most of their practical experience outside of Barbados) will be questioned on their understanding of the general conditions, statutory organisations and the relevant legislation that influence the practice of architecture in Barbados. This does not suggest that knowledge of every government authority, legislation, etc is required. However, the candidates understanding of the basic conditions surrounding the practice of architecture is necessary in order for him/her to be able to provide competent professional Architectural advice.
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VERIFICATION OF FOREIGN LICENSURE / REGISTRATION
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Applicants must submit notarized copies of professional certificates of registration/licensure from jurisdictions outside of Barbados. An official letter must be sent from the certifying/registration board directly to the A.R.B. This letter is to provide the candidate’s current status of license and the requirements/results of any examination/evaluation which formed the basis for licensure. All documents not printed in English must be accompanied by an acceptable original translation that includes all written and printed matter on the originals and performed by a qualified translator. A notarized Affidavit of Accuracy must accompany the translation. In addition to these requirements, the A.R.B may request letters of job verification from the candidate’s previous employers who are approved registered architects in the jurisdictions that the candidate is registered. Such letters shall clearly outline the architectural tasks performed by the candidate and the durations. The verifying architect’s seal (irrespective of jurisdiction) shall be affixed to all such letters.
FEES
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Each Applicant that is approved by the Board for architectural registration is issued a certificate of approval (license). This license entitles the bearer to obtain a certificate of registration from the Registrar of the Supreme Court.
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After approval by the A.R.B., the candidate is responsible for paying the Architects registration fee of one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($1,250.00) to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, annually, in order to attain and to maintain registration as an Architect in Barbados. A certificate of registration is issued annually upon payment of these fees. This is the sole responsibility of candidates approved by the A.R.B. It is important to note that it is acquisition of the certificate of registration issued by the Registrar that is the final step in the registration process. This is not to be confused with the certificate of approval (license) issued by the A.R.B.
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ELIGIBILITY
An individual must:
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File an application (Form A) for registration to the Secretary of the Architect Registration Board
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Show proof of the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
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Be a Barbadian citizen, a legal resident of Barbados or holder of a work permit granted under section 17 of the Immigration Act of Barbados.
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Be of good moral character as verified by employers via letters of reference submitted to the A.R.B. for determination
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Have received an education that includes a Professional Degree/Diploma in Architecture satisfactory to the A.R.B.
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The A.R.B. might require additional information that they deem as necessary for verification of documents submitted.
The Architects Registration Act provides for the constitution and procedures of the Architects Registration Board. The board consists of the Chief Technical Officer, Ministry of Transport, Works & Water Resources, ex-officio or nominee; one person appointed by the Minister; and four registered architects appointed by the Minister on the nomination of the Barbados Institute of Architects. All members of the Board, other than the ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of 3 years, but are eligible for re-appointment for a maximum of two consecutive terms. All such members are eligible for re-appointment after the expiration of one year thereafter.
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Following the amendment of the Act The Board established a mandate based upon the board’s interpretation of the Architects Registration Act, 2003-5 regulations, section 19(1) (dated 21st April, 2003), and the Architects Registration (Amendment) Act, 2005-28 (dated 8th December, 2005). Click below to learn more.
Click the links below to download the following important resources:
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Architects Registration Board
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Ms. Deborah Richards
Secretary (Ag.) for Chairman
C/O Ministry of Transport, Work & Water Resources
Pine East - West Boulevard
The Pine, St. Michael
Tel: (246) 536-0101
Email: Deborah.Richards@publicworks.gov.bb
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Mr. Pierre Tatem
Chairman of the Architects Registration Board
Dip. Arch, B.Arch, M.Arch
Gillespie & Steel Associates Ltd. (GSA)
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​Mr. Kurt R. G. Bourne
B.A. (Hons), M.Arch., MBA, RA, BIA
LEED Green Associate
ADCM Consultancy Inc.
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Mr. Anthony Brooks
B.Sc. (Hons), M.A. (Hons.),
Dip. Arch., RIBA, BIA.
Tony Brooks Architects Ltd
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Mr. Paul Simpson
P.B. Simpson Architects
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Dr. Albert Best
DSc, FCIOB, FAPM, RIBA, AIA, BIA
Archis Design group Inc
Ex Officio
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