REGISTRATION COMMITTEE

Registration Committee is a committee under section 17 of Architects Registration Ordinance (“ARO”) (Cap 408):

1. The Board may appoint a committee of not less than 3 persons who are members of the Institute to examine the qualifications of applicants.

2. The Chief Executive of HKSAR may nominate a person to be a member of the registration committee, and if a person is so nominated, the Board shall appoint him to the committee.

3. The registration committee shall make recommendations to the Board on the acceptability of qualifications which require the Board’s acceptance under section 13(1)(a)(ii) or (iii).

4. The Board shall not be bound by a recommendation of the registration committee under subsection (3).

5. The Board may delegate any of its functions relating to registration and the renewal of registration to the registration committee.

Details of work are listed as follows:

1. To examine and verify the qualifications of applicants for registration or renewal as Registered Architect ("RA");

2. To make recommendations to the Board on the acceptability of applicants for registration or renewal as RA;

3. To review and monitor the registration and renewal process as RA including the Professional Assessment; and

4. To advise the Board generally on matters concerning the registration and renewal of registration as a RA.

Frequency of the meetings: 3-5 times (over lunch) per year

Size of the Committee: 5-9 members

EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE

The Committee oversees matters relating to architectural education, accreditation, the recognition of non-local architectural as well as related education systems and professional qualifications under the direction of the Board.

Details of work are listed as follows:

1. To set and review the qualification standards for registration as a RA and related registration matters (Section 8(b))

2. To entrust the HKIA in organizing the HKIA/ARB professional assessment.

3. To assist the architectural profession and the HKSAR government in the development, quality assurance and accreditation of architectural education in Hong Kong.

4. To pursue the recognition of non-local architectural and related education systems and professional qualifications.

5. To organize, support and promote the events and seminars that would be of RAs’ benefit on professional development.

Frequency of the meetings: 3-5 times (over lunch) per year

Size of the Committee: 5-9 members

HOUSE COMMITTEE

The Committee looks after the administrative matters of the Board and is responsible for scrutinizing the annual budget and reviewing of the sharing ratio with HKIA. It may also need to closely collaborate with HKIA to consider any policy matters related to joint resources, staffing and premises.

Details of work are listed as follows:

1. To keep proper records of its proceedings and accounts (section (8)(g) refers)

2. To make rules for the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by persons attending to the business of the Board (section 9(e) refers)

3. To review and recommend to the Board the rate of subscription or levy prescribed for the purposes of sections 9(a), 14(2), 16(3) and 16(6) of the ARO and all registration related fees.

4. To advise on any other financial and administration matters referred to it by the Board.

Frequency of the meetings: 1-2 times (over lunch) per year

Size of the Committee: 3-4 members

LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The Committee deals with the legal matters of the Board under the Architects Registration Ordinance (“ARO”) (Cap 408).

Detail works are listed as follows:

1. To make rules for the conduct and discipline of RAs (section 9(d) refers);

2. To monitor the progress of disciplinary proceedings;

3. To review the procedures/guidelines of disciplinary proceedings;

4. To consult and seek clarification with the legal advisor on interpretation of the ARO; and

5. To make recommendations to the Board on enforcement and implementation of the ARO.

Frequency of the meetings: 3-5 times (over lunch) per year

Size of the Committee: 5-9 members

Requirement: with legal/ arbitration background and/or serving disciplinary board experience