Bermuda architects are calling for the replacement of the "out-dated'' Architects Registration Act 1969 to establish a level playing field for competition, tighter regulation in the industry and improved standards.

President of the Institute of Bermuda Architects, Colin Campbell, said that the outmoded legislation needs to be superseded by a new Act that would give local architectural practices the same opportunities and territorial oversight exercised in other countries.

Bermuda architects wishing to practice in the US, for example, require permission from a US state organisation comprised of architects, providing a virtual professional peer review. In Bermuda, there are no such requirements.

He said, "This issue, or the need for change, is not a question of protectionism, but one of providing the opportunity for local architects to interface with overseas architects, but on our grounds. "We have a great programme for our own liability insurance and a number of other things. But if the local architects are seen as merely an adjunct to a project, it doesn't work very well.'' Bermuda professionals were recently forced to fend off increasing incursions into the Bermuda market by their Canadian counterparts, who used the benefit of the soft Canadian dollar to attract interest from Bermuda developers.

Meanwhile, an advertisement in the yellow pages threatens: "Use of the title ARCHITECT is prohibited unless the person is registered under the Architects Registration Act 1969.'' And if local architects seem just a little touchy about the subject, it is for a good reason. Many builders have assumed that certain draughtsmen were architects. But caveat emptor. Should their work be sub-standard, getting satisfaction, or even your money back, may be difficult.

Mr. Campbell pointed out that the Institute had nothing against legitimate draughtsmen, but knew of some who improperly identified themselves as architects. But he said, "In Bermuda, just about anybody can submit to the Department of Planning, any documents for any size of project.'' There are 20 young Bermudians with architectural degrees who could become registered in the next ten years, together with another more than 20 who are studying in college, and others emerging from high school with architecture as a career option.

The Institute said it is taking a very proactive role in promoting opportunities for Bermudians in their industry, protecting the future base of Bermudian architects -- by ensuring an international standard of education.

The institute also wants the use of international architects only through the grace of a local firm, and a change in the incorporation status of architectural firms. They want a proper registry of professionals working in the industry, so that it is clear who has what qualifications. An industry once largely known as foreign-dominated, has become substantially Bermudian.

Out of 54 registered architects in Bermuda, more than 80 percent (44) are Bermudian.

And fully, the offices are staffed 70 percent by Bermudians. The growth area for non-Bermudians recently has been in architectural technology, a related professional qualification which draughtsmen can attain.

The Institute of Bermuda Architects began developing a joint educational programme which provides early education at the Bermuda College, followed by a finishing programme at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto.

Mr. Campbell said, "It's a re-focusing of resources right here in Bermuda.

Those people who found themselves a year off an education that they didn't have the opportunity to complete.

"The industry has moved away from pencil and paper in the last five years pretty dramatically. It is all computerised now. So some people here who have good skills may be one step or more off complete certification. So there is an opportunity for those folks to get on board.

"The programme with Ryerson also provides opportunities for people to get into the industry, who would not do the complete seven year or longer programme needed to qualify as an architect.'' The architectural industry used a 1993 lull in business to concentrate on education for local students. The Institute of Bermuda Architects led such efforts, by developing a programme with the National Trust. Over this period -- inclusive of the last six to eight years -- architectural fees have remained stable.