A local architect has achieved professional registration in the profession.

Jonathan Castro, of Cooper Gardner, earned his registration from Massachusetts.

Mr Castro joined the Hamilton-based architectural firm in 2011 as an intern architect with a view to achieving full registration.

He said: “Returning to an island and looking for work at an architectural firm amid the economic recession in 2011 proved to be a daunting task.

“I ended up working in a retail shop, stacking boxes for two weeks, not knowing where the next job would be.

“Cooper Gardner kindly took me one and we worked up from there.”

Mr Castro added: “Being a member of the Institute of Bermuda Architects is reassuring as it is a professional body functioning both in the business realm and the community at large to make a positive difference.”

John Gardner, head of Cooper Gardner, said: “We are delighted to celebrate Jonathan’s achievement.

“A lot of work and commitment on his part was required to properly complete this training and qualifications on top of his increasing responsibilities.

“He is a very talented designer and project administrator and is excellent to work with on a full range of projects.

“He is also fast and efficient and attentive.’

Mr Gardner added: “Jonathan also already gives back by mentoring and supporting his colleagues, architecture students and those high school students expressing interest in the design field ”

Mr Gardner said the fact that Mr Castro registered in a depressed economy was “all the more exemplary” because professional registration is not required to practice architecture in Bermuda.

He added: “The registration process adds additional knowledge and it protects the public with a discipline and code of conduct.

“Elimination of registration also restricts designers’ future potential to grow and to work internationally.

“It is also inequitable as it unfairly lowers the barrier to overseas architectural offices to work in Bermuda and this extracts economic opportunity and pride from Bermudians who have invested in themselves and their community.

“Being a member of the Institute of Bermuda Architects is reassuring as it is a professional body functioning both in the business realm and the community at large to make a positive difference.”