People claiming to be architects is one of our biggest challenges - Rankin

As we mark World Architecture Day, Fiji Association of Architects Vice President Peter Rankin says one of the biggest challenges they face at the moment is people fraudulently claiming they are architects which has become more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are close to 30 registered architects in Fiji.

Rankin says with the downturn of the economy due to COVID-19 and the construction industry slowing down extensively, they have seen a number of people claiming to be architects which is illegal.

He says architects are one of the most qualified people in the construction industry and Fijians need to realize the importance of utilizing an actual architect.

Rankin says some complaints have already been filed with the Architects Registration Board which then goes to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He adds he has not heard of any architectural firms closing down due to COVID-19 but the employment numbers have been negatively affected.

Rankin also says that the architectural community in Fiji has developed very good skills in planning hospitality projects which has been a positive evolution, given how important tourism is to us.

He says they also trying to promote the usage of sustainable material in projects to reduce carbon emission and he is urging the Department of Environment to look into this as well.