The AIA announced January 13 that it will continue its sponsorship of the International Union of Architects Council (UIA) Professional Practice Commission. This announcement follows a November 2002 decision by the UIA Council, voted on at its recent meeting in Curitiba, Brazil, to endorse the continued AIA sponsorship of the commission.

Since its establishment in 1994, the commission has worked toward development of the first set of international policies, standards, and guidelines for the practice of architecture, called the “UIA Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice.” The AIA will continue to serve as the commission’s co-directorate with the Architectural Society of China. The UIA Accord, approved by the 1999 UIA General Assembly in Beijing, China, has served to enhance architecture practice through reform of both national legislation and regulation by individual UIA member sections. It also serves as a resource guide for bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations related to professional architectural services.

Penney appoints Keune
AIA President Thompson E. Penney, FAIA, has designated Russell V. Keune, FAIA, to succeed James A. Scheeler, FAIA, as the commission’s co-director. Until his retirement in 1999, Keune served as the Institute’s director of international relations. He has been volunteering with the commission for the past two years. “This is such an important issue for our members, and I am thrilled to be leading a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to this cause,” Keune said.

Although retiring as the commission’s co-director, Scheeler will continue to serve as a participating member. In recognition for his role in leading the commission to a significant level of international accomplishment in its first eight years, Scheeler was honored with the AIA’s 2000 Edward C. Kemper Award, given for a lifetime of service to the profession and the Institute. Additionally, Scheeler was elected to honorary membership in the Federacion de Colegios de Arquitectos del la Republica Mexicana in 1990, the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in 1998, and the Japan Institute of Architects in 1999.

The UIA commission continues to develop a supplemental series of guideline documents to assist UIA member sections in implementing individual elements of the accord. The guidelines cover subjects such as ethics and conduct, registration, licensing and certification, and continuing professional development. Any AIA member interested in participating in the commission’s current work should contact Ellen Delage, director of international relations, 202-626-7415, or edelage@aia.org.

Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.