Gabriel Durand-Hollis, FAIA, was elected president of the Panamerican Federation of Architects’ Associations (FPAA) at the 22nd Panamerican Congress of Architects, held December 6–7 in the French West Indies. Created in 1920 to facilitate communication and cooperation among the architects of the Americas, the FPAA is the oldest of the world’s five regional architect associations. Also elected as part of the Durand-Hollis slate was Robert A. Lopez, AIA, as FPAA executive secretary. Terrance Brown, FAIA, was appointed secretary of the FPAA Northern Region.

Citing a four-point program, Durand-Hollis and Lopez ran on their objective “to provide leadership and support necessary to the architects of the Western Hemisphere so that they may reorganize and reinvent the regional architectural associations.”

Clarification called for
To reinforce the FPAA internal structure and clarify the responsibilities of its directors and leaders, the candidates proposed:

• Clarification of the organization’s statutes, rules, and procedures
• Clarification of the purpose of the FPAA
• Development of resources by collecting fees from member associations and identifying sponsors
• Development of a Web site to connect all members with critical information on business, licensure, professional practice, education, validation, and other topics of interest to member associations.

Durand-Hollis has served as a principal/owner since 1986 of Durand-Hollis Rupe Architects and resides in San Antonio. His term runs from 2004-2008, when the next Panamerican Congress of Architects will be held in the Honduras. Lopez is president and founder of Lopez Salaz Architects Inc., San Antonio. His term runs from 2004-2008 as well.

Also present to observe and help deliver a report of recent actions of the International Union of Architects (UIA), was James A. Scheeler, FAIA. Along with UIA Vice President Louise Cox (Region IV), from Australia, Scheeler briefed the assembly on major program achievements by the UIA Professional Practice Commission, UIA Education Commission, and the UNESCO-UIA Validation Council; specifically, the new and revised Guidelines for the UIA Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice, the revised UNESCO-UIA Charter for Architectural Education, the UNESCO-UIA Validation System, and the related Protocol for Mutual Recognition Between Validation Agencies.

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