The Liberian Institute of Architects (LIA) has officially announced the historic establishment and subsequent induction of the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB) to license and regulate architectural practices in the country.
By Obediah Johnson
The Board was established shortly after a meeting of architects held in Monrovia recently in keeping with the Architects’ Act of 2023.
Those inducted to the ARB include Adolphus McCritty (Chairman), Samuel W. Thompson (Member), and Abraham W. Wowah (member).
The rest are Sylvanus O’Connor (member), and Alexander Massey (member).
In a statement issued under the signature of the Acting President of the LIA, Adolphus McCritty, Sr., the LIA disclosed that the establishment of the ARB is a milestone in the protection and advancement of the architecture profession in Liberia.
It noted that the Board’s mandate, in collaboration with the LIA, is to safeguard the use of the title “Architect” and ensure that only those duly licensed and registered may practice architecture in Liberia.
The group maintained that as a result of the establishment of the ARB, no individual or company would be recognized or permitted to practice architecture unless registered and licensed by the ARB in accordance with the Act.
It stated that the Architects’ Act of 2023 assigns the ARB wide-ranging responsibilities: regulating the use of the title “Architect,” maintaining the register of qualified practitioners and firms, prescribing standards of education and training, and ensuring adherence to codes of conduct and professional ethics.
The LIA pointed out that these functions are designed to protect the public interest while strengthening the profession’s role in delivering safe, quality, and sustainable buildings and infrastructure.
The Act also requires the ARB to work hand in hand with the LIA in fulfilling licensing and registration requirements, processing, setting, and enforcing qualification standards, fees, and disciplinary codes.
The statement pointed out that this collaboration ensures that architecture in Liberia is practiced within a legally controlled environment, thereby raising professional accountability, promoting public trust, and aligning Liberia’s architectural practice with international standards.
“I wish to emphasize that this is not only a regulatory measure but also a transformative step toward professional excellence. By instituting a framework that clearly defines who is authorized to bear the title Architect, we are safeguarding the profession’s integrity, protecting the public from unqualified practice, and creating an enabling environment for Liberian architects to thrive at home and compete abroad,” the statement quotes Interim President of the LIA and Chairman of the ARB, Adolphus McCritty, Sr., as saying.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Institute of Architects (LIA) has called on practicing professionals, allied institutions, and the general public to respect and support the authority of the Architects’ Registration Board.
“Together, we can ensure that architecture in Liberia continues to contribute to nation-building with integrity, innovation, and respect for the law.”
The Liberian Institute of Architects (LIA) is the professional body for architects in Liberia. It is responsible for licensing, registration, and regulation of architects in Liberia; maintaining professional and ethical standards; and promoting architectural excellence.
It was founded in 1976 originally under the name Liberian Chambers of Architects (LCA). In 2016 the organization rebranded as the Liberian Institute of Architects (LIA) to reflect its evolving mission and vision.
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