Congratulations are in order for the 2019-2022 RIBA Advance Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3) graduates.
2022 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the RIBA Hong Kong Chapter and the subsequent introduction of the Part 3 course. To mark this special year, a ceremony for graduates of the 2019-2022 cohorts was hosted at the JC Cube in Tai Kwun on 6 December 2022. Organised by the RIBA Part 3 team with support from the RIBA Hong Kong Chapter, the graduation welcomed not only the graduates of the 2019-2022 courses and their family and friends, but also Professional Education Programmes Director, Alison Mackinder, Part 3 UK Course Leader, David Watkins, and, lecturer and author Stephen Brookhouse.
Special guests included the keynote speaker and Chairman of Aedas, Keith Griffiths, and, Acting Director-General Head of the Department for International Trade, Corin Wilson. Wilson reflected on architecture in the city and the contribution British architectural practices have made over the years highlighting some key projects such as HSBC Headquarters, Consulate General premises, Kai Tak Cruise terminal, and the latest Henderson project. Practices and academia including PDP London and Farrells and Chinese University of Hong Kong were also in attendance.
Alison Mackinder noted that the implementation of the Part 3 programme in Hong Kong, it being the largest international chapter, was indisputably the right course of action, and to this day the course's success over the past 10 years is showcased in the almost 300 graduates who have joined the Hong Kong architecture profession.
"Before RIBA Part 3 programme in Hong Kong, the only route to becoming a registered architect was through HKIA/ARB exam track. This was not an easy route for graduates returning from the UK. RIBA Part 3 course opened up another direction for graduates and give them the flexibility to work in international architectural practices and overseas projects" says Keith Griffiths.
The graduation event also celebrated the first two winners of RIBA Hong Kong Architecture Student Prize. Ruffina Thilakaratne, RIBA Hong Kong Chapter Chair, explained that the prize was initiated to recognise talented graduates from RIBA Part 2 accredited programmes and for RIBA Hong Kong Chapter to develop strong connections with academia.
We are excited for the student prize to continue in the future in collaboration with British Architectural Practices. 2022 sees the return of the course in person and with continuing support from local practices.
