Join the RIAI Non-Practising Members and Fellows Class
In summer of 2024 the RIAI announced the launch of the new Non-Practising Members and Fellows Class. The new class replaces the old Retired Members and Fellows Class and is intended to represent those architects who have pursued careers outside mainstream practice or who have taken career breaks, as well as retired practitioners. Many former architects retain a strong interest in architecture and membership of this Class allows them to participate in the Institute and contribute their experience to the profession.
Non-Practising Members and Fellows Committee
The Non-Practising Members and Fellows Committee was approved by RIAI Council in October 2022 under the previous Council representative, Margaret Coyle. The Committee acts a dedicated forum and liaison group with the Institute. The Committee’s vision, purpose and function are:
- Non-Practising Members and Fellows must be a valued part of the RIAI membership organisation, and their views and experience should have an effective voice in that organisation.
- The principal purpose of the Committee is to provide a specific forum and organisational structure for Non-Practising Members and Fellows. The committee is to provide an effective channel for bringing issues to the attention of the RIAI, and for keeping members informed.
- Of equal importance is the provision of a social and cultural focus to allow Non-Practising members to maintain their links with the architectural profession.
The initial focus of the Committee has been the organising of events for Non-Practising Fellows and Members, including visits to interesting buildings not normally accessible to the public and we have been privileged to have been guided by many of the architects who worked on the construction or repurposing of these buildings. Visits have included the former Berkeley Library and Provost’s House in TCD, the new ESB offices on Fitzwilliam Street, Townley Hall, Drogheda as well as Roe’s distillery, on Thomas Street. We have arranged a series of interesting lectures, and a programme of future visits and lectures is currently being planned.
Membership of the Non-Practising Members and Fellows Class gives access and a voice in the RIAI through its representative on council, currently Patrick Daly, and this gives an opportunity to share our member's experience and views to the profession.
Membership benefits include:
- complimentary subscription to Architecture Ireland, the journal of the RIAI;
- regular email bulletins informing and updating Members on changes to legislation;
- advice on practice issues;
- notification of competitions;
- awards and events.
The current annual subscription is €60.00.
All formally Retired Members and Fellows have been automatically transferred to the Non-Practising Members and Fellow Class. The entry requirements for the Non-practising Members and Fellows class is the same as eligibility for admission to the Register of Architects so you can join the institute directly as a Non-practising Member without having to have previously been a Member of the Institute. The eligibility criteria are available here and new members from a diverse background and range of experience will be greatly welcomed.
We are now actively looking to expand to a wider membership.
Existing RIAI Members and Fellows are encouraged to invite their contemporaries and friends to join.
For membership of the RIAI Non-Practising Members and Fellows Class please contact Caoimhe Gilsenan, RIAI Membership Officer at Membership@riai.ie