African Design Magazine March 2015 | Page 25

NEWS News The Free State Institute of Architects (FSIA) is a SACAP accredited voluntary association and non-profit member organization for architects. They are affiliated with the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), committed in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence in architecture. They also offer associated membership to suppliers and manufacturers from the Building Industry. What they offer to Members (Architects): • Professional advice from our committee (practice, education, heritage, etc.). • Discount on contract documents (JBCC & SAIA). • Informative lectures, workshops and seminars to assist with continuing professional development (CPD). • Ensuring members stay abreast with what is happening in the architectural environment through our emails, newsletters, Facebook page and website updates. • Discount on CPD workshops and seminars. • Social/Networking activities to interact with other members and stakeholders from the Building Industry. • Assistance with Council (SACAP) and CPD related matters. • Marketing opportunities (Regional Awards, display of work at BloemBuild Expo, etc.) What they offer to Associated Members: • Marketing opportunities (BloemBuild Expo (free exhibition stand), FSIA Golf Day, sponsoring of seminars and workshops). • Free access to a complete address list of professional architects in the Free State. • Marketing of products to architects (via emails). • Assistance with events and marketing thereof. • Free advertisements in our newsletters, Facebook page and website. • Constant updates on what is happening in the profession. • Interaction with other stakeholders in the Building Industry. i Activities: The FSIA hosts a wide variety of activities each year. Anything from workshops, seminars and lectures (which enable our members to gain information and receive support with continuing professional development (CPD)), networking and social activities, our annual Golf Day (to raise funds for the conservation of heritage buildings), as well as the annual BloemBuild Expo. The Golf Day is the ideal platform for all stakeholders in the Building Industry to network and meet potential clients, while playing an enjoyable game of golf. Suppliers are also given the opportunity to sponsor the event and receive maximum publicity for their products/services and to make a contribution towards conservation. Their BloemBuild Expo was firstly introduced as “Open Day Expo” – a relatively small expo held at the Department of Architecture, University of the Free State’s building (also the organizing partner for the event) in 2013. In 2014 the new branding was launched and ‘BloemBuild Expo’ was “born”! The Expo was started as an extra benefit to their Associated Members, where they could have a platform to display their products and market their services (at no exhibition cost to members) to architects, architectural students (their future clients) other stakeholders in the Building Industry, the general public and media. Their members (professional architects) also receive the opportunity to display their work and to meet potential clients. With over 50 exhibitors in 2014, they strive to offer an event which will grow from strength to strength each year. The dates are set for 23 and 24 July 2015 this year. Interested parties are to please contact the offices on 051-447-4909/[email protected] for further details. AD africandesignmagazine.com 25