The Liberian Institute of Architects (LIA) was established in 2015; it was formally established in 1976 and was called the Liberia Chamber of Architects. The LIA as a professional body that seeks the advancement of architects and architecture in Liberia. The objects of the Institute are the advancement of the ART AND SCIENCE OF ARCHITECTURE in Liberia and the promotion of research, education and the practice connected therewith. For the purpose of carrying out these objectives but not otherwise the Institute may:
Promote, guide and provide education, training and research in the Art and Science of Architecture and its related disciplines in the Building Industry;
Hold and recognize examinations and courses of study in Architecture and in the Arts, Sciences and related disciplines connected therewith and award certificates and diplomas thereof;
Provide a central organization for qualified architects by means of high standards of professional ethics and code of conduct; Compile and publish books, journals, pamphlets, information and forms and provide services, which are likely to be of interest or utility;
Encourage and assist professions and occupations, which are auxiliary, kindred or complementary to the architectural profession;
Provide and maintain a library and museum; to further good relations and co-operations between the Institute and similar organizations within or outside the Republic of Liberia. This Act of Legislation seeks to provide Protection and Governance of the practice of Architecture which shall be limited to Liberian Citizens ONLY. The Act shall seek to affirm the following:
Article 1.10: The practice of providing Architectural Services or any related Services to the
General public shall be Limited to Liberian Citizens or a member of a recognized Architectural body from the applicant’s country who have become an associate member of the LIA and is collaborating with a local Architect on all projects.. Article 1.11: No persons shall portrait, simulate, or present himself as an Architect without being
properly Certified, and becoming Registered with an assigned number and Seal provided by
The Institute. Article 1.12: All Design projects to be implemented or processed for Permitting by Governing Authorities
Shall bear the signature and seal of a Registered Architect who is also a member in good
standing with the Liberian Institute of Architects. All National GOL and Foreign based Architectural related projects including, but not limited to those of local NGOs, Government Grants, IMF funded, Donor Funded, etc., shall be channeled through the LIA, and a Registered member of the LIA shall be vetted and assigned to work along with the foreign counterparts. No Business entity whether Liberian Owned or Foreign Owned shall be licensed to provide Architectural Services to the General Public. There Must be a Registered member of the LIA who serves as either an executive member of that Company, or serves as a Consultant on record with a bonefide signed contract, or is an employee of that Construction Company. No exceptions to this Act shall be allowed. Article 1.13: For building project of a total value of $10,000.00usd where there would be NO human
Habitation, or domicile, and limited to animal use only, provisions are hereby made for a
non- Registered Architect, Intern Architect, or student drafts person to undertake such job. Article 1.14: Any person/s found to be in violation of these Acts shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and
shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. A fine of not less than $1,000.00usd per
incident shall be imposed, or face prison term of not less than 12 months. Article 1.15: Regulatory and Economic Support
1. The GOL through the LIA shall foster a regulatory environment that enables architecture firms to invest in research and workforce development Support pro bono and community work in underserved areas
2. The GOL through the LIA shall foster, and support the development of Building Codes, city ordinances, and relative codes for Liberia as well as the continuous revision of such codes. These codes when approved shall be the binding codes of Liberia.
3. The GOL through the LIA shall foster, and support the development of planned designs and guidelines, city and urban designs, Housing Designs & Guidelines,economic Development, Historic Preservation, environmental and energy efficiency, and Urban renewal frame works and plans for Liberia as well as the research and continuous revision of such plans. These codes when approved shall be the binding codes of Liberia. Article 1.16: The Board
The Institute shall be charged with the responsibility of creating, administering, and chairing the National Certification of Architects and Registration Board to ensure, verify, and accredit the credentials of all applicants for Architect’s licensing to practice in the Republic of Liberia. Such Board shall constitute representatives from the Ministry of education, the University of Liberia or an accredited institute of Architecture, The Ministry of Public Works, the President, Vice President, and Secretary General of the Liberian Institute of Achitects, two fellows, of the Liberian Institute of Architects, and representatives of chapters of the LIA, if any. This Board shall be considered as the highest body, and authority to register, accredit, and license both architects, and Institutions that would provide services, training, and education for Architects in Liberia, in coherence and collaboration with the statutory mendate of the Ministry of Education. Article 1.17: Fees
Architects shall have the rights to charge fees for various types of professional services performed to clients. Such fees schedule and procedures shall be unanimously determined by the institution. Article 1.18: Code of Conduct
The code of conduct established and adopted by the LIA shall be binding upon every member of the Institution. Violations shall be subjected to a fine of not less than $1,000 USD or face six Months suspension of license.
