The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) today launches a new membership class called Associate Member, which will replace the current Graduate class.
This change has been implemented to provide the best possible support for a wider range of members.
Unlike the existing Graduate class, Associate Member applicants do not need to be working towards Part III (necessary for Chartered Architect status), therefore widening access to more professionals in the industry.
RIBA Associate Members will have a number of specifically tailored RIBA support services to help their career development, moving them towards RIBA Chartered Membership.
Existing Graduate members will automatically be moved to the new Associate Member category.
"The new Associate Member class is a great opportunity to enable all members who have an interest and qualification in architecture to engage with the profession and enjoy the benefits of RIBA membership," said Richard Brindley, Executive Director of RIBA Professional Services.
"The structure of the new class better reflects the progress and development throughout a practitioner's career, by guiding those seeking to become Chartered Architects through the process of completing Part III, eventually leading them to Chartered Membership."