A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc. Harcourt Adukeh has called on members of the Institute to always brace up to the modern challenges facing the profession.

Arc. Harcourt Adukeh gave this charge while speaking on the occasion of the Nigerian Institute of Architects Award/Gala Night in Port Harcourt at the weekend, said that professionals should always ensure that maximum standards of professionalism, conduct were maintained b all architects in the state.

He advised the young architects not to be in a hurry to open their own company, pointing out that, “Always under study an older architect, so as to gain the necessary experience in the profession, older architects are reservoir of knowledge which the upcoming architects can gain a lot from in the profession”.

Arc. Harcourt who was the chairman of the Gala Night, called on government to enforce the existing enabling laws guarding the construction industry in the country, so as to forestall the issue of collapse buildings.

Also speaking at the occasion, the chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Rivers State chapter, Rev. Arc. Belema Okpokiri called on members to be creative and also diversify into other fields of endeavours, so as to be able to face the competitive world.

He called for a proper supervision of projects as regards the quality of materials and persons doing the construction pointing out, “When this is ensured, the era of collapsed building will be a thing of the past”.

The highlights of the events was the raffle draw for a Hyundai Car by the Institute which was won by Mrs. Lizzy Onche and the grand performance by guest artist such as Daniel Seaman, De Bold Heart and Rosaline Spelle. This was the first of its kind to be held by the Nigerian Institute of Architects in recent times.