What is ARCHITECTURE?
ARCHITECTURE is the design of buildings. It covers all aspects of the process from inception to the completion of a new building. It may also involve the renovation or restoration of existing buildings and in some instances, the building may undergo major changes in use. ARCHITECTURE encompasses not only the design of an individual building but also relates the building to those adjacent to it and to the environment as a whole. It is an integrative art that takes account of history, culture, environment, technology, economics, management and law.
How do I become an ARCHITECT?
This involves a period of study at a University that has professional degrees for architects. In Hong Kong, there are two Universities that offer these courses:
- The University of Hong Kong
Students who wish to become architects follow the three-year programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, B.A. (Arch. Studies), and subsequently continue in a further two-year programme leading to the second degree of Master of Architecture, M. Arch., which is recognized by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), and the Architects Registration Board of Hong Kong (ARB).
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The programme consists of two degrees. The first is the pre-professional degree of Bachelor of Social Sciences (Architectural Studies) [B. Soc. Sc. (A.S.)]. The second is the professional degree of Master of Architecture (M. Arch). The curriculum has been structured to meet the present standards of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Architects Registration Board of Hong Kong (ARB).
Students may study equivalent courses in overseas universities and for information on the applicability of these courses they should contact the Hong Kong Institute of Architects.
After completion of their University studies, all graduates are required to undertake a minimum of two years supervised work in an architect’s office and then sit for the Examinations conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects.
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Members shall be qualified architects, duly nominated and elected by the Council, who
- are members of any other architects’ association, institution or register recognised by the Council for the purpose of admission, or
- hold a degree or a diploma in architecture recognised by the Council, have two years post - graduate architectural experience or its equivalent as defined by the Council from time to time and who have passed the HKIA/ARB Professional Assessment or its approved equivalent.
Members may use the statement ‘Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects’ or the letters ‘H.K.I.A.’ after their names
Application form
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Fellows - Members who have had a minimum of 15 years standing in HKSA/HKIA and in practice for 15 years (relevant experience in the academic or the public sectors being recognized) or have made a significant contribution to the work of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects or to the field of architecture shall be elected as Fellows subject to the approval of the Council. Fellows may use the statement ‘Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects’ or the letters F.H.K.I.A. after their names.
Application form (PDF Format)
Associates shall be persons who have completed a course of study in architecture and
- A professional diploma/degree in Architecture obtained on completion of a five-year or equivalent, full-time course of study, which is recognized by a national accrediting body in the country in which the degree is conferred.
- (i) Being a current member of an established architectural institution which has a status equivalent to that of HKIA in its country of origin.
OR
(ii) Possessing professional experience in architecture or in a related field for a minimum of 5 years full time obtained after the acquisition of a professional diploma/degree in Architecture as required in (a) above.
- Associates may use the statement ‘Associate of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects’ or the title ‘Associate H.K.I.A.’ after their names.
Application form (MS Word format)
Affiliates shall be persons or categories of persons considered by the Council to have a connection with the architectural profession and who are suitable to be admitted as Affiliates of the Institute.
Affiliates may use the statement ‘Affiliate of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects’ or ‘Affiliate HKIA’ after their names.
For eligibility criteria and assessment requirements, please refer to the below attachments.
Should you be interested in joining HKIA Affiliate, please feel free to contact HKIA Secretariat at 2511 6323.
Eligibility criteria and Assessment requirements
Graduate Members shall be persons who
- possess a degree or diploma in the field of architectural studies from a University or School recognised by the Council, or
- have passed any professional examination in architecture recognised by the Council.
Application Form
Student Members shall be persons who are enrolled in full-time courses of study in architecture in a University or School recognised by the Council.
Following a Council resolution on 7 September 2005 and 16 December 2008, full-time students of the following programmes are recognized by Council to be eligible to apply for HKIA Student Membership:
Application form (MS Word format)
Honorary Members shall be such persons as the Institute may wish to honour and whose membership would further the objects of the Institute.
Honorary Fellow
Honorary Members
- Mr. YE Rutang 葉如棠 (1993)
- Mr. Denis G. LEVETT (1999)
- Sir David AKERS-JONES 鍾逸傑爵士 (2006)
- Ir. Dr. CHENG Hon Kwan 鄭漢鈞博士 (2006)
- Prof. Tunney F. LEE (2006)
- Mr. KERR Keith Graham (2007)
- Mr. SONG Chun Hua宋春華 (2007)
Any Member, Associate or Graduate Member who is not ordinarily resident in Hong Kong may apply for a change of membership status to Non-Resident Member, subject always to the approval of the Council.
Corporate Members shall be corporations carrying on an architectural practice in Hong Kong at least one of whose directors is a Foundation Member, a Member or a Fellow of the Institute.
Application Form 
