CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding

CIAT and the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last Monday.

It signifys a three-year formal agreement between the two bodies to encourage and promote international relationships in the design and construction industries. While it is not a legal agreement, it is "a statement of intent" that aims "to foster genuine and mutually beneficial cooperation", in order to "cultivate a relationship of goodwill and trust".

The MoU sets out CIAT and BDAA's intention to foster connections based on principles of mutual respect and shared benefits, interests, and objectives. Together, the organisations will work collaboratively for the enhancement of the design and construction industries, strengthening sustainable professional communities, engaging in social innovation initiatives, and developing international partnerships.

The agreement also supports the two organisations in collaborating to enhance a culture of learning and professionalism in Architectural Technology and building design. This includes developing collaborative educational opportunities, sharing educational opportunities, sharing educational contacts with each other, and promoting Approval and Accreditation to educational establishments.

The MoU outlines how CIAT and BDAA will support each other’s events and awards programmes as well, through mutual promotion and, in the case of the latter, by providing a judge for the other organisation’s annual awards.

CIAT Chief Executive, Tara Page, said:

I’m thrilled to sign this agreement with BDAA and look forward to what our cooperation can bring each of our memberships. We have many shared interests and goals with BDAA, and I anticipate many exciting collaborative opportunities in the future.

BDAA CEO Chris Knierim said:

We are delighted to formalise our partnership with the CIAT through an MoU. This partnership enables professional development, shared research, and knowledge exchange, benefiting both organisations. We look forward to a productive collaboration with CIAT to advance our mutual objectives in Architectural Technology.

Both organisations have agreed to an annual review of the MoU and its benefits, and the memorandum may be renegotiated at any time during this three-year period.