Architects Tasked to Embrace Technology, Professionalism Amid Economic Hardship

 



By Ukpa Ewa 


Architects in Anambra State have been urged to leverage technology, uphold professionalism and embrace innovation as a way to overcome challenges posed by Nigeria’s struggling economy.


This was the key message at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Anambra State Chapter, held at the Architectural Research Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The conference, which also served as a Continuing Development Programme for members, had the theme “Architectural Practice and Professionalism in a Challenging Economy.”


Speakers at the event stressed the need for architects to adapt to changing times by integrating artificial intelligence, exploring new business models and maintaining ethical standards in practice.


Declaring the conference open, the NIA State Chairman, Dr. Ikenna Onuorah, said the forum was aimed at equipping members with research knowledge and technological tools that can help them thrive in the built environment. He lamented the decline in professional standards, poor remuneration and the prevalence of quackery, which he said threaten the integrity of the profession and have led to the migration of many skilled architects outside the country.


In his keynote address, the National Honorary Secretary of the Institute, Arc. Chike Chamberlain Ibeanu, described the present economic climate as a tough period for practitioners due to rising material costs, project delays and funding shortages. He advised architects to remain resilient, embrace efficiency and seek collaboration while maintaining integrity as the core value of the profession.


Also speaking, Dr. Ifebi Oluchi Chinenye, in her paper “Transforming Architecture in Nigeria: The Essential Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Building a Resilient Future,” said artificial intelligence offers architects opportunities to design smarter, sustainable, and climate responsive buildings. She urged professionals to adopt AI tools to stay relevant and competitive.


Other papers presented included “Professionalism in the Built Environment” by Dr. Chukwubueze Onwuzuligbo and “Code of Conduct and Ethics of the Architecture Profession” by Arc. Moses Ajah.


Also, lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Boniface Obiadi, encouraged young professionals to keep learning, remain adaptable and embrace change, noting that the profession rewards creativity and continuous improvement.


The conference also featured student design competition where undergraduates Ifeanyichukwu Ogbuagu and Ndubisi Solace emerged winners with their project “Igbo Landing Cultural and Memorial Centre,” receiving a cash prize of ₦250,000.



Other winners were Chukwujigha Anthony, who took second place with ₦175,000, and Ebuh Philip, who came third with ₦150,000.


The event concluded with award presentations to outstanding members and certificates to participants, including Sliding Towers Global Limited, an indigenous architectural firm.



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