Sir, - I wish to respond to your feature article headed "Architecture" (Property Supplement April 24th) on behalf of my Association, The Association of Building Engineers.
In the article Mr D. Keane made particular references to. building surveyors (or to use the European and International term Building Engineer) and my Association wishes to set the record straight for the benefit of your readers relating to his comments made about the profession. Building Engineers specialise in the technology of building. Their work includes both the technical and management processes by which buildings are designed and constructed, renewed and maintained. This involves them in activities including site investigations, building inspections and surveys, project design and cost evaluations, contract procedures, project management and deciding which construction methods and materials to use. The Building Engineers' expertise includes a detailed understanding of statutory regulations and technical codes and standards.
The Association of Building Engineers has members in Ireland and in many countries throughout the world operating under an identical Code of Professional Conduct. Consequently, it is disappointing to read Mr Keane's comments on the profession which are not only inaccurate but offensive to our membership and must be equally so to building surveyors in other professional organisations.
Mr Keane states that "nearly all of the building societies and banks, as well as the Law Society, are only prepared to accept Certificates of Compliance with the Building Regulations from RIAI members." This is simply not correct and is an extraordinary statement to make in such an article. This Association was one of the organisations who drafted acceptable wording for the Certificates with the Incorporated Law Society and this format is used by our members and accepted by lending institutions and the legal profession.
On the question of design of buildings the Building Engineer offers a comprehensive service in the preparation of drawings, specifications and estimates for new buildings and the alterations, extensions, and refurbishment of existing buildings. These are established functions of the Building Engineer and no other title is necessary to perform such functions.
It is evident that Mr Keane did not research all the issues before going to press and therefore the status of our membership must be stated accurately for the benefit of the public as has been outlined above. It is understandable that Mr Keane wishes to protect his own Institute's membership but in doing so he should not present the position of the other professions inaccurately, in particular the Building Engineer, and should recognise that functions overlap in the construction professions and will continue to do so in the years ahead. - Yours, etc.,
Honorary Secretary, The Association of Building Engineers - Irish Branch,
Hogan House,
Hogan Place,
Dublin 2.