“Architecture is nothing if it does not contain the seeds of a better future. Whatever its relationship to the past or present, its prime duty is to look forward, to construct new relationships between what exists and what can come into being.”

Cindy O’Hara, RAIC, LEED AP:

Together with my board members, we at ICIA plan to address Cayman Islands concerns, as well as promote the architectural profession and the value it brings to the Cayman Islands.

The Strategy Committee has the opportunity to learn from all the Government bodies, developers and the public and particularly the workshops planned to be held in the near future.

This Committee will also take account of the results of the questionnaire which will be instigated very soon, which I hope everyone will complete.

All this will guide the Institute to develop its strategy, which is to be finalised and approved later this year.

Several months ago, I was struck how the following five principles echoed so much of what we as an institute would like to adopt and achieve:

1. UNITY AND SUPPORT

We expect to encourage cooperation between all members, to develop a more collegiate approach and increase our advocacy of good architecture and how it matters to everyone.

2. COLLABORATION & TRANSPARENCY

We look to promote greater communication from the Institute, representing our profession with Government bodies. We intend to lead these collaborative and fact finding meetings with Government, developers and the public so that all members can feel more involved and able to take part, sharing information and ideas for the future of the Cayman Islands.

3. EXCELLENCE, LEARNING & DIVERSTIY

We already promote architectural excellence through our own private practices and awards, but could do more, so as a collective of learned Architects, we must address the barriers in architectural education and promote different paths to the profession, in order to increase diversity and equality.

4. LOCALISM WITH INTERNATIONALISM

We are a Local Institute, connected to many professional bodies and other Architectural bodies around the Caribbean and every Island has a different dynamic. We plan to develop and engage to develop and share our international contacts and learn from links abroad.

5. GOVERNANCE & BEST PRACTICES

We should expect to operate and manage the Institute in an open and democratic manner, supporting our members, the public and all their interests in a transparent and accountable way.

(ref: RIAS – president’s remarks 2018)

There are many other things that I would like to address, but for now I believe these are achievable. I look forward to meeting you all over the next few months and will do my best to answer your concerns.

I am ambitious for the Institute, and for the quality of architecture in the Cayman Islands, and know that others are equally hopeful, and I look forward to sharing the way forward.