By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, March 13, 2025: The Sierra Leone Institute of Architects (SLIA) has inducted a new class of fellows, recognizing architects with over 25 years of distinguished service to the profession. The investiture ceremony, held at the New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown, emphasized the critical role of architects in national development and the urgent need for stronger regulations in the building sector.
The event brought together numerous stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society leaders, and industry professionals, all of whom contributed valuable insights.
SLIA President, Architect Manilius Gerber, described fellowship status as a prestigious global designation that honors seasoned professionals for their significant contributions to architecture. “These fellows are no longer just members—they are recognized for their dedication and impact on the profession,” he noted.
Gerber also expressed concern over unqualified individuals practicing architecture in Sierra Leone. He highlighted that becoming an architect requires at least five to six years of formal education and supervised professional practice. “Anyone who has not gone through this process is a quack. By the laws of Sierra Leone, they should be prosecuted,” he said, referencing the Architects Act of 1986, which legally protects the profession from unqualified practitioners.
Sierra Leone’s acute shortage of architects remains a pressing issue. Gerber revealed that the country has only 37 registered architects, including trainees, stressing the need for a substantial increase in qualified professionals. “We need hundreds of architects, just as we need doctors,” he remarked. While he acknowledged the establishment of the School of Architecture at Fourah Bay College as a positive step, he noted that progress has been hampered by a lack of qualified trainers. “We need more professionals to train the younger generation,” he urged.
Addressing a common misconception, Gerber clarified the distinction between architects and engineers. “An architect is the master builder who ensures the design and functionality of a structure,” he explained. “Engineers, on the other hand, specialize in specific areas such as structural integrity or mechanical systems, but architects bring all these elements together cohesively.”
A key concern raised during the ceremony was the lack of urban planning and regulation in Sierra Leone’s built environment. Gerber criticized the unregulated construction practices that contribute to overcrowding, unsafe buildings, and environmental degradation. “In well-planned cities like Dubai, architecture and urban planning go hand in hand,” he said. “Here, however, people build without guidelines, leading to building collapses and congestion in the hills.”
Using traffic law enforcement as an analogy, Gerber argued that just as disorderly roads result from a lack of regulation, the nation’s construction challenges stem from neglecting architectural standards. “The architect is the policeman of the built environment. When their role is ignored, chaos follows,” he stated.
Gerber called on the government to enforce architectural regulations and prioritize urban planning. “For over 30 years, we have advocated for change, but little progress has been made,” he lamented. “If we want a well-structured country, it’s time to take the role of architects seriously.”
Arc. Conrad Carlton Carew, SLIA’s Secretary, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that Sierra Leone’s infrastructure must adhere to professional standards to ensure safety, functionality, and sustainability.
As urbanization accelerates, the need for architects to shape Sierra Leone’s infrastructure becomes even more urgent. The induction of new SLIA fellows highlights the critical importance of expertise and professionalism in the nation’s development. However, without strict enforcement of architectural standards, the country risks further infrastructure challenges, safety hazards, and economic setbacks.