In a ruminative, in-depth interview with ARCHI TIMES, President, the Institute of Architect Pakistan (IAP) Saad Mahmood Khan, discusses about challenges profession of architecture is facing, and also his architectural practice by the name of SRDW. Saad Khan is Partner Architect at SRDW and has worked on various projects in the Corporate, Residential, Industrial, Education and Health Care sectors.

ARCHI TIMES (AT): What are the reforms and initiatives you have planned after assuming the IAP – President office for the betterment of the Architectural profession?

Saad Mahmood Khan (SMK): IAP today, has around 2400 Associate and 2500 Student Affiliate members. Member inclusivity and engagement is essential to IAP’s growth and relevance. I believe IAP needs to increase the level of interest of the members to make this professional body more effective. The following initiatives by the IAP National Council are in process:

* In addition to the 4 existing Chapters, 2 new chapters i.e. Quetta & Chenab were formed to facilitate members in this region. IAP secretariat members organised introductory visits & meetings with the Executive Members of Quetta and Chenab Chapter for orientation.

* Machine readable IAP membership cards were recently launched at the IAPEX Karachi this June. The membership cards will allow quick and hassle-free access to IAP events and registration of CPD points.

* To further enhance our members experience we are working to revamp the IAP website for a more user-friendly interface.

* Future goals include the launch of a mobile app enabling members to reach out to IAP from the palm of their hands.

* Our current primary focus is getting the house in order which includes reviewing and updating the IAP constitution as well as code of conduct, strengthening of IAP secretariat, Centralized accounting and Regulatory Compliance for IAP.

 

AT: What motivated you to get so intimately involved with the Institute of Architects Pakistan?

SMK: I worked as a student volunteer for a few IAP events in my college days in the 1990s. At the time, most young graduates did not wish to get involved in any of IAP activities. I like most of our generation of students, questioned the relevance and effectiveness of professional bodies such as PCATP and IAP.

In 2013, I was pushed into contesting elections for the Executive committee of IAP Lahore chapter, upon insistence of some close friends. I had no clue what I was getting into. Once elected I closely observed and got motivated by the many selfless senior colleagues who tirelessly made efforts and took time out of their professional and personal commitments to serve the profession. My desire to further serve my fraternity through association with IAP continued in the subsequent years after the end of my EC term in 2015. I returned to serve as Vice Chairman, IAP Lahore Chapter, in 2017-18 and as Chairman from 2018-19.

AT: What are the biggest challenges and difficulties you are facing as an IAP President?

SMK: In Nov 2021, I was elected President IAP when we were passing through the 5th covid wave. The past 2 years of pandemic had brought a major change in lifestyles not just in Pakistan but on a global level. Lack of in person interactions and social gatherings had a deteriorating impact on economy, employment, physical and mental health and quality of life in general. Like everyone else IAP bore the consequences of this changed scenario. Regular IAPEX events that generate running expenses for the IAP Chapters and Councils were suspended for the past 2 years giving a major economic hit to the Institute apart from creating issues of cohesion within our fraternity. Alhamdullillah! the situation has finally improved, and IAP has now resumed its normal operations.

IAP was certified as a registered Section 42- Not for Profit company in the last quarter of 2021. The change of status comes with a lot of compliance requirements which is not common knowledge for members in general. The current National Council has worked very hard to identify the structural issues of the organization and is resolving these one by one. Case in point is the EGM, held recently, to update and amend the Articles and Memorandum of Association document of IAP which will be submitted to SECP.

AT: You are simultaneously running the IAP President office and your firm, please tell us how you are managing these two offices and time?

SMK: It is definitely not an easy ride. I am blessed with a great business partner and a long-term friend Ar. Rashid Rasheed who has always supported and encouraged me in my endeavors. This has allowed me to take out time from my business and work voluntarily for the betterment of our profession. I am fortunate to have a very understanding family, a great team of friends and fellow professionals in IAP who make this possible for me.

AT: How do you see the role of IAP in safeguarding the interests of architects and profession?

SMK: I see IAP as a collective group of very talented professionals who, if united; can overcome all the hurdles that we face as a community day in and day out. Two recent achievements of IAP, through the demonstration of unity, are a testament to this. Firstly, the reduction in Income Tax and Provincial Sales tax rates. Secondly, the advocacy with Government agencies for a better built environment for our country. There is, undoubtedly, a greater good that can be brought about as a unified community.