The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named Associate Professor of Architecture at University of The Bahamas (UB) and noted professional architect Mr. Henry Hepburn as a Fellow for 2021, an accomplishment that recognizes the contributions of architects to their communities, the profession, and those who seek to follow in their footsteps. Both in and out of the classroom, Mr. Hepburn has taught his students how to develop the competencies that are required to meaningfully impact urban planning and design and uplift community. He was pivotal in establishing the Architecture Endowment Fund at UB for scholarships for full-time, undergraduate students of architecture. He has also been intentional about his students actively participating in real-time projects for community development.

“I am elated and honored to have been eligible to be elevated to the esteemed level of Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, for which I give thanks to the Almighty; He has done great things for me,” said Mr. Hepburn, Principal of Henry A. Hepburn Associates, Architects-Urban Planners-Interior Designers.

In making the announcement, RIBA noted that its Fellow Members are inspirational Chartered Members who have made real contributions to architecture and the community. Founded in 1834 for the advancement of architecture, the institute is the oldest professional, architecture body in the world.

In order to become eligible for Fellow Membership, prospective candidates must have demonstrated that they led or played a proactive role in a project that has had a positive social or environmental impact at a local, regional, national or international level; contributed to the advancement or thought leadership of the profession through education, research or technology; and made a significant contribution to architecture through local, regional, national or international initiatives and activities, among others. Mr. Hepburn unequivocally satisfied all of the criteria.

A practising architect, Mr. Hepburn has also served as faculty at UB for many years, having led the Architecture Department and making vital contributions to the academic field. With the assistance of colleagues, he established the five-year Bachelor of Architecture programme at UB, which is comparable to international programmes. The Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) has also bestowed upon him two awards for Civic and Interior Architecture for the ‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church,’ Hamilton, Long Island. Mr. Hepburn views the BA Architecture programme at UB as a conduit for excellence in the profession.

“The Bachelor of Architecture programme at UB seeks to develop aspiring students, and this honour should inspire young Bahamians, and others, to broaden and expand their horizon beyond The Bahamas, and continue to advance their knowledge … to give back and always strive for excellence,” he said.

Five of his former architecture students have done just that, namely, Valaria Pintard-Flax; Marcus Laing; Dario McPhee; Kashela Major, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Beck Group, Fred Perpall, who is the first Bahamian Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA).

Interestingly, Mr. Perpall also contributed to the $25,000 which established the Architecture Endowment Fund at UB, along with Owner of Alexiou & Associates, Mr. Michael Alexiou; Owner and Principal of Michael Diggis and Associates, Mr. Michael Diggis; and Owner and Principal of Anthony Jervis Architects Ltd., Mr. Anthony Jervis. The fund allows for scholarships, study abroad opportunities and a distinguished lecture series, key areas which will extend access to tertiary education for architecture majors and facilitate additional international exposure and knowledge sharing.

“I am privileged to be affiliated with the architecture profession—which is one of the markers of culture; providing spaces and places of worship, work and play, as well as one of service, whose mantra is to promote good stewardship of mother earth—be that in terms of conservation, sustainability, safety and well-being,” said Mr. Hepburn. “Having traveled extensively and studied in the United States, England, Israel and Nepal, has allowed me to make the contributions that I have made to the profession and academia.” 

Associate Professor of Architecture at University of The Bahamas and Principal of Henry A. Hepburn Associates, Architects-Urban Planners-Interior Designers Mr. Henry Hepburn