Project Supervisor

Wallace Farrugia & Associates

 

Job Description

A vacancy has arisen for the full time post of a perit or equivalent to work on an indefinite contract basis in an established design practice.  His/her duties shall primarily involve the day to day site supervision of a number of major projects.

Job Requirements:

The ideal candidate must demonstrate experience and proficiency in site supervision and an ability to work in a team environment.

Contact Person: Perit Wallace Farrugia
E-Mail: wfa@maltanet.net
Contact number: +356 21316758

 

nZEB European community launched

The ABRA Community is a European network of stakeholders that believe in investing in building renovation through AdoRES (new Additions and Renewable Energy Sources) to achieve and finance a nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) and creating synergies between old and new, while raising the architectural quality. The network was created within the framework of the EU funded Horizon 2020 ABRACADABRA project that ACE is a partner in (find more information here).

It includes a variety of actors such as: housing cooperatives, policy-makers and public sector, architects, construction companies, ESCOs, property owners, building managers, research and financial institutions as well as other building practitioners etc.

Being part of the community allows you to be updated on project achievements, get access to the free project toolkits to test them in your project, learn about case study buildings and be part of a paradigm change in building renovation towards nZEB and much more.

 

As a member of ACE, the Kamra tal-Periti supports this project.

 

Building in Safety seminar fully booked

St Benedict College call for periti to host students in ‘Career Exposure Experience’

St Benedict College (Kirkop) has issued a call for periti to host secondary school students in their “Career Exposure Experience” programme.

Mr Natalino Mallia, Principal Education Support Officer, stated that “In the past eight scholastic years, St Benedict College organised the ‘Career Exposure Experience’ for boys and girls in Form 4. Every year, the outcomes are extremely positive and encouraging. Over 1600 students had participated in this work experience. This project is of particular benefit to each and every student’s career development. For this reason, St Benedict’s College is taking the initiative to re-organise this unique opportunity to all students boys and girls in Form 4.”

The project will be organised spread over two weeks:

  • Week 1 : 20th to 24th November 2017
  • Week 2 : 4th to 7th December 2017

 

Throughout the scholastic year, St Benedict College is involved in the organisation of a range of career exercises, educational fairs, vocational activities and career orientation visits related to ‘Career Information’ for students from Form 1 to Form 5.

 

During the ‘Career Exposure Experience’ the students are:

  • introduced to the world of work. They will acquire knowledge of the job market and career opportunities in different sectors.
  • expected to abide to the rules and responsibilities at the work place such as punctuality at work, working with a group of people and accountability;
  • exposed to new career paths which is very important when making choices for their future career;
  • not paid for any services/work carried out during the work experience;

 

Mallia advised that “It is highly recommended that the work experience will be carried out during school hours which is between 08:15 – 14:00 (the hours can be adjust according to necessities). The number of placements offered to students is left at your discretion.”

 

“On behalf of the St Benedict College, I would also like to propose that a ‘Career Exposure Experience Agreement Form’ which is signed by the Head of School will be signed by a representative acting on your behalf and who will be responsible for the students during this experience. Staff at college and school level will be visiting students during the one week in order to mentor and support them.

 

“I am confident that this experience will also be of benefit to the business community in that employers will find a better prepared workforce in the future. On behalf of my college, I would like to thank you in advance for your sincere collaboration and support for providing our students the opportunity to experience life at the place of work.”

 

For further information please contact Ms Graziana Cauchi on graziana.cauchi@ilearn.edu.mt or 25984019 / 25984016 / 25984026 .

 

The Kamra tal-Periti supports this initiative and encourages its members to provide the opportunity to the students to gain insight into the profession and hopefully become the architects and civil engineers of the future.

Architect & Civil Engineer

ARCHI Project net

 

Job Description

We are currently looking to recruit a full time highly motivated, talented and qualified Architect & Civil Engineer to join the team.

Job Requirements:

Selected individual must

  • Be in possession of Degree in Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • Proficient in Structural Engineering
  • Have excellent people skills
  • Be willing to learn and have flexible work approach
  • Be a good team players
  • Be fluent in Maltese and English language
  • Have valid driving license and own transport

E-Mail: info@archiprojectnet.com
Closing date: 24 / 10 / 2017

 

Courts Registrar issues new call for Experts for 2018

The Registrar of the Courts of Justice of Malta has issued a call for Court Experts in terms of Art. 89 of Chapter 12 of the Laws of Malta.

The Kamra tal-Periti is hereby notifying all interested members of the profession to submit their nomination for 2018 through the registration form below.

Deadline for the submission of nominations was 23rd October, 2017.

 

Huntingford building integrated in proposed Xewkija Business Hub

The Planning Board has approved a planning application for the development of a business hub in Xewkija on the site formerly occupied by the Milk Marketing Union (MMU). The approved development includes the integration of Huntingford’s buildings within the new development. The Kamra tal-Periti had campaigned strongly for the protection of this modernist building during the public consultation process.

Earlier this year, the Planning Authority had announced the scheduling of the building at Grade 2 level.

Photo Credit: Planning Authority

Case Study 2 | Conflicting role of Perit and Developer

As you are aware, one of the functions of the Kamra tal-Periti is to investigate complaints of misconduct made against members of the profession. Many of these cases are often cleared following mediation between the parties, however there are several instances where the Council finds the actions of the perit in question to be unacceptable and unbecoming to the profession.

This case study considers a complaint which was received from Complainants A in March 2017, wherein they stated that they had purchased an apartment from Perit X around 20 years ago. When they came to sell the property in 2014, the estate agent brought to their attention the fact that the property was not compliant with the approved permit, including the number of garages beneath the block, some internal alterations, changes to the façade, and a room at the back of the property which had been indicated to them to be a bedroom (and was in fact used by them as such) but which had been approved as a kitchen in view of the depth of back yard which was less than the required minimum of 3m.

Complainants A alleged that they had been deceived when purchasing the property from Perit X, since the latter knew that the property was not in accordance with the approved permit. They stated that since the seller was a Perit, they had assumed that Perit X was acting in a professional manner, and they trusted in the advice given to them at the time of purchase. They also alleged that Perit X had shouted at them in their own residence, and also requested payment to submit the relevant applications to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), and, later, the Planning Authority (PA), to rectify the deviations from the approved permit. They also complained that although these matters had been brought to the attention of Perit X in 2014, the situation had not yet been addressed at the time of their complaint, and thus they had suffered damages as they could not sell their property.

Throughout the course of its investigation into this case, the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti requested various statements in writing from both Perit X and the Complainants. The Council also summoned both parties to testify, in order to be in a better position to determine the facts of the case.

It transpired that the land on which the block of apartments was built was owned by Company Y, of which Perit X was one of two shareholders (the other shareholder was also a Perit). Perit X had submitted the application for development permission to the Planning Area Permits Board (PAPB), in the capacity of both the owner and the responsible Perit. Perit X was then responsible for the design and erection of the block, and had acted on behalf of Company Y when the apartment was sold to the Complainants.

Upon being contacted in 2014 by the Complainants, Perit X proceeded to submit a number of applications to the MEPA / PA in order to rectify the situation with the Complainants’ apartment and the rest of the block. These included a Full Development Application to sanction the garages, and the internal and external alterations, a Minor Amendment application to this permit, two Category B (CTB) Concession applications and two applications for Regularisation. All these applications were eventually approved.

After taking into account all of the submissions and the testimony of the parties the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti concluded as follows:

 

  • CONFLICT OF INTEREST BETWEEN ROLE OF OWNER / DEVELOPER AND PERIT

There is no doubt that conflict of interest existed between the role of Perit X as co-owner of Company Y (the developer), and the role of same as Perit responsible for the design and erection of the block. Perit X admitted to have been fully aware that the permit conditions were not adhered to at the time that the Complainants purchased the property, and yet he had never informed the Complainants of these deviations, thereby abusing their trust. In particular, this situation was further aggravated by the fact that, when purchasing the property, the Complainants felt reassured that they were acquiring a property which was built in line with the original planning permit, in view of the fact that the seller was a Perit by profession.

 

In its decision, the Council wrote to Perit X stating that “By putting yourself in this position, the Council is of the opinion that you have created a situation which goes against the intent of the Code of Professional Conduct which states that “A member must not hold, assume or consciously accept a position in which his interest is in conflict with his professional duty.” It is clear that in this situation you placed your interests as owner / developer of the property before your duty of care as a professional towards society. In view of this, the Council is hereby issuing a formal severe reprimand, which reprimand shall be registered in the Kamra’s records. Furthermore, you are advised that the Council will not tolerate any other similar reports of misconduct against you in the future.

 

  • DELAY IN ADDRESSING THE SITUATION

While it is true that there was a delay in addressing the situation, which was originally brought to the attention of Perit X in 2014, the planning processes available at the time could not address the situation present on site, and the Council was satisfied that the submissions to the MEPA and PA by Perit X were carried out with due diligence. The Council agreed that the delay in achieving full regularisation of the property as built was beyond the direct control of Perit X, although, as outlined above, the deviations from permit conditions should have been disclosed to the Complainants at the time of purchase of the property.

 

  • RAISING OF VOICE

The Council noted that Perit X had admitted under oath to shouting at the Complainants in their residence. Although it is a matter which is not becoming of a professional, the Council was satisfied that this appears to have been a momentary outburst. Nevertheless, the Council requested Perit X to apologise formally to the Complainants.

 

  • REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT

The Complainants claimed that Perit X requested payment in order to rectify the planning situation of the property. The Council is satisfied that although this was the case, Perit X did not insist on this matter, and eventually carried the costs associated with the relevant planning processes. Ultimately, this was a commercial matter between the two parties. The Council agreed that Perit X had not been engaged by the Complainants with respect to the applications submitted to the MEPA / PA to rectify the situation, but rather they approached Perit X as co-owner of Company Y, and therefore if anything any claim of fees due should have been addressed through Company Y.

The decision was copied to the Complainants. The Council also agreed to issue a Memo to its members advising them of the serious conflicts that may arise when they assume dual roles such as in this case.

 

The Council has issued this Case Study to remind members of the profession that, at all times, it is important to act in a manner which upholds ethical standards and professional decency. Periti are reminded that, in accordance with Chapter 390 of the Laws of Malta, conduct which is deemed to be discreditable to the profession may be punishable through the suspension, revocation or cancellation of a warrant.

 

Design Architect

Design Principle

 

Job Description

We have a great opportunity for a talented Architect to join our team of design professionals. This practice delivers exceptional residential, commercial, urban design, planning, and, public sector schemes locally and abroad. You will be highly motivated with a great eye for composition, able to work independently and possess excellent communication skills, in graphic, oral and verbal form.

Job Requirements:

-Strong architectural and interior design skills

-Strong detailing skills

-Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop.

-Fully conversant with Maltese planning and building regulations

-Manage personal workflow to ensure timely delivery of projects

-Capable of working within a team and independently

-Ability to deliver under the pressure of tight deadlines

Site experience and knowledge of 3ds Max and VRay will be considered an asset although not essential.

 

Contact Person: Perit Andre Pizzuto
E-Mail: careers@designprinciple.com.mt
Contact number: +356 27041800
Closing date: 15 / 11 / 2017