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PR 09/26 | Kamra tal-Periti calls on PA Executive Chairman to address conflict of interest

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti has been closely monitoring the media reports affecting the Planning Authority’s Executive Chairman, Mr Johann Buttigieg, and the public debate that ensued.

In keeping with its long-standing modus operandi of being cautious and judicious when making public statements, over the past weeks the Council undertook a thorough examination of the publicly available facts as they emerged and sought direct clarifications from Government officials where necessary to be able to reach its own independent conclusions without undue haste.

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti is particularly concerned by the revelation that Mr Buttigieg is a director of a company set up to provide consultancy services relating to planning and architecture while concurrently occupying the post of Executive Chairman of the Planning Authority.

While welcoming Minister Jonathan Attard’s statement that Mr Buttigieg did indeed declare this company to the Government as well as his ongoing contractual obligations with the Water Services Corporation related to GIS data-inputting – an activity that has no bearing whatsoever on the Planning Authority – prior to his appointment, as well as Minister Attard’s assurances that said company currently has no other clients, the Kamra tal-Periti nevertheless submits that these assurances do not fully resolve the public perception of conflict of interest arising from Mr Buttigieg’s ongoing involvement in this company while concurrently occupying his public role.

In view of the above, the Kamra calls on Mr Buttigieg to resolve this perceived conflict of interest by choosing which of the two positions he wishes to retain as soon as possible.

The Kamra further calls on the Government to ensure that there are no other similar situations that have not been disclosed to the public, particularly in relation to regulators of the construction and real estate industries which have been afflicted for far too long with a negative public perception and general resentment.

 

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PR 08/26 | Kamra tal-Periti concludes professional conduct proceedings concerning the Bartolott Crypt, St John’s Co-Cathedral

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti has concluded professional conduct proceedings opened in connection with restoration works carried out at the Bartolott Crypt, St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

The Council opened the case on its own initiative (ex officio) in January 2025, following a report published by The Shift News on 18th January 2025, headlined “New floor caves in as St John’s Co-Cathedral project in collapse“, which alleged that a newly installed raised floor within the Crypt had caved in and caused severe damage to the historic resting place of approximately 600 Knights of the Order of St John. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the cultural and historical significance of the site, the Council undertook a thorough investigation.

Over the course of eight hearings held between April 2025 and June 2026, the Council gathered sworn testimony from the periti involved, the project’s archaeological monitor, the main contractor, and the CEO of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, together with an extensive body of correspondence, technical documentation, and photographic evidence.

The Council’s determination was made personally against Perit Danica Cachia Mifsud and Perit Konrad Buhagiar of AP Valletta, who held direct professional responsibility for the works in question. Having examined all the evidence, the Council found that:

  • there was no evidence that the Bartolott Crypt floor collapsed, or that any damage was caused to the Crypt or the burial chambers beneath it;
  • the localised movement observed in the historic stone paving arose from pre-existing conditions documented as far back as 2014, predating the respondents’ involvement by roughly a decade, and not from any act or omission on their part;
  • the matter was identified, reported, and remediated diligently and transparently, in consultation with and with the approval of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage at every stage.

On this basis, the Council found both respondents not to have been in breach of any of the four grounds for professional misconduct under the Periti Act, by a unanimous vote of 8–0 with no abstentions, and no disciplinary sanction was imposed. The Council’s decision further records its concern that The Shift’s reporting on this matter was materially misguided.

The Council has decided to publish this decision in full, departing from its usual practice of confidentiality in cases resulting in no finding of misconduct, for two reasons: first, because the allegations giving rise to this case were already in the public domain, having originated in The Shift’s reporting; and second, because of the national and international public and cultural interest attaching to Valletta as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Read full Professional Conduct Decision

 

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Photo source: https://timesofmalta.com/article/preservation-of-st-johns-co-cathedral.581730

 

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PR 07/26 | Kamra tal-Periti Meets Partit Nazzjonalista Leadership to Discuss Building Regulations and Planning Reforms

A delegation from the Kamra tal-Periti, led by President Perit André Pizzuto, on Thursday met with the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Dr Alex Borg, and the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Employment, Hon. Perit Julian Borg, at the Partit Nazzjonalista Headquarters to discuss the Kamra’s work and proposals for strategic reforms within the construction and planning sectors.

During the meeting, the Kamra briefed the Opposition delegation on the progress of the new national building codes. The delegation also presented its vision for a re-engineered planning framework aimed at streamlining approval processes and elevating architectural standards through proposed Design Review Panels. Additionally, discussions addressed proposed legislative amendments to the Periti Act to strengthen disciplinary mechanisms, and resolve ongoing challenges regarding professional indemnity insurance cover.

The Kamra tal-Periti reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication with all political stakeholders to ensure the implementation of effective, quality-driven reforms across the built environment.

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Photo credit: Partit Nazzjonalista

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PR 06/26 | Nominations open for the 2026 Edition of the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia

The Kamra tal-Periti and the Planning Authority have officially launched the 2026 edition of the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia, Malta’s national architecture awards. Nominations are now open through www.premjugalizia.org, celebrating excellence in architecture, planning, urban design, engineering, conservation, and the wider built environment.

This year’s edition marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the awards scheme, with the Kamra tal-Periti and the Planning Authority joining forces for the first time to co-organise the event. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting quality in Malta’s built environment and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and responsibility in shaping our towns, cities, and landscapes.

Named after Emanuele Luigi Galizia, one of Malta’s most influential architects and civil engineers, the awards seek to recognise projects that demonstrate outstanding quality, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a positive contribution to society. Inspired by Galizia’s legacy of rigorous attention to detail, civic responsibility, and holistic thinking, the awards continue to champion projects that respond thoughtfully to contemporary challenges while shaping a more sustainable future.

The Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia places particular emphasis on teamwork. Nominations must be submitted on behalf of the complete project team, recognising the collective contribution of clients, architects, planners, engineers, conservation specialists, interior designers, project managers, contractors, and other professionals involved in delivering successful projects.

Speaking on the opening of nominations, Kamra tal-Periti President André Pizzuto highlighted the motivations behind establishing the awards scheme in 2018: “Architecture in Malta deserved to be recognised for its moments of excellence, which are regretfully overshadowed by controversy and resentment. Premju Galizia is one of a series of collaborative initiatives that the Kamra and the Planning Authority are now working on together. Among the most important is one we hope to conclude soon: Malta’s first National Architecture Policy — a transformative strategy for uplifting the quality of architecture across our islands.”

PA Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg emphasised “the sense of duty the profession should uphold toward our country’s built and environmental heritage” that this collaboration seeks to promote, thereby ensuring that quality, responsibility, and vision in Malta’s built environment become a national ambition. Mr Buttigieg expressed his hope that Premju Galizia would not simply be just another awards ceremony, but a true reward for the commitment to quality.

This year’s programme will continue to showcase projects that address Malta’s evolving realities, including the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, housing and density, public spaces, hospitality, infrastructure, conservation, and urban regeneration. The awards aim to stimulate discussion about the future direction of Malta’s built environment while highlighting examples of best practice across the sector.

The collaboration with the Planning Authority strengthens the awards’ role as a national platform for celebrating excellence and encouraging higher standards in the design, planning, and stewardship of the built environment. It also reflects ongoing efforts to promote a more holistic, people-centred, and sustainable approach to development throughout Malta and Gozo.

Further details regarding eligibility, award categories, submission requirements, and key dates are available at www.premjugalizia.org. All entries must be submitted to the Kamra tal-Periti by 18 September 2026 at 23:59 hrs.

The Planning Authority and the Kamra tal-Periti encourage professionals, organisations, students, and project teams to participate in this year’s awards and help showcase the quality, innovation, and talent that continue to shape Malta’s built environment.

Visit the Premju Galizia website
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PR 05/26 | KTP and CoE renew Inginiera Malta collaboration

 

On the 4th of June 2026, the Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) and the Chamber of Engineers (CoE) formally renewed their collaboration agreement for the Inġiniera Malta Joint Committee, reinforcing their shared commitment to representing Malta’s engineering professions at European level.

The signing ceremony took place between CoE President Dr Inġ. Bonnie Attard and KTP President Perit Andre Pizzuto, in the presence of their respective International Affairs representatives, Inġ. Ryan Grixti and Perit Dr Jeanette Muñoz Abela.

The Inġiniera Malta Joint Committee serves as the official joint Committee representing both organisations within Engineers Europe (formerly known as FEANI), the leading pan-European federation representing the engineering profession across more than 30 countries. Engineers Europe plays a key role in promoting high professional standards, enabling mobility within the profession, and advancing engineering competence across the continent.

Through this framework, the Joint Committee also supports the administration and promotion of the EUR ING certification, a prestigious Europe-wide professional certification that recognises an engineer’s competence and facilitates the mutual recognition of professional qualifications across borders.

Following the formal signing, the Chamber of Engineers and Kamra tal-Periti jointly hosted an information session for members, focusing on the significance of the EUR ING certification, its benefits, and its role in enhancing professional mobility and recognition within the European engineering sector.

The renewed agreement strengthens ongoing collaboration between the two organisations, including increased coordination and cross-promotion of initiatives that benefit both professions and contribute to the broader development of Malta’s engineering community.

The Chamber of Engineers and Kamra tal-Periti expressed their enthusiasm for continued collaboration through the Inġiniera Malta Joint Committee, with a shared vision of strengthening Malta’s voice within the European engineering and professional landscape and advancing professional standards, fostering knowledge exchange, and supporting Malta’s continued development.

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PR 04/26 | Kamra tal-Periti joins The European Group of Valuers’ Association (TEGOVA)

Verżjoni bil-Malti

The Kamra tal-Periti is pleased to announce that its bid to become a full member of The European Group of Valuers’ Associations (TEGOVA) has been accepted, realising an ambition the Kamra has held since 2011.

This achievement underpins the profession’s standing as the legally recognised body for property valuers in Malta, a role it has held since at least the 18th century. It also means that the Kamra and its members will gain greater insight into, and an active role in shaping, one of the most globally recognised and respected sets of valuation standards.

This acceptance marks an important milestone in the Kamra’s strategy to elevate the quality of property valuations carried out locally and to enhance professionalism within the sector.

The next step will be the launch of a Chapter of Property Valuers within the Kamra tal-Periti, recognising those members of the profession who possess the specialised skills required to carry out property valuations.

This initiative builds on ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with the Malta Tax & Customs Agency, banks, insurance companies, and organisations such as the Malta Bankers’ Association, the Insurance Association Malta, Property Malta, and the Malta Development Association, ensuring that members continue to provide reliable and sound valuations that are crucial to the real estate, financial, and bond markets.

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PR 03/26 | KTP Council completes investigation into the partial wall collapse in Bulebel Industrial Estate

Verżjoni bil-Malti

With reference to the press release issued on 18th March 2025, the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti hereby gives notice that it has concluded its investigation into whether the partial wall collapse that occurred last year in the Bulebel Industrial estate was the result of professional negligence.

On conclusion of its investigation, the Council determined that the collapse was the result of incorrect sequencing of works by the contractor, including the failure to infill and seal the perimeter walls, which were designed to support a slab before being cast.

The Council also noted that the project was characterised by poor workmanship in other areas, most notably mismatched wall joints near one of the corners of the site, due to the failure to build level masonry courses.

From the evidence gathered, it is amply clear that the collapse did not occur as a result of negligent designs or instructions, or more generally due to any professional negligence on the perit’s part.

Indeed, the Council observed that the correct execution of works falls under the exclusive responsibility of the contractor and/or licensed mason, and that it is not the perit’s remit to perform quality control of works on construction sites, as this would constitute a conflict of responsibilities that would transfer the liabilities of the contractor onto the perit, and violate basic principles of impartiality and independence.

In view of the above, the Council unanimously resolved to close this investigation.

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PR 02/26 | New KTP Council assumes office during critical year for the industry and the profession

Verżjoni bil-Malti

The Kamra tal-Periti, the statutory body regulating and representing the architectural and civil engineering profession in Malta, is pleased to announce the composition of its recently elected Council following the appointment of its official statutory leadership positions as follows:

PresidentPerit André Pizzuto
Vice PresidentPerit Matias Camilleri de Marco
Honorary TreasurerPerit Ivynne Grixti
Honorary Secretary Perit Julian Thompson
Council Members Perit Paul Dalli

Perit Elaine Genovese

Perit Sebastian Grima

Perit Daniel Micallef

Perit Lino Micallef

Perit Malcolm Xuereb

The new Council, which will serve until December of this year, assumes office at a defining moment, not only for the profession, but for Malta’s construction industry more broadly. The Council’s term will be defined by a wide-ranging programme of legislative, regulatory, and policy work with direct consequences for the profession, the industry, and the Maltese public.

Chief among the Council’s priorities is the drafting of the first part of the new building and construction regulations on behalf of the Building and Construction Authority. This work represents foundational legislation that will modernise the regulatory framework governing how buildings are designed, constructed, and overseen. The quality and rigour of this framework has a direct bearing on building safety, construction standards, and the protection of the public interest.

In parallel, the Council will initiate the development of Malta’s first national architecture policy with the support of the Planning Authority. This is a landmark undertaking that will establish a long-term vision for architecture as a discipline in the service of the public, the quality of the built environment, and the cultural and social identity of the Maltese Islands. This policy will, for the first time, give formal national expression to the role that architecture plays in shaping the spaces in which people live their daily lives.

The Council will also continue the structural reform of the Kamra tal-Periti in preparation for the full implementation of key provisions of the Periti Act, including mandatory professional indemnity insurance and a framework for continuous professional development. These measures are not merely administrative. They represent a fundamental strengthening of the profession’s accountability to the public, and of the assurance that those engaging the services of a perit can expect.

The new Council will further advance the introduction of new specialisation chapters, building on the announcement of the Chapter for Conservation Architects, unveiled at the first seminar of the ongoing Concrete & Stone series on Maltese Modernist Architecture two weeks ago, as a model for recognising and deepening expertise across the full breadth of the profession.

A further critical area of the Council’s work is its active engagement with Government and the Planning Authority on Malta’s ongoing planning reform. The Kamra tal-Periti has a statutory and professional responsibility to contribute to shaping a planning system that is transparent, evidence-based, and genuinely responsive to the long-term needs of communities and the environment. The Council will continue to advocate for reform that places the quality of the built environment and the public interest at the centre of planning policy and decision-making.

The Council also assumes responsibility for the continuation of ongoing professional conduct investigations, including those arising from serious incidents affecting public safety. Among these is the investigation related to the structural collapse in Paceville in July 2025 which served as a stark reminder about the need to upgrade the industry with purpose, structure, and most importantly, competence. The Kamra tal-Periti is committed to conducting its investigative and disciplinary functions with rigour, impartiality, and transparency, in fulfilment of its duty to protect the public and to uphold the integrity of the profession.

The breadth and gravity of this mandate reflects the centrality of the perit’s role in Maltese society. From the safety of individual structures to the character of entire neighbourhoods, from the resilience of the construction industry to the liveability of our towns and villages, the profession touches the lives of every person in Malta. The Kamra tal-Periti is committed to discharging its statutory responsibility with the seriousness, dedication, and sense of public purpose it demands.

The Kamra tal-Periti looks forward to constructive engagement with Government, the construction industry, fellow professionals, and the general public as it works to fulfil this mandate in the interest of the profession and of the country as a whole.

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PR 01/26 | KTP calls for identity-driven quality design in the establishment of the three proposed national parks

 

The Government of Malta’s proposal to establish national parks at Manoel Island, White Rocks, and Fort Campbell provides a significant opportunity to make a fundamental shift towards long‑term environmental stewardship, public accessibility, and cultural regeneration. The Kamra tal‑Periti welcomes this direction while emphasising that the success of these flagship projects depends on rigorous planning, strong design leadership, and a clear identity for each site.

In this context, and as a response to the Government’s Shape Your Space consultation through Parksinmalta.mt, the Kamra tal‑Periti is publishing a comprehensive reply Conserving Nature, Promoting Adaptive Reuse: Sustainable Stewardship of Malta’s National Parks. This publication outlines a vision for national parks in Malta and presents a framework to guide the transformation of these three major sites into Malta’s national parks. 

Conserving Nature, Promoting Adaptive Reuse

The new national parks will only succeed if they are identity‑driven, embedded in a Baukultur principles, and their design procured by competition. The Kamra underscores the importance that the White Rocks, Manoel Island and Fort Campbell develop a unique, context-driven identity, grounded in their history. It is also stresses how across all three sites, existing buildings are to be considered as assets and not obstacles, promoting adaptive reuse. Most importantly, the Kamra calls for open and transparent architecture design competitions, to ensure excellence, transparency and public trust in the procurement of the design services. The organisation of architectural design competition is a guarantee of high-quality design outcomes as it pitches the best design proposals on the basis of merit before an expert jury, as opposed to conventional tenders which award contracts on the basis of cheapest price, which seldom results in the best use of public funds in the long-term.

The Kamra is offering its technical assistance in the organisation and management of architectural design competitions as it has done on a number of occasions with various public entities in the past. Several other key proposals can also be found in its detailed public consultation document.

Executive Summary

The Government of Malta’s proposal to establish National Parks at Manoel Island, White Rocks, and Fort Campbell provides a significant opportunity to make a fundamental shift towards long‑term environmental stewardship, public accessibility, and cultural regeneration. The Kamra tal‑Periti welcomes this direction while emphasising that the success of these flagship projects depends on rigorous planning, strong design leadership, and a clear identity for each site.

Distinct Identity for Each Park

The Kamra strongly recommends that each proposed National Park must develop a unique, context‑driven identity, shaped by its history, landscape, setting, and community relevance. Identity should act as a long‑term design and governance tool, preventing ad‑hoc decisions, avoiding over‑commercialisation, and ensuring spaces remain primarily for public enjoyment rather than revenue‑driven activities. [see section 2]

Regeneration Before Demolition

Existing structures across the three sites should be treated as assets, not constraints. Adaptive reuse provides environmental benefits through reduced embodied carbon, while preserving the cultural narratives embedded in the built fabric. Function must be central to any restoration strategy to ensure long‑term care, daily use, and active stewardship.

Quality‑Led Design Competitions

Given the national significance of the parks, KTP strongly advocates for independent, open design competitions, based on measurable outcomes in sustainability, heritage protection, spatial quality, and Baukultur principles. A two‑stage competition with professional remuneration ensures fairness, ambition, and excellence while reducing future maintenance burdens.

Alignment with Baukultur

The Baukultur framework reinforces a holistic, human‑centred approach to the built environment. For the National Parks, this requires:

  • Integrated planning of architecture, landscape, mobility, and heritage
  • Inclusive, accessible design for all ages and abilities
  • Long‑term stewardship, not short‑term intervention
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful public engagement
Connectivity & Spatial Strategy

The parks must become part of a wider national green network. Priority should be given to:

  • Sustainable transport: walking, cycling, public transport, and in coastal contexts, maritime links
  • Restriction of vehicular penetration
  • Strong connections with surrounding communities through formal and informal spaces
Site‑Specific Potentials

The following identity proposals are only indicative, simply to show how each National Park can take on a distinct role within a larger network of public spaces, avoiding overlap and encouraging diversity.

White Rocks – A Coastal Cultural & Educational Park

With an extensive shoreline and a varied collection of buildings, White Rocks is well‑suited for a cultural, educational, and research‑oriented identity. The site can become a national hub for environmental awareness, science, outdoor learning, and adaptive reuse. Its coastal setting supports low‑impact recreation and landscape‑driven design.

Manoel Island – An Urban Park

Manoel Island’s location within a dense urban context positions it as an active city park with strong recreational, sporting, and maritime potential. Its identity should emphasise daily use, walkability, and integration with Valletta, Sliema, and Gżira. Existing military and hospital structures offer significant opportunities for adaptive reuse.

Fort Campbell – A Landscape & Heritage Park

Fort Campbell’s remote coastal setting and unique military fabric lend themselves to a landscape‑led, contemplative park rooted in ecology, memory, and heritage conservation. The site requires sensitive intervention, extensive restoration, and careful phasing due to its fragile condition. Its identity should privilege nature, tranquillity, and minimal built intervention

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Conserving Nature, Promoting Adaptive Reuse (Print Version EN)
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PR 16/25 | Union of Mediterranean Architects’ General Assembly held in Malta approves KTP motion calling for culturally sensitive and humane reconstruction of Gaza

Over the past two days, the Kamra tal-Periti hosted delegates from Mediterranean architectural associations for a conference on Cultural Resilience and the Union of Mediterranean Architects’ General Assembly. 

On Friday, the UMAR General Assembly adopted the declaration moved by the KTP calling for a culturally, socially, and humanely sensitive reconstruction of Gaza, denouncing any attempts to undertake speculative development unrelated to the endemic population’s needs. 

The motion, presented by KTP President Perit André Pizzuto, calls on the international community to set up an independent international assessment, with the participation of UNHABITAT, UNESCO, and UIA, of the destruction inflicted on Gaza’s built environment, heritage, and civilian infrastructure. 

The motion also calls on “all architects, planners, and built-environment professionals worldwide to uphold their ethical obligation to refrain from participating in projects that contribute to forced displacement, settlement expansion, speculative development unrelated to the endemic population’s needs, or violations of international humanitarian law.” 

On Thursday, KTP organised a conference which investigated the impact of climate change, tourism, and armed conflicts on cultural heritage within the Mediterranean region. European Commissioner for Culture Glenn Micallef and other distinguished international and local speakers delivered inspiring presentations which are expected to form the basis for future international collaboration on regional cultural projects over the months ahead. 

 

In the pictures, scenes from Gaza and its port, courtesy of Mr Mahmoud Alamour; Palestinian Architect and UMAR Council Member.

 

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Read the UMAR Declaration
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