The Practice of Architecture in Bermuda

Current registration procedures dictating the practice of architecture in Bermuda were established in 1969. They do not represent the modern reality of the business of architecture and its need to embrace related disciplines. Neither is the concept of a practice acting as a Limited Liability Company allowed. This major facet of the regulatory process prevents an architect having anyone other than a Bermudian partner who is also a Bermudian Registered Architect to share the burdens and benefits of a practice. Only Bermudians are allowed to be partners. To overcome these operational difficulties and at the same time recognise the efforts and contribution of others to the practice, a decision was taken in 1995 to establish two professional entities - both of which integrate clearly within the regulatory process. The same two entities continue to exist. A new, realistic, Architects Act is anticipated which may obviate these requirements.

Butterworth Associates

Is the professional vehicle allowing its principal, Graeme Fraser Butterworth, to practice as a Registered Architect in Bermuda.  Mr. Butterworth is the principal of the Firm. The firm currently has a total of three Bermuda Registered Architects.

Is the production company which deals in all aspects of the administration of architecture, construction detailing, construction specifications, interior design, urban design, planning and development strategy. Design Limited is a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which also organizes and coordinates the work of participating Design Engineers, Landscape Architects and other specialist consultants. The principals of Design Limited are Fraser Butterworth, Andrea Kulmala, and Charles Tatem.

Mission Statement

To deliver intelligent, considered design solutions in all aspects of architecture, planning and design to ensure that the client receives a well resolved solution tendered in a professional manner.

Butterworth Associates and Design Limited is a compilation of professional consultants specialising in all aspects of:

• Architecture
• Design
• Urban Design
• Planning
• Development Strategy

The staff of the organisation are seasoned professionals all of whom have a wealth of local and international experience.

The multi-disciplinary structure of Design Limited ensures that each and every client need is addressed through a team of professionals carefully selected for each task.

Additionally, the organisation has the experience, skills and confidence to assemble teams of related specialised skills such as Land Utilisation Advisors, Surveyors, Economists, Traffic Consultants, Engineers, Accountants and Lawyers, both from within Bermuda and from overseas and, after assembling such teams, co-ordinate their efforts and administer the results to give the advice and direction sought by the client.

This comprehensive approach guarantees the client a flexible team that adjusts and changes in unison with the project. In this way, projects of all sizes and types can be handled efficiently and thoroughly.

Currently there is a staff of six professionals working in a spacious studio that will easily accommodate more staff and visiting consultants. Our aim for many years has been to keep our staffing numerically small but hire quality. With this as a basic policy we have been able to accomplish some major pieces of work. The staff who design and draw generally have the task of administration of what they drew (with oversigh- by the project principal.) Work is constantly checked for inter consultancy accuracy. The aim is to "get it right" before it is committed to be built.

As a matter of course the practice carries errors and omission insurance to a level of $2M but this can be enlarged by Client request.