Dandara Group Senior Architectural Technician Visumbe Zivave has become a fully-qualified architect after successfully completing his Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture.

The Royal Institute of British Architects’ diploma is the final stage of a three-part qualification process to become eligible for registration by the Architects Registration Board, and entitles Visumbe to call himself an architect, a title protected by law.

Visumbe, or V as he is known to colleagues, trained and worked in Zimbabwe and South Africa before moving to the Isle of Man in 2008. He holds a first class Bachelor of Architecture degree and joined Dandara in January 2014.

The RIBA Part 3 qualification is only available to candidates who have successfully finished the RIBA-validated Parts 1 and 2 qualifications, and requires the completion of at least five years’ university study and two years’ practical experience.

Dandara Group Managing Director Seamus Nugent said: “There is a huge degree of commitment required to become a fully-qualified architect, and V has worked with determination and dedication towards achieving this final step.

“He is now eligible for Chartered membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects and to have the letters R.I.B.A. after his name. This is a worldwide-recognised qualification and a symbol of professional excellence which V has worked hard for and should be very proud of.

“We look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a professional, with the flair, imagination and skill he is known for, and play an important role in the creation of innovative commercial and residential projects for the Dandara Group.”

V added: “I’m delighted to have completed the diploma and to have the honour of calling myself an architect. It has taken many years and a lot of work, and I would like to thank my colleagues at Dandara for their support.”