The Society of Czech Architects is registered as a professional non-profit organisation with voluntary membership. It was established in 1990 under the Act No. 83/1990 Coll., on Civic Associations. It draws upon the tradition of the Fellowship of Architects active in the period between the First and the Second World War, and is the direct legal successor to the later Union of Architects, which ceased to exist in 1989. The activities of the Society of Czech Architects reflect democratic principles and are based on the activities of its members.

The mission of the Society of Czech Architects is to promote new and excellent works in the fields of architecture, urban planning and in other associated areas, as well as promoting the protection of natural and cultural heritage in these fields. The main objectives are:
• to promote public awareness of architecture, urban planning and related issues, present them as an integral part of national culture; publicise and participate actively in issues of public interest
• to cooperate in the shaping of favourable conditions for architectural, urbanistic and related work, especially in the dissemination of architecture-related information in print, organising of exhibitions and encouragement of public interest in architecture; to offer information about the latest trends, materials and structural designs in architecture; and implement related activities
• to assume an active role in discussions dealing with architectural, urban-planning and related issues, maintain a presence in such discussions as an independent and qualified body; to organize activities of public interest, both for the members of the Society of Czech Architects as well as for general public, and especially to provide for professional education and training and exhibition activities, mediate information on architectural events and activity
• to encourage free discussions on creative and professional aspects of the profession, and create substantial and organisational prerequisites for the establishment and activities of creative groups, interest groups and local associations of groups and members, to encourage professional criticism, coordinate various activities especially by providing necessary information and helping with grant applications and other activities
• to cooperate with professional authorities, organisations and cultural associations abroad
• to represent, jointly with the Czech Chamber of Architects, Czech architects in UIA via the national UIA section, to represent and promote the interests of the Society of Czech Architects and its members abroad
• to gather information, especially professional and technical literature on architecture, urban planning and related fields;
• to take part in the organisation or announcement of professional competitions in the aforementioned fields and participate, especially if invited, in professional juries

The Society of Czech Architects focuses particularly on the following activities:
• publication, exhibition and promotion activities
• educational and training programmes for the Members of the Society of Czech Architects and for public
• information and consulting services for Members and if required for authorities, organisations, institutions and for professional and general public
• library-related activities and services for the Members
• participation in competition juries and tender commissions in the field of architecture and other related fields
• cooperation with the Czech Chamber of Architects and with other subjects
• organisation of social and cultural events, organisation of The Architecture Grand Prix and Saloons and other types of exhibitions
• advertising in press and on the web page of the Society of Czech Architects
• presentation seminars

Financing and costs related to the activities of the Society of Czech Architects and its groups are funded from the membership fees, subsidies, gifts, grants and proceeds from economic activities.

Anybody who agrees with the mission and tasks of the Society of Czech Architects and undertakes to respect the Statutes may become a Member of the Society of Czech Architects, regardless of their political, artistic or philosophical orientation. Membership is voluntary and generates certain Rights and Obligations. To widen the scope of activities, the internal structure of the Society of Architects provides for the option to establish local, regional and various other Member groups without legal subjectivity to create optimum conditions for regional and individual needs of the Members. The activities of such groups are coordinated by the Council of the Society of Architects. Such groups have been established in Brno, Prague, Ostrava and Zlín. The highest body in the organisational structure of the Society of Architects is the General Meeting of the Society of Architects which meets once every two years. Between the GMs, the activities are directed by the Council, which is chaired by one chair and several deputy chairs, and by the Supervisory Board. Operational work is ensured by the secretariat office. The tenure of office in the aforementioned bodies, with the exception of the secretariat, is as a matter of principle honorary.

To elevate the profession in the eyes of public is not an easy task. The Architecture Grand Prix is one of the essential events organised by the Society of Czech Architects that places the Society among those organisations that do not hesitate to honour their outstanding individuals, both in their moral and professional dimensions. Many important questions are open for discussion in such events. Usually, discussion touches upon the usefulness of competitions and other form of promotion of the Society of Czech Architects. It is our goal
to explain patiently the truly unique role of the architect in society.

The Society of Czech Architects
Revoluční 23
110 00 Prague 1

Phone: +420/257535025
Fax: +420/257535033
E-mail: obecarch@architekt.cz
www.architekt.cz