The Hong Kong Institute of Architects was originally formed as a Society in 1956 with only nine founder members. Most of them were expatriates working in the then Architectural Office of P. W. D. The “Society” changed its name to “Institute” in 1972 and now has a membership of over 1400. The HKIA Architectural Awards started in 1965 and I was Chairman of the Assessment Panel. It was interesting to note that in the 60’s and 70’s most entries were from the Architectural. Office (e.g. schools, hospitals, government quarters and the City Hall, etc) which somehow had a freer hand than the private sector. Architecture, being a service industry, depends greatly on the economy of the community. In the late 70’s the projects of the private sector began to emerge with more “luxurious” finishes and fittings white the government buildings were very much limited by strict “standards”. Government standards improved in the 80’s but are still behind the private developers who have become rich and powerful-the Hong Kon The Hong Kong Institute of Architects was originally formed as a Society in 1956 with only nine founder members. Most of them were expatriates working in the then Architectural Office of PWD The “Society” changed its name to “Institute” in 1972 And now has a membership of over 1400. The HKIA Architectural Awards started in 1965 and I was Chairman of the Assessment Panel. It was interesting to note that in the 60’s and 70’s most entries were from the Architectural. Office (eg schools, hospitals, The government quarters and the City Hall, etc) which somehow had a freer hand than the private sector. Architecture, being a service industry, depends on the economy of the community. In the late 70’s the projects of the private sector began to emerge with More “luxurious” finishes and fittings white the government buildings were very much limited by strict “standards”. Government standards improved in the 80’s but are still behind the private developers who have become ric h and powerful-the Hong Kon