We announce with regret the news of the passing of the fourth president of the PIA, Mr Ronald Remmers. The news reached us on Monday 13 April 2020. He served as president from 2002 to 2004, making a positive impression on the members and clients alike in the process of contributing to the growth with the PIA.
He was a founder member of the PIA in 1996, greatly assisting in the processes of the establishment of a professional architectural society and served a term as a member of the National Board of the South African Institute of Architects SAIA). In this capacity, the establishment under his leadership of the Architectural Professional Indemnity Insurance scheme (APIGIS) was extended to cover the entire country, serving the profession of much needed insurance cover and legal information at a greatly reduced cost, vis-à-vis the insurance landscape at the time.
His professional interests extended to cover liaison with the then City Council of Pretoria, all the while attempting to smooth the way towards better relationships with officialdom, plan submission and approval along with the relevant interpretation of building regulations.
A graduate of the University of Pretoria in the 1970’s, Ronald set himself up in professional practice, which at the time of his passing involved an association with fellow architect Claus Schűtte. This association resulted in several sensitively designed buildings, projects and heritage studies in Tshwane. A notable achievement in the latter regard was the setting up of a heritage conservation document including a masterplan for the Union Buildings and surrounding grounds, the client being the National Department of Public Works.
His life’s work served as a cornerstone for the establishment and well-being of the PIA.
To his wife Ethelwyn and his children we offer our sincere condolences. He will be sadly missed.