BNA

Its predecessors, the 'Society for the Advancement of Architecture' and the 'Association of Dutch Architects' (of which H.P. Berlage was a leading figure) were founded in 1842 and 1908 respectively and merged to form the present Institute in 1919. The Institute received royal patronage in 1957. The full title of the Institute is 'Koninklijke Maatschappij tot Bevordering der Bouwkunst Bond van Nederlandse Architecten'; the abbreviation BNA relates to the latter part of this name.

Membership
BNA membership is open to architects on an individual basis, whether in private practice or as a salaried architect in the private or public sector. At present the BNA has over 3,000 members, representing some 1,500 practices. Roughly 75% of Dutch practices are associated with the BNA through the membership of one or more of their architects. Architects who are qualified for membership of the BNA are those listed in the Netherlands Architects’ Register (Stichting Bureau Architectenregister, SBA) and who can show proof of sufficient experience in practice. The BNA Board has the final decision on all membership applications.

Title
The professional title of Architect is protected by Dutch law; only qualified persons listed in the Architects’ Register can use this title. However, neither registration in the register nor BNA membership is mandatory in order to practice the profession in the Netherlands.