Every November 3rd, the Dominican Republic commemorates the birth of the architect considered the father of modern Dominican architecture. The anniversary was officially established by Decree No. 503-88, dated November 2, 1988, and promulgated during the administration of Joaquín Balaguer
SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic commemorates Dominican Architecture Day this Tuesday, November 3, a date intended to recognize the contribution of professionals in this discipline to the urban, cultural and heritage development of the nation.
This anniversary commemorates the architect Francisco Guillermo González Sánchez, born on November 3, 1900 in Santo Domingo, who is considered one of the main forerunners of the modern movement in the country and one of the figures who exerted the greatest influence on the aesthetic transformation of Dominican buildings during the 20th century.
In light of his career and the relevance of his work, his birthdate was selected as a reference point to establish this day of national recognition.
Image source: Our History.
Decree No. 503-88 officially established the anniversary
The establishment of Dominican Architecture Day was formalized by Decree No. 503-88, issued on November 2, 1988, by the then President of the Republic, Joaquín Balaguer. This decree established November 3 of each year as the date to celebrate this discipline and highlight the work of those who contribute to its development.
In this way, the government provision gave official status to an initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of this profession and keeping alive the legacy of its main exponents, especially that of Guillermo González Sánchez, whose birth coincides with the chosen date.
The recognition originated from a request submitted by the Nuevarquitectura Group (GNA), a collective founded in 1979 that promoted the research, dissemination, and appreciation of national architectural expressions. Furthermore, this group spearheaded the Santo Domingo Architecture Biennials, whose first edition, held in 1986, was dedicated to Guillermo González.
The legacy of Guillermo González in Dominican architecture
Throughout his career, Guillermo González Sánchez left a profound mark on the transformation of Santo Domingo's urban landscape. His work incorporated concepts linked to the modern movement and paved the way for new ways of conceiving and designing buildings in the country.
Among his most emblematic projects are the Copello Building, considered one of the first examples of Dominican architectural modernism; the former Hotel Jaragua; and the Güibia Casino. These structures form part of the country's historical memory and stand as testaments to the evolution of urban design during the last century.
Precisely because of the significance of his work and his influence on later generations, González Sánchez has been recognized as the father of modern Dominican architecture, a distinction that explains the choice of his birthdate for this date.
Recognition of architects and their contribution to national development
Beyond commemorating this historical figure, the day provides an opportunity to highlight the work of Dominican architects in city planning, the creation of habitable spaces, the protection of cultural heritage, and the improvement of the urban environment.
In this regard, the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA), along with other organizations linked to the sector, highlights the importance of this profession as an essential component of national progress.
Likewise, the anniversary invites reflection on the challenges that this discipline currently faces in the Dominican Republic, including orderly urban growth, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, historical conservation and the design of spaces that adequately respond to the needs of the population.
What is CODIA and what are its functions?
The Dominican College of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors (CODIA) is a public institution, created by Law No. 6160 of January 11, 1963, with its own legal personality and assets. Its fundamental purpose is to unite and represent engineering, architecture, and surveying professionals in the Dominican Republic.
Among its main responsibilities are ensuring the ethical and responsible practice of these disciplines, promoting the continuing education of its members, defending the professional interests of its members, and contributing to the application of the provisions that regulate the performance of these activities.
Similarly, the organization has the responsibility to promote scientific and technological advancement in these areas, supervise compliance with legal and regulatory standards related to professional practice, and collaborate with public and private entities on projects linked to the development of the country.
Therefore, CODIA plays a relevant role in representing Dominican architects and in promoting a work practice based on quality, social responsibility and sustainability.
Ultimately, Dominican Architecture Day transcends simply recognizing those who practice this profession. It also provides an opportunity to appreciate a discipline that contributes to defining the identity of cities, preserving collective memory, and building spaces that leave a lasting mark on society.
Dominican College of Architects: what it is, what its functions are, and who presides over it
The organization, founded in 2013, brings together architecture professionals and promotes continuing education, professional ethics, urban planning, and the defense of the sector's interests
A professional representation entity
The Dominican College of Architects (CAD) is a non-profit professional organization that brings together architects from the Dominican Republic and works to defend, represent, and strengthen the practice of architecture in the country. Founded on June 5, 2013, and operating under Law 122-05 on Non-Profit Associations, it was created to have an entity specializing in matters specific to this profession, separate from the structure of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors (CODIA).
Functions and institutional structure
Its main objectives include promoting professional development, fostering continuing education, defending the interests of architects, and encouraging adherence to ethical principles in the practice of the profession. It also seeks to contribute to urban planning, sustainability, the preservation of architectural heritage, and the orderly development of cities.
To fulfill these functions, the CAD has a Board of Directors, elected by its members every three years, and specialized committees in areas such as urban planning, professional ethics, training, sustainability, and heritage. This structure allows it to organize its initiatives and channel the concerns of the professionals who are part of the institution.
Who chairs the CAD?
Regarding its leadership, architect Edgar J. Martínez is listed as the acting president of the CAD, according to information published by the newspaper Diario Libre on October 15, 2026, which includes his position on the situation of the land where the Society of Architects of the Dominican Republic (SARD) operates.
Participation in urban development
In addition to representing its members, the CAD seeks to strengthen the participation of architects in decisions related to territorial development and construction policies, as well as serve as a space for exchange among professionals in the sector.
In this way, the organization seeks to consolidate a specialized professional association that promotes best practices, defends the rights of its members, and contributes to raising the quality of buildings and urban spaces in the Dominican Republic.
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