The wealth of detail work on the BCIR certificate reflects the kind of rigor candidates will have to apply to earn it.

"This program was designed to certify experts."

So said Robert F. Duncan Jr., senior vice president, CB Richard Ellis Capital Markets, in announcing the formation of IAMC’s new Board Certified in Industrial Real Estate program at the Professional Forum in Williamsburg, Va. He ought to know: He already sports a BCCR, SIOR, SLCR and CCIM after his name.

The meticulous design that characterizes IAMC’s new program — which involved rigorous study of existing certification courses in areas like finance, contracts, business law and project management — is reflected in the physical document

Phillip Zmuda of Dana Corp. accepts congratulations on earning a BCIR from fellow designee BCIR Task Group Co-Chair Charles McSwain of CSX Corp. at the launch of the program in Williamsburg, Va.

The documents are original works of art, "hand-lettered and embellished with illuminated letters and floral motif by Candace Aver, a world-renowned Los Angeles-based artist," says Duncan. "The font used was "Copper Plate Script" and was originally created by engravers in the 1700s using soft copper plates written on with sharp instruments. The letters ‘BCIR’ were written in 24-carat Italian Gold Leaf from the Giusto Manetti plant in Firenze, Italy." The colors are in gouache. "Each color was hand mixed and individual to each certificate," adds Duncan. "The brown sepia ink was applied using an antique Japanese pen with gold shadowing gel to add depth to each letter. In addition, each letter was embellished with touches of gold. The paper is hand-made, 120-pound French Arches Cover Stock. Each piece was individually made and took about 8 hours to complete."

It will take a few more hours than that to go through the BCIR process, which involves completion of seven of the nine listed BCIR courses, the composition of a thesis and an oral defense of that thesis. The entire process is projected to take one and a half to two years, though candidates can petition for equivalencies.

BCIR Task Group Co-Chair Dina Boscardin, left, of Mohr Partners and Robert F. Duncan, Jr., right, of CB Richard Ellis congratulate Terri Beattie of Lockheed Martin on her BCIR designation.

In announcing the program to the general membership, Duncan harkened back to the BCCR designation conferred by the former IDRC.

"It was extremely rigorous, probably the most rigorous testing of my corporate real estate career other than a law degree," he said. "We reviewed these courses, and selected what we feel are the best of the best. Once you get certified, you’re allowed to put BCIR behind your name, and you will immediately separate yourself from your peers. It will set a brand label, raise the bar from an education standpoint and provide a value proposition that is second to none."