Chris Williamson has formally taken office as the new President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), using his first day in the role to call on the profession to lead from the front in addressing what he described as “existential” challenges.
Williamson (main picture), who succeeds Muyiwa Oki, says architects must rise to the pressures of climate change, rapid advances in technology and mounting financial constraints – issues that he acknowledged are reshaping both the profession and society.
“Our profession, and society more widely, face a myriad of challenges that can sometimes feel existential in nature,” he says.
“But these challenges also present us with great opportunities to lead from the front, to design more sustainably, and to shape a more inclusive, future-facing profession that works for the benefit of all.”
LIFELONG LEARNING
Williamson says one of his priorities would be to support lifelong learning within architecture, allowing practitioners to curate their own career paths and ensuring the sector maintains the skills and expertise to influence government policy.
He also highlighted the urgent need to widen access to the profession, pledging to encourage students from diverse backgrounds and support alternative career routes, including for those who move into adjacent sectors.
He adds: “We are only as strong as the quality of the new, young architects joining the profession.”
COMMUNITY STRENGTH
Architecture’s role in shaping communities was a recurring theme of his opening message.
“The built environment influences everything from our health and wellbeing to the strength of our communities,” he says. “For our public realm to thrive, our profession must thrive, and that starts with supporting our future architects.”
For the property sector, Williamson’s emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity will be closely watched.
Developers, landlords and agents are increasingly being held to account for the environmental performance of the buildings they commission, manage or sell.
A shift in architectural priorities could therefore have a direct bearing on the types of homes and workplaces entering the market over the next decade.
Williamson’s two-year presidency runs until August 2027. He takes over at a time when RIBA is itself under pressure to modernise and to ensure that the profession remains both relevant and accessible in a changing built environment.
