Chris Williamson has been elected as the next President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Chris will become RIBA President-Elect from 1 September 2024 and start his two-year term as President, succeeding Muyiwa Oki, on 1 September 2025.
The role of RIBA President was established in 1835. Presidents are directly elected by the RIBA membership to chair RIBA Council, the representative body, and to sit on the RIBA Board of Trustees.
Chris Williamson is a chartered architect, holding an MSc in Project Management. Chris also gained an MA in Urban Design in 1995 and is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Chris has held several roles within RIBA. In 1999-2001 he was Chair of the Architecture Centre and then the Ambassador for Business Skills 2015-2017. More recently he was Vice President International 2017-2019, responsible for setting a strategy to grow into a global membership institution and to encourage more UK architects to seek work globally.
Chris Williamson stood for election as RIBA President, alongside Funmbi Adeagbo and Duncan Baker-Brown.
Speaking today, Chris Williamson, said:
“I am delighted to be elected RIBA President and would like to thank all those that nominated me, supported me and voted for me. One of the most gratifying aspects is that my support came from all aspects of our wonderful profession - including RIBA Stirling Prize winners, large practices, sole practitioners, young architects and students. Also, those passionate about their own specialisms within the industry whether that be academia, conservation and heritage, sustainability, commercial, residential, volume housing or intricate re-use. I will try my best to represent all views in order to communicate to politicians and decision makers what amazing specialisms we have and how they can be involved to establish policy and tackle global issues.
“I would like to thank Funmbi and Duncan for the opportunity to debate with them. I hadn’t met either until a few weeks ago and we agreed on so many aims but differed on how they could be achieved. I will continue to champion social mobility, inclusion and diversity in the profession and beyond and take action to combat climate change. The debates have been conducted respectfully and with civility - something that is rare in other elections. Thank you.
“My whole career has involved collaboration and bringing all stakeholders together, whether small community projects like Ilkon Arts in Derbyshire or large infrastructure like the Paddington Elizabeth Line station or London Bridge Jubilee Line station. I now face another big opportunity to do the same at the RIBA in these challenging times but I am excited and enthusiastic to get started. In my career I owe RIBA so much since being selected with Andrew Weston in the 1985 ‘40 under 40’ exhibition and winning RIBA administered competitions. I want to help a new generation of architects by creating the conditions to thrive which I believe will benefit the whole profession.”
RIBA President (2023-25), Muyiwa Oki, said:
“Congratulations to Chris who ran a highly passionate campaign. This marks an exciting chapter for RIBA and our members, as we unite to champion architects as agents of change, tackling pressing societal issues like housing, climate, and inclusive built environments.
I’m eager to collaborate closely with Chris during his tenure as President-Elect, before handing over to him in September 2025.”
RIBA has also today announced the results of the RSAW President and RIBA Council Elections. All RIBA Council appointments will commence on 1 September 2025.
Council Members were elected using the Single Transferable Vote. The candidates who reached the required quota and were therefore elected are:
RSAW President 2025-2027
Alan Francis has been elected as RSAW President-Elect and will take up office from 1 September 2024 for one year before becoming RSAW President for a two-year term on 1 September 2025.
RIBA Council 2024 – 2027
National Council Members
Katie Fisher and Sumita Singha have been elected to serve on the RIBA Council for a three-year term from 1 September 2024.
Regional - North West
Paul Iddon and Chithra Marsh have been elected to serve on the RIBA Council for a three-year term from 1 September 2024.
Regional - Wales
Christopher Brimble has been elected to serve on the RIBA Council for a three-year term from 1 September 2024.
ENDS
Notes:
- Media contact: Max.Heptonstall@riba.org
- Images can be downloaded here.
- The overall Presidential election turnout was 9.3% (4,462 votes), Chris was elected at 2nd stage with 45% of the votes.
- Biography – provided by Chris Williamson
Chris is a chartered architect, holding an MSc in Project Management and believes strongly that the art of architecture requires excellent business skills in order to be realised. Chris also gained an MA in Urban Design in 1995 and is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Chris has held several roles within RIBA. In 1999-2001 he was Chair of the Architecture Centre and then the Ambassador for Business Skills 2015-2017. More recently he was recently Vice President International, responsible for setting a strategy to grow into a global membership institution and to encourage more UK architects to seek work globally.
Chris mentors several students in the WW+P studio and elsewhere. He provides an open honest account of his journey in Architecture and his hopes for the future.
In March 2022 WW+P became part of the Egis group, which has enabled greater reach in different parts of the world. Chris is responsible for collaboration with Egis across global opportunities, extending our influence in city-shaping infrastructure projects and combating climate change. His work builds on valued relationships with consultants and colleagues around the world working collaboratively to improve our environment. Egis is at the forefront of sustainable thinking, having authored the Paris 2050 carbon neutral plan.
Chris is a BRE Approved Assessor for BREEAM International and National Infrastructure projects. Chris is a member of the Livery Climate Change Action Group, a member of the City of London Conservation Area Advisory Panel and a member and Chair of the Southwark Design Panel. In 2022 Chris bought a derelict church in his hometown in South Derbyshire and has converted it to a vibrant community arts centre championing contemporary arts in the East Midlands.
- RIBA Council is made up of individuals elected by the RIBA’s membership. RIBA Council, chaired by the President, acts as the representative body for the membership. It meets around four times each year and is responsible for collecting insight from the membership and the profession to provide strategic advice and guidance to the RIBA Board of Trustees. RIBA Council is also responsible for appointing Trustees, the majority of whom are Council members, including the RIBA President and other Honorary Officers.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
