This year marked my second - and final - MIPIM as RIBA President, which I attended alongside our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jack Pringle, and our 16 Chartered Practices. Once again, it was a fantastic opportunity to engage with individuals and groups across global real estate, giving us valuable insight into focus areas, key talking points, as well as new innovations including emerging trends.
It also gave us a platform to showcase the crucial work we’re doing; particularly our recently released Foundations for the Future report, which sets out a new funding model for the delivery for social housing needed to help meet the UK government's pledge to build 1.5 million homes within this parliament.
As I reflect on another successful trip to Cannes, here are some of my key insights:
1. The value of architects is as crucial as ever
Architects play a fundamental role in shaping our homes, buildings, and places - we do far more than simply design buildings. The spaces in which we live and work influence everything from our health and wellbeing to the strength of our communities. Architects are at the forefront of tackling society’s biggest challenges, whether that is around inequality, inclusion, or sustainability. Throughout MIPIM, whether in discussions with our chartered practices, or conversations at our Meet the President sessions, one thing was clear: the need for architects to lead has never been greater.
2. Young professionals will elevate our profession
The need to engage new entrants into the design, delivery, and Real Estate ecosystem is clear. As a jury member for this year’s MIPIM Challengers, I had the privilege of engaging with the next generation of fresh ideas.
From innovative sponge cities, and material passport, urban planning and construction strategies that balance environmental goals with economic and social benefits will create a sustainable future. The conversations were inspiring. It reaffirmed that we must do more to bring new voices into the solutions tent and I’m looking to further engage with the MIPIM challenger cohort.
3. RIBA continues to lead
We also hosted our reception at the London Stand, bringing together over 100 industry leaders for a thought-provoking discussion on “Growing the UK architecture sector: delivering world class buildings across the globe”. It was great to see the importance and impact of RIBA reflected not only in contributions of our speakers – who covered key topics across the sector – but also in the engagement and enthusiasm of our attendees.
4. Good design matters
I had the pleasure of chairing “The Value of Good Design” at the London Stand Stage on Thursday. It was a crucial conversation that highlighted why investing in high quality design is essential for creating resilient, thriving communities. The discussion highlighted some tactics for early engagement with all stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes, as well as the vital role of design review panels in maintaining high standards.
It's clear that good design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about investing in high quality. It was good to have contribution from clients in public and private sectors as well as diverse architecture practice, including RIBA Member Tarek Merlin of Feix&Merlin Architects
This year is already shaping up to be a pivotal one for RIBA internationally. Last month, we announced the official endorsement by our board for the creation of the new Europe Chapter, which will launch at La Biennale, Venice in May, and I was delighted to see this represented at MIPIM, generating a significant increase in membership enquiries and interest from European architects. The new chapter will continue our mission to serve members across the continent – fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas, and promoting diversity in the profession.
5. Cycling for a cause
On a personal note, I took part in the Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM this year, a six-day cycling relay from London to Cannes with Club Peloton, the grant-making charity that’s transformed thousands of young lives. We were raising money for:
• a forever home for children in care (Coram Adoption).
• a road to recovery for kids fighting cancer (Cyclists Fighting Cancer).
• a future unlocked for disadvantaged young people (Tom ap Rhys Pryce Memorial Trust).
It was great to see so many people take on the challenge of cycling to Cannes, setting aside time from their busy lives to come together and fundraise for three worthy causes.
Overall, MIPIM 2025 provided a great opportunity to advocate for the role of architects and strengthen RIBA’s role on the global stage. I leave Cannes - though not by bike - energised and ready to move forward.
