New RIBA Leader Pushes Architects Into Policy and Sustainability Reform
Architecture sits at the centre of the biggest challenges we face: housing, climate, inequality and growth. Yet too often, architects are not in the room when decisions are made. That needs to change.
I am different because I am a leader in both practice and politics.
A Director at Bell Phillips, an SME practice delivering major housing and regeneration masterplans, I combine practice with over a decade in politics at local and national level, from standing for Parliament in 2019 to leading national housing campaigns and standing as a local councillor. I understand how decisions are made, how to influence them, and how to get things done.
I have built a public voice for the profession across media, policy and campaigning. I know how to communicate clearly, confidently and with impact, from the public to policymakers. I will use that experience to strengthen our voice across the UK and internationally, support our members and lead the profession forward.
The profession needs the public and government at all levels to understand and celebrate the value of great architecture. I am the one to lead that.
AS RIBA PRESIDENT , I WILL BRING MY ENERGY AND DRIVE TO CAMPAIGN FOR YOU, THE PROFESSION.
THREE PILLARS OF ACTION
VOICE A stronger, more confident voice for architects with government, industry, and the public.
IMPACT Driving innovation in how we design and build, from AI to low-carbon construction and delivery. Positioning architects at the forefront of shaping a sustainable, resilient built environment that is inclusive.
EDUCATION Opening up the profession through more accessible, relevant, flexible and inclusive routes into practice. Protecting creativity while aligning education more closely with the realities of practice.
WHAT I WILL DO
- GET ARCHITECTS BACK IN THE ROOM WHERE DECISIONS ARE MADE. Strengthen RIBA's influence with government, mayors, and industry, ensuring the profession shapes policy on housing, planning, and growth, not just responds to it.
- CHAMPION FOR CITY AND REGIONAL ARCHITECTS. Under every regional and city mayor should be an architect. This will embed design leadership in local authorities to drive long-term vision, coordination, and quality.
- PUSH FOR THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION TASKFORCE. Drive coordinated, cross-industry action to accelerate delivery, sustainability, and innovation.
- PROTECT THE FUNCTION OF THE ARCHITECT. Reinforce our role, responsibility, and value, particularly in relation to building safety.
- PROMOTE THE VALUE OF ARCHITECTS TO GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC. Shift the conversation from cost to value and strengthen the profession's position.
- REFORM PROCUREMENT TO DELIVER QUALITY, VALUE AND SAFETY. Ensure procurement works for both industry and society.
- LEAD THE PROFESSION ON AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. Define the future role of architects and support practices to adapt and lead.
- ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION AND RETROFIT. Champion low-carbon design, material innovation, and lobby government to remove barriers such as VAT on retrofit.
- REFORM EDUCATION AND WIDEN ACCESS TO THE PROFESSION. Make routes into architecture more accessible, relevant, and aligned with practice.
- STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION ACROSS THE PROFESSION REGIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. Give regional groups more autonomy. Connect practices, disciplines, and global networks to increase influence and impact.
