In September this year, I began my two year presidential term at the Royal Institute of British Architects. I started on this incredible path in order to represent, inspire and engage with the next generation. This included those underrepresented in the past, a drive for an agenda focussed on climate action, embracing digital technologies and building a fairer, more inclusive profession.
Now, as the year draws to a close, it feels like a reasonable time to reflect on my busy first few months.
Following my inauguration, one of my first highlights back in September was working with The Prince’s Foundation (Now The King’s Foundation). Together, we hosted a town hall meeting to spark a national conversation about the reuse of existing buildings as an alternative to demolition and rebuild.
October was also a busy month. I had the privilege of attending my first Stirling Prize ceremony and awarding the prize to Mae for the John Morden Centre - a building that sets a high standard for spaces that strengthen communities, supporting people to live healthier, happier and more independent lives.
I accompanied RIBA’s Policy and Public Affairs team at both the Conservative and Labour Party Conferences. Joining panels, roundtables and events, I called on policymakers to place a more urgent focus on quality, safety and sustainability in building design and construction. While policymakers must act to boost housing supply, we must ensure that quality and standards are not compromised.
Conveniently, my trip also coincided with the reopening of our amazing RIBA North building in Liverpool and the launch of Long Life, Low Energy: Designing for a circular economy - an exhibition marking the start of an exciting new relationship with Tate Liverpool. It was great to be able to open up the building to bring together architects and built environment experts for a private view.
In November, I was invited to join a roundtable with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, and a number of thought leaders from across the built environment sector. This was a great opportunity to directly engage with decision-makers, and I look forward to more in the coming months.
And, most recently, I had the honour of joining RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick and sustainability experts Duncan Baker-Brown and Sumita Singha on the ground at COP28. It was fantastic to have an opportunity to directly engage politicians and leaders from across the built environment on an international stage.
In December, I had the pleasure of awarding the President’s Medals to Ellie Harding, Kacper Sehnke and Chloe Shang – three architecture students whose design projects and dissertations provide exemplary examples of how architecture can address the needs of people and their communities.
Looking ahead, next month I will have the honour of announcing the recipient of the Royal Gold Medal – one of the world's highest honours for architecture. As you may recall, last year's medal recognised the inspiring career of Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s first female architect and a committed conservationist and humanitarian.
This year, we will be marking the achievements of another individual who’s made an indelible mark on our profession. Watch this space.
I’m excited to see how things evolve in 2024. I look forward to connecting and meeting more of you.
Seasons greetings,
Muyiwa Oki
