Ged Couser, RIBA Northwest Chair
I was absolutely delighted to have been elected as RIBA Northwest Chair at the start of this year and it has been an incredibly busy time for the region since then, which I have enjoyed immensely. The awards at the NML World Museum in Liverpool were an absolute triumph and congratulations to all of those shortlisted and those that picked up awards. It was an incredible night in an amazing setting and my opening speech talked about the evening not being just about the awards. It’s about community. It’s about the power of coming together to inspire, support, and shape the future of architecture in our region and that only happens when people get involved and it is gratifying to see so much activity focused on that by you all in the region.
The Manchester Society of Architects Awards was also an incredible evening of celebration, at the Royal Exchange Theatre, which was packed to the rafters with Glenn Howells the awards judge presiding over events. I also visited the Lancaster School of Architecture exhibition which had some amazing work on show at both degree and masters level and it’s great to see the school develop so well given that it’s only its formative years. There have also been some incredible events across the region which I haven’t had the opportunity to attend but have heard great things about in our regional meetings such as the Cheshire Society of Architects children’s lego workshop, the Liverpool Architectural Society Summer Social and the MSA’s A life in Ten Buildings which was a talk by Phil Griffin.
As part of my manifesto I am keen to support inclusion in the region and have been involved in two fantastic events to promote that within the wider construction industry. The first was a workshop hosted in our BDP Manchester office, which was a joint RIBA and Fawcett Society roundtable, chaired by the Robbie Turner- RIBA’s Director of Inclusion and Diversity. The Fawcett Society are working with RIBA on a study on gender equity in architecture to be published in 2025 and the event was part of their research into the experiences of women who are either practicing architects or have left the profession, before setting out key actions for meaningful, lasting change. The second event was a Building Inclusion event with key note speakers followed by a fascinating panel discussion, which was really successful and very well attended.
My focus for the rest of the year will be twofold in supporting and connected with small practices in the region and also getting out to meet more branch committees and attend more branch events which I’m really looking forward to and to that end we have agreed to hold some of our regional meetings on the road and in the regions rather than in Manchester and Liverpool and in that context I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to meet more of you RIBA members.
Its great to see what we can accomplish when we share our ideas, energy, and passion and I encourage you to stay connected, stay curious, and stay involved. The future of our profession depends on all of us—and it’s bright when we build it together.
Raluca-Diana Anghelina, Regional Engagement Partner North West
I am excited to be stepping into my new permanent role of the Regional Engagement Partner (REP) for the North West, after partially covering the region for the last 3 months. As an architect and also a Chartered Member of RIBA, this feels like a natural step forward in my journey, one that’s been shaped by years of volunteering, collaborating, and listening.
Over the last 9 years, I have had the privilege of contributing to RIBA in various ways, first as a Branch Secretary, then as a Co-President of Leeds Society of Architects, and most recently as the REP for RIBA Yorkshire, a role I’ve held for the past 14 months. Each of these roles gave me the chance to meet incredible people, have meaningful conversations, and see just how powerful our architectural community can be when we come together.
For me, RIBA is about people. It’s about building genuine relationships, opening up space for dialogue, and ensuring that members feel heard, included, and supported. That’s what drives me in this new role. Not just buildings, policies or events — but people. The individuals behind the work, with real passions, real challenges, and real stories to share.
My aim is simple: to build stronger relationships between RIBA and our members in the North West. That means being present, being approachable, and making sure the great work happening across our region is seen, heard, and supported. I’m especially keen to help open doors for those who may not always feel included, and to make space for a wider range of voices and perspectives in everything we do.
Whether you are just starting out in practice, leading a team, studying, teaching, freelancing, or finding your path, we want to hear from you. Let’s talk about what matters to you and what you would like RIBA to be in your professional life. I will be here to listen, to help connect the dots, and to support you in any way I can.
This is your RIBA — and I’m really looking forward to helping make it feel a little closer to home. Let’s build something meaningful, together. To get in touch, email me at raluca.anghelina@riba.org
