Chris Williamson, the new President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), has used his first day in office (1 September) to urge architects to lead from the front in tackling the “myriad challenges” facing the profession.
In a blog published today, Williamson singled out climate change, rapid developments in technology, and mounting financial pressures as key threats to architecture. He said that while “these challenges may threaten our profession, they also present us with great opportunities to lead from the front.”
Williamson said, “Our profession, and society more widely, face a myriad of challenges that can sometimes feel existential in nature, from the climate emergency to daunting changes in technology and mounting financial pressures.”
He pledged to lead on these issues, proposing solutions that range from lifelong learning modules that allow architects to constantly improve and grow by curating their own career paths, to ensuring that we have the right skills and expertise to influence government. We can “turn these challenges into opportunities” and “shape a more inclusive, future-facing society that works for all of us” he said.
Williamson also noted the urgent need to make architecture more accessible, from attracting students from diverse backgrounds, to supporting non-practicing architects and alternative career routes.
Speaking today, RIBA President Chris Williamson said:
“I take up this role at a unique moment. The challenges we face, from climate change to rapid advancements in technology, and the scope of the tasks ahead, are not something I take lightly. It is important however, to meet them head on.
As a profession, we have the potential to turn these challenges into opportunities, to design more sustainably, to welcome and support our next generation of architects, and to shape a more inclusive, future-facing profession that works for the benefit of all of us. Architects don’t shy away from challenges and change; we rise to meet them.
Architecture, and the built environment shape every aspect of our daily lives. These are the spaces in which we live and work, spaces that influence everything from our health and wellbeing to the strength of our communities. For our public realm to thrive, our profession must thrive, and that starts with supporting our future architects.
We urgently need to make architecture more accessible, from attracting students from diverse backgrounds, to supporting non-practicing architects and alternative career routes. We are only as strong as the quality of the new, young architects joining the profession.”
Chris Williamson’s term as RIBA President is from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027. He takes over the role from Muyiwa Oki.
Notes to editors:
- Contact: Max.Heptonstall@riba.org
- Headshots of Chris can be downloaded here
- Chris Williamson Biography: 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.
