Happy New Year to all Members and their practices.
2019 promises to be full of challenge. It will certainly be uppermost in architects' minds that their practice is often very quickly and unpredictably affected by political and economic instability and uncertainty. This situation can see upward trend activity as well as downward, depending on a range of trading conditions. I'm guessing some aspect of current national and international life will figure in most people's planning for the next 12 months and no doubt many members will have had elements of frustration creep into those conversations too. RIBA has good intelligence and advice on Brexit and its likely effects on the sector at architecture.com.
Here in the region we will be concentrating on promoting progress on collaboration on research, on small practice and with other disciplines; we will drive progress on broader representation and voice through our newly elected Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Grace Choi; we will advance thinking and share information about Housing, through the Working Group led by Alison Thornton-Sykes and Clair Sanders, and on Education, led by Matthew Margetts with our very own Nicky Watson, who was recently elected as Vice President Education on National Council and Board - being able to place the conversation in an informed national context.
The purpose of all this activity is to build knowledge, grow a sense of community and promote preparedness to face the challenge of the day. Architects getting better and stronger at what they do in a more resilient and attractive region to work in. Winning ground in the process of creating architecture and place and learning about the challenges of tomorrow. Plenty to do - what's not to like!?
We would like to begin the year with a social event and invite all members to join us for our Regional Council meeting on Tuesday 26 February, where we will follow an open format and give you the opportunity to hear first hand from Regional Council representatives on activities and ways to get involved over the coming year.
Hope to see you there!
