About the AIA Conference
The AIA Conference on architecture and design is the annual gathering for the AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) in America. It mixes a number of keynotes, lectures, and talks from a diversity of voices in the entire AEC industry with an exhibition packed with 500+ brands, a diverse range of experts, project-changing ideas, and pioneering solutions.
A RIBA delegation led by RIBA President Muyiwa Oki; RIBA Interim Executive Director Membership Experience, Belinda Irlam-Mowbray; Partnerships Manager Emmanuelle Meunier; and Immediate RIBA-USA Past President and RIBA Director of Strategic Development, North America Catherine Clark; attended.
About the AIA/RIBA collaboration
The AIA and RIBA have a long history of collaboration that dates from the founding of their institutes in 1857 and 1834 respectively.
We renewed our partnership with the AIA which remains fundamental to our work to support professional growth and the development of our members worldwide.
We both have a long history of promoting excellence in the field of architecture, and are outward looking, global organisations, committed to fostering international collaborations, and celebrating architectural diversity. We share a common goal to champion the highest standards in architecture globally and support architects wherever they are in the world.
Networking reception
On the first evening of the AIA Conference in Boston, we organised a networking reception in partnership with the British Consulate of New England and were graciously hosted by the British Consul General of New England, David Clay, MBE.
It was the perfect way to kick off the AIA’s annual conference and to network with friends and colleagues from around the world.
David Clay delivered the opening speech, followed by remarks from Muyiwa Oki, Belinda Irlam-Mowbray, and the AIA 2025 President Evelyn Lee.
Guests included Rob Dennis, RIBA-USA President, and the Presidents of the Architectural institutes of Japan, Australia, and of the Africa Union of Architects.
Also in attendance were our newest North American members, Zehra Yumsak - who recently completed her International Part 3 and is using the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) ratified in 2023 between the UK and the US to become licensed in Illinois - and Tim Furzer, former RIBA Silver Medal winner who has become an Associate Member in Connecticut.
RIBA-USA Annual general board meeting
Thanks to our USA North West Chapter Chair, Tony Thornton, the board were hosted at the offices of Gensler in Boston for their annual in person board meeting.
Tony Thornton was joined by Rob Dennis, RIBA-USA President and South East Chapter Chair; Chris Rute, Mid-West Chapter Chair; Frank Mruk New England Chapter Chair; Phil Allsopp, RIBA Trustee, Council Representative for The Americas, South West Chapter Chair, and member of RIBA Board. Washington DC and Central South Chapter Chair Faisal Mohsin joined remotely with Olivia Cashman (Philadelphia), Beatrice Girelli, (Southern California) and Anne Fairfax (Chapter Chair New York) giving their apologies.
The board were delighted to welcome back Muyiwa, Belinda, and Catherine.
The discussion centred on the alignment of RIBA and RIBA-USA beyond the pre-existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was superseded by the new governance structure at RIBA.
RIBA created RIBA-USA in 1996 to better support members living and working in the United States. A Letter of Intent was exchanged by RIBA President and RIBA-USA President which outlined RIBA's intent to formalise the creation of a Regional Council titled RIBA-USA in due course. A roadmap for the formal creation of RIBA Chapters across the USA (to report to the new council) will be developed.
This new agreement will allow for us to better support membership in the United States, in the same way it supports other membership groups in Asia and the Middle East and, most recently, in Europe.
RIBA Members, and anyone considering joining RIBA, who are living and working in the USA are encouraged to contact RIBA-USA which is actively seeking to further broaden its community network and intends with this new arrangement to be able to generate activities and engagement for RIBA Members across the United States.
President’s speaking opportunities
On 4 June Muyiwa Oki participated in the AIA Global Architecture Symposium
Global Architecture today is at an inflection point of profound global shifts, accelerated by the return to office and workplace transformation after the pandemic. These shifts are shaped by the sustainability and climate action, experiential design, advancements in AI and digital technology, and evolving nature of profession. New regions of rapid growth in architectural services emerged in the parts of Middle East, South Asia and Latin America.
This session engaged a frank sharing by leaders from the American Institute of Architects, Royal British Institute of Architects, and Australian Institute of Architects and examined how, in this new global landscape, we can address the sustainability of the profession across borders amid shifting economic posterity of the members and national policies we are working in.
Other activities
Meeting with Presidents of International Institutes was also organised between RIBA President, Interim Executive Director Membership Experience and Partnerships Manager and their counterparts, to discuss matters of mutual interest and possible collaboration.
30 minute meetings were organised with:
- Africa Union of Architects (AUA)
- Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA)
- Conselho de Arquitetura e Urbanismo do Brasil (CAU/BR)
- Japan Institute of Architects (JIA)
The AIA International Presidents Forum roundtable discussion about how organisations and members work with local leaders, what challenges we encounter in our cities, and the innovative solutions we have developed.
Topics covered included:
- AI and the Practice of Architecture
- Climate Action and Resilience
- Housing Affordability
Practice Visits
Our visit to Boston, was also an opportunity for Belinda to visit Perkins and Will studio.
