Chris Williamson, the new President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), has used his first day in office to urge architects to lead from the front in tackling the “myriad challenges” facing the profession.
He 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.”
He 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.
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.
