Northern Irish architect Alan Jones has been elected to become the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Jones, who won 52 per cent of the vote, will replace the current president Ben Derbyshire on 1 September 2019 and hold the position for two years.

The architect, founder of Alan Jones Architects, wants the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to "realise a more significant role and position in business and society" and reduce the number of architects leaving the profession during his presidency.

He is currently a senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, and the current RIBA vice president for education.

"The RIBA is a fantastic organisation with great resources, particularly its staff who I am keen to support more than ever," said Jones.

"As individuals and as an institution, we need to come together to make the most of our assets, and make the case for our profession."

He continued: "We need to gather evidence and realise a more significant role and position in business and society. We must focus more on the pertinent issues that will increase the quality of service we provide and the added value we can bring."

"We must reduce our overheads and the loss of colleagues and expertise as they leave our profession because of the economics of our situation. Talent is universal and opportunity into and upward through our profession must be too."

Jones was elected ahead of Elsie Owusu and Phil Allsopp. He will be the 77th president since the role was established in 1835. As the chair of the RIBA Council, he will be responsible for the development and finances of the institute.

The architect officially becomes President Elect on 1 September 2018.

"The RIBA has an exciting future and I hope I can rely on Alan's support during my second year in office as we continue to push the institute's ambitious programme forward," said Derbyshire.