Weston Williamson + Partners co-founder Chris Williamson has been elected to become the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Succeeding current RIBA president Muyiwa Oki, Williamson will begin his two-year term on 1 September 2025 until September 2027.
"My whole career has involved collaboration"
Previously, the architect has held several roles within the RIBA – working as chair of the Architecture Centre from 1999-2001, the ambassador for business skills from 2015-2017, and most recently as the vice president international from 2017-2019.
He is co-founder of British studio Weston Williamson + Partners, which became part of the engineering group Egis in 2022 where he is now responsible for Egis' global collaboration and opportunities.
Williamson has shared his intentions to focus on collaborations with politicians and stakeholders to establish policy and address global challenges.
"I am delighted to be elected RIBA president and would like to thank all those that nominated me, supported me and voted for me," Williamson said.
"My whole career has involved collaboration and bringing all stakeholders together," he said. "I now face another big opportunity to do the same at the RIBA in these challenging times, but I am excited and enthusiastic to get started."
"I will try my best to represent all views in order to communicate to politicians and decision makers what amazing specialisms we have and how they can be involved to establish policy and tackle global issues," he added.
"This marks an exciting chapter for RIBA and our members"
Standing alongside Williamson for election as RIBA president were architect and activist Duncan Baker-Brown and RIBA councillor Funmbi Adeagbo.
"I would like to thank Funmbi and Duncan for the opportunity to debate with them," Williamson said.
"I hadn't met either until a few weeks ago and we agreed on so many aims but differed on how they could be achieved," he added. "I will continue to champion social mobility, inclusion and diversity in the profession and beyond and take action to combat climate change."
Following the two-year term by Oki – the RIBA's youngest and first black president – Williamson will begin his position as president-elect from 1 September 2024 before becoming president the following year. He will be the institution's fifth consecutive male president.
Williamson was elected by the RIBA's membership, with an overall turnout of 9.3 per cent – a 3.1 per cent decrease from the previous election – and a total of 4,462 votes.
The role of RIBA president was established in 1835, with Williamson set to be the 81st elected representative. The position includes chairing the RIBA Council as well as being on the RIBA Board of Trustees.
Congratulating Williamson on his election, current RIBA president Oki said:
"This marks an exciting chapter for RIBA and our members, as we unite to champion architects as agents of change, tackling pressing societal issues like housing, climate, and inclusive built environments."
"I'm eager to collaborate closely with Chris during his tenure as president-elect, before handing over to him in September 2025," Oki added.
Other recent RIBA news includes a report by the institution that revealed 41 percent of UK architects are now using AI to carry out their projects.
The photo is courtesy of RIBA.