Journal

I want a strong institute for whom membership is so compelling that you wouldn’t refuse it; an institute that  architects positively want to be members of and proactively participate with.

I want an institute that communicates with its members, is open to dialogue and sensitive to the pressures that architects are facing.

I want an institute that confidently and proudly advocates for the profession and clearly sets out the value that architects provide.

I want an institute that reaches out to other organisations who are trying to improve the built environment e.g. London Practice Forum, Museum of Architecture, Design for Homes amongst others, to work together in a spirit of collaboration towards the shared goal of promoting a better quality built-environment.

I want the RIBA to be outward-looking. I want it to extend its reach beyond the built environment (London-centric) echo chamber. I want to see it host exhibitions and talks that anyone would want to attend. I want to see it have a voice and a seat at the table at the absolute centre of the critical issues of our age; championing and representing the importance of architects and spatial thinkers in solving housing, sustainability, loneliness, an ageing population, health and wellbeing, regeneration. I want to see the RIBA extend its reach beyond London, to engage with kids, marginalised groups and different communities.

I want the RIBA to be a centre of excellence.

I don’t currently feel that the RIBA offers enough for me and I’m not a member. So I won’t be voting in the RIBA elections. In truth, I’m somewhat sceptical how much impact the RIBA President can implement over such a short tenure.

However, you have to play what’s in front of you and the RIBA needs a strong personality. Someone who can give the profession a voice, ruffle a few feathers if necessary and stand up for architects.

I’ve known Jay Morton since we first interviewed her as a young architect about 15 years ago. From the day she started at Bell Phillips she’s been a force of nature. I can say that Jay is one of the most energetic, proactive and positive people I’ve ever met. Her passion for the benefits of a high quality built environment are without parallel. She is someone who has had an extraordinary influence in shaping my former practice and from I’ve learned a great deal.

I can’t vote in the RIBA elections, but if I could I’d vote for Jay.

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