10 Aug 2018
RIBA's new president elect: "We need make the case for architecture"
BY Tom Walker
Northern Irish architect Alan Jones has been elected the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Jones will take over the two-year presidential term from Ben Derbyshire on 1 September 2019.
Jones is director of his own architecture practice based in County Antrim. He is also a senior lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and the RIBA’s vice president for education.
Speaking about his aims for his presidency, Jones said he will look to help architecture "make a case for itself".
"I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ben Derbyshire and past presidents, people who I have huge respect for," Jones said following his appointment.
The RIBA is a fantastic organisation with great resources, particularly its staff who I am keen to support more than ever.
"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. 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.”
The role of RIBA President was established in 1835 and is the highest elected position in UK architecture.
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