Chris Williamson elected RIBA President | News

Chris Williamson has been elected as the next RIBA President. The co-founder of the London law firm Weston Williamson + Partners beat off fellow candidates for the position of President Funmbi Adeagbo and Duncan Baker-Brown.

Out of a total of 4,462 votes cast by RIBA members, Williamson received 1,760 votes in the first round, while Baker-Brown received 1,502 and Adeagbo 1,200. After Adeagbo was eliminated and her votes were redistributed in the second round, Williamson won a narrow lead with 2,008 votes over Baker-Brown, who received 1,898.

When asked about his three most important priorities The RIBA Journal During the election campaign, Williamson stated: “communication: Our members include many of the world’s best architects. Increase your influence by bringing the knowledge of the profession to the forefront. Advocacy: Better support for all practices – helping all members in their businesses; Training: Give meaning to the letters RIBA: offer a real competitive advantage – a recognised qualification, not a members’ club.”

On Archinect, Williamson has written two opinion pieces on his immediate reaction to the 2016 Brexit vote and the resulting economic impact on architects. He has also been a leading voice in our Brexit Diaries series.

Williamson will officially take up the post of President-elect on 1 September for a one-year term and then serve as RIBA President for a two-year term from 1 September 2025. He will take over from Muyiwa Oki, who became the RIBA’s youngest and first black President in August 2023.