I spent decades as a journalist reporting on, and overseeing, many elections. As voting closes and results are being counted there\u2019s always a lull for reflection; the RIBA presidential race is no exception.<\/p>\n
I watched an online question-and-answer session with the three candidates recently and couldn\u2019t help but notice that it had had just 54 views.<\/p>\n
Just 54 people, from the RIBA\u2019s membership of around 50,000, thought it worth their time to listen to the arguments. Admittedly only one debate but that’s 0.1 per cent.<\/p>\n
And therein we have the problem. When it comes to the RIBA, there is a failure to connect with members and, I would argue, an inability to deal with the entrenched mindset and values that bring this situation about.<\/p>\n
So my message to whoever is the successful candidate \u2013 Chris Williamson, Funmbi Adeagbo or Duncan Baker-Brown \u2013 is to immediately address this, starting perhaps with such fundamentals as equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and to do so with passion, energy, and presence.<\/p>\n
People are disengaged because the institute is not listening to the voices that can, on occasion, contradict it. But very few do so out of malice; the vast majority want the best for a forward-thinking, dynamic and relevant profession. Change is driven by difference.<\/p>\n
We know that the profession is not diverse. We know that not all voices are heard. We know that there are currently only seats at the table for a certain kind of person with a certain message. This is made manifest in our built environment, embedding and perpetuating the bias of those who created it in the first instance.<\/p>\n
We also know there are many, many engaged professionals who are determined to do something about this but have been stuck on the \u2018how\u2019 and don\u2019t see the institute as the vehicle for change.<\/p>\n
When I hear from various chartered practices that their staff say they are reluctant to have RIBA membership even when it\u2019s being paid for, you know the institute is in trouble. This can change, though, by leadership focusing on inclusion, sustainability, ethics, innovation and safety \u2013 setting robust standards, rewarding excellence in these pillars, and delivering on sanctions.<\/p>\n
Practicality is key. Inclusion should be more than an abstract goal; it should be actionable. The RIBA needs to adopt practical strategies and tools to weave EDI into its daily operations and pass this on to members. This includes developing comprehensive EDI policies, providing continuous learning resources and ensuring inclusive practices are a standard part of every project. And being transparent about it. Without practical steps, even the best intentions can fall short.<\/p>\n
Supporting research and education on EDI in the built environment is another critical aspect. The RIBA should back studies that explore these themes and promote educational programmes that prepare the next generation of professionals. We need future leaders who are not just aware of EDI but are passionate advocates for these principles. Ensure this is woven into pathways as well as the curriculum itself. It\u2019s madness that degree apprenticeships require four separate accreditation bodies. Why would any educator put themselves through that for the one course?<\/p>\n
Which brings me to my final point: collaboration amplifies impact. RIBA HQ is a notoriously closed shop and intransigent. The members in the regions are brilliantly collaborative with non-members, other professions and across cultures. HQ should actively seek partnerships with other organisations, community groups, and educational institutions from a place of humility. Sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices can lead to more significant, widespread change.<\/p>\n
If a new RIBA president can be supported to listen and amplify these principles with vigour, rise above and iron out its politics, removing those who seek to control and are more about themselves than the profession, then we have a chance to save the institute\u2019s relevance and have it live its mission: to advance architecture by demonstrating public benefit and promoting excellence in the profession.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re all in this together, and by working collectively, we can achieve far more than one president ever could alone.<\/p>\n