Simon Allford, architect and founding director of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), has been elected as the next President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). 

Simon will take over the two-year presidential term from Alan Jones next year (1 September 2021), but Simon Allfrod's role will officially be effective from 1 September 2020 as the RIBA President Elect.

The overall Presidential election turnout was 13.2% and Simon Alford was elected at 4th stage by collecting 58.9% of the votes. 17.2% of Chartered Members voted, 6.66% of newly enfranchised Student, Associate and Affiliate members voted.

The role of RIBA President was established in 1835 and is the highest elected position in UK architecture. The President Chairs RIBA Council, which acts as the representative body for the membership.

Simon is a founding director of AHMM where he leads a design studio of 200 architects. He is a frequent writer, critic and advisor; a visiting professor at Harvard University and a previous chairman of the Architecture Foundation, and currently a trustee of the London School of Architecture and the Chickenshed Theatres Trust.

"It is a privilege to have been elected and I look forward to working with members, Council, Board and staff to create a leaner, more open, productive, engaged and reinvigorated RIBA," said Simon Allford. 

"We need an institute of ideas with architecture front and centre, hosting debates, lectures and exhibitions reflecting changing cultural and practice contexts."

"We need an institute that celebrates and promotes members’ work at home and worldwide. We need an institute that is a practice friend, enabling members to share ideas about best ways of working, using today’s technology to help advance architecture for the benefit of society – our Charter obligation."

"I am committed to the ‘House of Architecture @ RIBA’, an online and physical entity capable of forming alliances with clients, consultants and contractors to influence government over procurement and education, while also helping us to address global climate change and architecture’s pivotal role in a post-pandemic world," Allford continued.

RIBA President, Alan Jones, said: "Congratulations to Simon. The next few years will be crucial for our planet and profession as we navigate through health, environmental and economic crises – so Simon has a significant role to play in ensuring all architects receive the strong support and inspiring leadership they need to survive and thrive. I look forward to counting on Simon’s support over the next year before I hand over to them in 2021."

Top image © Tom Mesquitta

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