Winner announced in August
Simon Allford has announced he is running for RIBA president.
The co-founder of Stirling Prize-winning AHMM vowed he would create a leaner, cheaper institute if elected. He has been critical in the past of the way the institute is governed.
The 58-year-old (pictured) said: 鈥淥ur profession faces a series of challenges and opportunities arising from climate change, covid-19 and the future outcomes of the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
鈥淭oo many members feel disenchanted with the way in which our institute is perceived, and the cost of such a large organisation, at a time like this.鈥�
The RIBA presidency is currently embroiled in unprecedented problems after current president Alan Jones took temporary leave of absence over what he described as a personal matter.
Jones is due to stand down in September 2021 鈥� unless he resigns earlier 鈥� and Allford鈥檚 candidacy is part of the routine process of electing a successor.
The hunt for the next president opened last month with 1 July the deadline for candidates to declare themselves and the election running from 14 July to 4 August.
The winner will be announced a week later and serve as president elect for a year until Jones鈥� two-year term ends.
Allford said the institute needed to refocus on architecture and engage with members and society through its website and 66 Portland Place, which he pledged to make a 鈥淗ouse of Architecture鈥�.
He criticised the way it was hired out as a venue on a commercial basis and said all its activities must be architecture-focused and hosted by the RIBA itself.
Allford said architecture had the potential to have 鈥渉uge beneficial effects鈥� on the lives of individuals and communities but that the profession needed 鈥渟trong leadership from a vibrant institute, drawing on the knowledge and resources of members and practices鈥�.
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