June 29 2022

Chris Stewart PRIAS has been elected president of the Royal Incorporation of Architects (RIAS), receiving 57% of the vote on a 16.1% turnout.

Stewart saw off Dr Richard Atkins to land the role, serving a two-year term as head of the architects’ body from today, succeeding outgoing president Christina Gaiger.

As director at both Collective Architecture and the Scottish Ecological Design Association Stewart was elected on a platform to promote environmentally sustainable design former sustainability, emphasising a collaborative rather than combative approach to architectural practice.

Stewart said: “I am delighted to be selected as President of the RIAS. Over the past few years, we have seen real change led by Christina Gaiger, and my goal will be to continue our progress with a focus on empowering and engaging with our members. This will include the launch of our membership forum where together we will have the opportunity to explore the challenges we will face over the next few years.

“I enjoyed the campaign and the opportunity to discuss so many ideas with Richard Atkins, these ranged from global issues such as climate literacy, to practical issues such as fee levels. Always at the heart of our debate was the progressive landscape of Scottish architecture and how we can help shape our future.”

Stewart heads a specialist energy division within Collective in the field of the circular economy and deconstruction.

6 Comments

#1 Posted by FHM on 29 Jun 2022 at 14:53 PM

"Over the past few years, we have seen real change led by Christina Gaiger, and my goal will be to continue our progress with a focus on empowering and engaging with our members. This will include the launch of our membership forum where together we will have the opportunity to explore the challenges we will face over the next few years."

Hopefully the engaging with members will see 17% turnout next time?

#2 Posted by James Hepburn on 29 Jun 2022 at 16:55 PM

I wonder if there will be any emphasis on quality of design? Its been sadly lacking for decades.

#3 Posted by I'm a Stat Man on 29 Jun 2022 at 17:51 PM

16.1% oooft.

With such a horrendously low turnout - can this even be claimed a victory?

#4 Posted by JON Baker on 29 Jun 2022 at 22:52 PM

Congratulations to your new appointment, Chris Stewart
Would like to contact you by email.
RIBA RIAS Chartered (retired).)
Regards,
James M O Baker
jmo.baker@btinternet.com

#5 Posted by Chris Stewart on 30 Jun 2022 at 08:11 AM

Hi James,
Thank you very much for the kind words and message, I will get in contact with you by email.
Thanks again

Chris

#6 Posted by Nairn's Bairn on 1 Jul 2022 at 14:36 PM

Why such a lack of interest - 16% turnout?

To be charitable to the membership I would say it was because members are too busy to respond, rather than because they couldn't care less about the RIAS and its benefits.

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