Raising the professional standing of Queen's University Belfast and Northern Ireland- Alan Jones is elected the 78th president of the Royal Institute of British Architects

Press/Media: Other

Description

Extract from architecture.com, the website of the Royal Institute of British Architects:  RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said:

“ To be chosen as RIBA President is a tremendous honour and responsibility, representing the collective strength and talent of our 43,000 members and 300 staff in a leading role to advance the profession of architecture. The RIBA has an exciting future and I hope I can rely on Alan’s support during my second year in office as we continue to push the Institute’s ambitious programme forward.”

The role of RIBA President was established in 1835 and is the highest elected position in UK architecture. The President is chair of RIBA Council, the Charity Trustees who are ultimately responsible for the conduct and development of the Institute.

Alan Jones is a chartered architect, director of his own architecture practice based in County Antrim, Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and the RIBA’s Vice President for Education.

The Royal Institute of British Architects was established in 1834 and had a president since 1837.  Northern Irish architect Alan Jones has been elected to become the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects - and the first from Northern Ireland.

Extract from the RIBA's Website

"Jones, who won 52 per cent of the vote, will replace the current president Ben Derbyshire on 1 September 2019 and hold the position for two years.

The architect, founder of Alan Jones Architects, wants the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to "realise a more significant role and position in business and society" and reduce the number of architects leaving the profession during his presidency.

He is currently a senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, and the current RIBA vice president for education.

"The RIBA is a fantastic organisation with great resources, particularly its staff who I am keen to support more than ever," said Jones.

"As individuals and as an institution, we need to come together to make the most of our assets, and make the case for our profession."

He continued: "We need to gather evidence and realise a more significant role and position in business and society. We must focus more on the pertinent issues that will increase the quality of service we provide and the added value we can bring."

"We must reduce our overheads and the loss of colleagues and expertise as they leave our profession because of the economics of our situation. Talent is universal and opportunity into and upward through our profession must be too."

Jones was elected ahead of Elsie Owusu and Phil Allsopp. He will be the 77th president since the role was established in 1835. As the chair of the RIBA Council, he will be responsible for the development and finances of the institute.

The architect officially becomes President Elect on 1 September 2018.

"The RIBA has an exciting future and I hope I can rely on Alan's support during my second year in office as we continue to push the institute's ambitious programme forward," said Derbyshire."

Period09 Aug 2018 → 19 Sept 2018

Media coverage

9

Media coverage

  • TitleAlan Jones elected next RIBA President, 2019-21
    Media name/outletQueen's University Belfast
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date19/09/2018
    DescriptionQueen's University Belfast main website news item:

    "Alan Jones – architect, Senior Lecturer in the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen's, and currently the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Vice President for Education – has been elected the next RIBA President.
    Mr Jones will take over the two-year presidential term next year (1 September 2019); from 1 September 2018 he will officially become RIBA President Elect.
    Speaking about his election Mr Jones said:

    "I am very pleased to be first president from Northern Ireland in the 180-year history of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The RIBA is an international Institute and this result is demonstration of Queen's University's close alignment with industry and business and the respect we have on the world stage. The RIBA is considered the "global gold standard" for architects and architecture and for me to be elected their president raises Queen's University and Northern Ireland in the realm of architects and the built environment industry.

    "I appreciate all the support and guidance that has helped create this result – a result that I am aiming will benefit Queen's and our region as a whole."

    The Royal Institute of British Architects is a global professional membership body that serves its 43,000 members and society 'to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment'.

    The role of RIBA President was established in 1835 and is the highest elected position in UK architecture. As President, Mr Jones will chair the RIBA Council, the Charity Trustees who are ultimately responsible for the conduct and development of the Institute.

    "The RIBA is a fantastic organisation with great resources, particularly its staff who I am keen to support more than ever," said its incoming President-elect.

    "As individuals and as an institution, we need to come together to make the most of our assets, and make the case for our profession."

    As a Senior Lecturer at Queen's Mr Jones helped lead Architecture at the University to fifth in The Guardian's League Table and, in 2018, first for added value.
    In 2016 he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). As a trustee on the RIBA's Council and Board, he has championed social mobility and a closer, more supportive relationship between education and practice, creating an upward spiral of benefits and advances for architects and society.

    Current RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: "Congratulations to Alan Jones on the vote of confidence he has received from our members."
    "To be chosen as RIBA President is a tremendous honour and responsibility, representing the collective strength and talent of our 43,000 members and 300 staff in a leading role to advance the profession of architecture. The RIBA has an exciting future and I hope I can rely on Alan's support during my second year in office as we continue to push the Institute's ambitious programme forward."

    Producer/AuthorQueen's University Belfast - Communications
    URLhttps://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/News/AlanJoneselectednextRIBAPresident2019-21.html
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleA Big Thing Happened in Architecture
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletAdrem Group
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date14/08/2018
    DescriptionA big thing happened in the world of Architecture last week, it wasn’t the grand unveiling of a seminal piece of architecture, nor was it the announcement of a new International architectural award, it was instead the announcement of the new RIBA President. The RIBA is the most well regarded and indeed oldest Institute of Architecture in the World and the announcement of a new President does indeed create subtle ripples in the Architectural world.

    Alan Jones was elected the President designate, winning just over 51% of votes and generating more than a thousand votes of support above the next candidate. Jones will be stepping into take over Ben Derbyshire from 1 September 2019 for a two-year presidential term, taking us into the second decade of the new Millenia as the 77th President.

    Jones is a charming easy going Northern Irish architect and Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast. He is modest, erudite has a sense of fun and most importantly can communicate.

    “I appreciate respect is not given lightly and must be earned. I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ben Derbyshire and past presidents, people who I have huge respect for.”

    Jones recognises that there are some great assets within the institute, for example the RIBA is considered as a global leader in CPD and other institutes not just of architecture but other professions learn from the RIBA, there are also numerous workshops such as Guerilla Tactics, specialist supported courses, out-reach programmes into the community and schools and whole host of exhibitions, assistance programmes for students, not to mention if you go to China perhaps the most vibrant economy in the world a highlight in their design calendar is the RIBA’s display of young UK talent in their window display exhibition, indeed the list goes on. Jones knows this and isn’t looking to reinvent the Institute just shout about them more and make them accessible, sharing the benefits of this Institute to its members and the extended circle.

    “The RIBA is a fantastic organisation with great resources, particularly its staff who I am keen to support more than ever.”

    The golden ticket for Jones looking into the future is surely to ensure that those members around the country from Pinner to Penzance feel included in their institute and this may be through a greater online presence, along with looking after the role and future purpose of the Architect in a Brexit world with all that entails.
    Producer/AuthorDel Hossain
    URLhttps://adremgroup.com/alan-jones-elected-riba-president-2019-21/
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleArchitect Alan Jones named new RIBA President
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletThe Architects Newspaper (USA)
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/SizeOn their International Professional Practice page
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    Date13/08/2018
    DescriptionThe Architect's Newspaper states "it is the most authoritative voice on architecture and design in the United States".
    "Northern Irish architect Alan Jones will be the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Jones, who is currently RIBA vice-president of education and a senior lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast where he runs his own practice, Alan Jones Architects, will take over from incumbent president Ben Derbyshire on September 1, 2019......."
    Producer/AuthorBy Jason Sayer (@adjasoncies)
    URLhttps://archpaper.com/2018/08/architect-alan-jones-named-new-riba-president/
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleNorthern Ireland man elected architecture body president amid race row
    Degree of recognitionRegional
    Media name/outletBelfast Telegraph Digital
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date11/08/2018
    DescriptionAlan Jones will be Royal Institute of British Architects 77th president
    URLhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-man-elected-architecture-body-president-amid-race-row-37205431.html
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleRIBA's new president elect: "We need to make the case for architecture"
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletCLADnews
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date10/08/2018
    DescriptionNorthern Irish architect Alan Jones has been elected the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

    Jones will take over the two-year presidential term from Ben Derbyshire on 1 September 2019.

    Jones is director of his own architecture practice based in County Antrim. He is also a senior lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and the RIBA’s vice president for education.......
    Producer/AuthorTom Walker
    URLwww.cladglobal.com/CLADnews/architecture-design/RIBAs-new-president-elect:-We-need-make-the-case-for-architecture/338623?source=editorspick&=1
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleOn one of the highest ranked global digital publication websites: Alan Jones elected as next RIBA president
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date09/08/2018
    DescriptionNews announcement on the high profile global architecture website "Dezeen" with 950,000 followers on Twitter. Text of entry reads:

    "Northern Irish architect Alan Jones has been elected to become the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

    Jones, who won 52 per cent of the vote, will replace the current president Ben Derbyshire on 1 September 2019 and hold the position for two years.

    The architect, founder of Alan Jones Architects, wants the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to "realise a more significant role and position in business and society" and reduce the number of architects leaving the profession during his presidency.

    He is currently a senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, and the current RIBA vice president for education....."
    URLhttps://www.dezeen.com/2018/08/09/alan-jones-riba-president-royal-institute-british-architects/
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleNew RIBA president elected amid row over silencing of black architect
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletThe Guardian
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date09/08/2018
    DescriptionThe Royal Institute of British Architects has elected Alan Jones as its next president.....
    Producer/AuthorAlexandra Topping
    URLhttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/aug/09/new-riba-president-elected-amid-row-over-silencing-of-black-architect
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleAlan Jones elected RIBA President 2019-21
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletRoyal Institute of British Architects
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date09/08/2018
    Description"Alan Jones has been elected the next President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Alan will take over the two-year presidential term from Ben Derbyshire next year (1 September 2019); from 1 September 2018 he will officially become RIBA President Elect.

    The role of RIBA President was established in 1835 and is the highest elected position in UK architecture. The President is chair of RIBA Council, the Charity Trustees who are ultimately responsible for the conduct and development of the Institute.

    Alan Jones is a chartered architect, director of his own architecture practice based in County Antrim, Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and the RIBA’s Vice President for Education.

    Speaking today Alan Jones said:

    “I am honoured to become the next President of the RIBA and wish to thank everyone who supported me, engaged with the election process and took time to vote.

    I appreciate respect is not given lightly and must be earned. I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ben Derbyshire and past presidents, people who I have huge respect for. I wish to build on their successes.

    The RIBA is a fantastic organisation with great resources, particularly its staff who I am keen to support more than ever. As individuals and as an institution, we need to come together to make the most of our assets, and make the case for our profession. We need to gather evidence and realise a more significant role and position in business and society. We must focus more on the pertinent issues that will increase the quality of service we provide and the added value we can bring. We must reduce our overheads and the loss of colleagues and expertise as they leave our profession because of the economics of our situation. Talent is universal and opportunity into and upward through our profession must be too.”

    RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said:

    “Congratulations to Alan Jones on the vote of confidence he has received from our members - I look forward to supporting him in the role both as President Elect and after I’ve passed on the baton next year. To be chosen as RIBA President is a tremendous honour and responsibility, representing the collective strength and talent of our 43,000 members and 300 staff in a leading role to advance the profession of architecture. The RIBA has an exciting future and I hope I can rely on Alan’s support during my second year in office as we continue to push the Institute’s ambitious programme forward.” "
    Producer/AuthorRoyal Institute of British Architects
    URLhttps://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/alan-jones-elected-riba-president-2019-21#
    PersonsAlan Jones
  • TitleAlan Jones wins RIBA presidential election
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletArchitects' Journal
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date09/08/2018
    DescriptionThe Architects Journal; "The first edition was produced in 1895. Originally named The Builder's Journal and Architectural Record, from 1906 to 1910 it was known as The Builder's Journal and Architectural Engineer, and it then became The Architects and Builder's Journal from 1911 until 1919, at which point it was given its current name." Text of media coverage: "Alan Jones will be the next president of the RIBA after winning an unusually eventful election battle The Northern Irish architect and current RIBA vice-president of education beat rivals Elsie Owusu and Phil Allsopp to become the 77th president of the institution, receiving 2,704 votes (51.66 per cent). Owusu polled 1,673 votes and Allsopp received 857. Jones will take over from Ben Derbyshire in September 2019. Turnout in the biennial election was 18.97 per cent, an increase on 2016 when just 15.2 per cent of the membership voted. The architect, who works at Queen’s University Belfast, also ran for the role in 2016 against Derbyshire and Andrew Salter, coming second. Click here During his election campaign, Jones pledged to ‘put architects first’, improve the representation of the profession and said that if made president he would seek to hold a referendum on the future of the RIBA. Speaking after the win was announced, Jones said: ’I am honoured to become the next President of the RIBA and wish to thank everyone who supported me, engaged with the election process and took time to vote. ’I appreciate respect is not given lightly and must be earned. I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ben Derbyshire and past presidents, people who I have huge respect for. I wish to build on their successes.’ RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: ’Congratulations to Alan Jones on the vote of confidence he has received from our members. I look forward to supporting him in the role both as president-elect and after I’ve passed on the baton next year.’ This year a series of controversies meant a there was a higher level of interest in the election than in previous campaigns. Most notably, the RIBA sent a ’cease and desist’ letter to Owusu in an attempt to stop her making ’damaging public statements’ about the institute. The letter came after Owusu criticised the salary of RIBA chief executive Alan Vallence during a hustings in Leeds. At the hustings, Jones came to Vallance’s defence, arguing the RIBA Board had reviewed salaries against CEOs of other charities. Owusu made the headlines again earlier this month. In the final days before voting closed an email that Owusu had claimed was a ‘death threat’ against her and which she had reported to police in 2016 was leaked to the AJ and revealed in its entirety for the first time (see Elsie Owusu ‘death threat’ email revealed in full). In a recent Q&A with the AJ, Jones said if he won the election he would celebrate his victory in a ’modest way’. "
    Producer/AuthorElla Jessel
    URLhttps://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/alan-jones-wins-riba-presidential-election/10034064.article
    PersonsAlan Jones

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleAs of today I am President Elect @RIBA
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletTwitter
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date01/09/2018
    DescriptionTweet from @alanJones2008 (4035 followers (17 Jan 2019))"President Elect @RIBA; Director, Prof Practice @QUBelfast; founder AJA; social mobility champion @RIBA, Fellow RIBA FRSA & HonFRIAS; RIBA Board, Council VMO"

    My twitter feed is ranked 337 in global top 500 for Built Environment (www.sustmeme.com  17 Jan 2019) - above Arup Engineering for example.

    This tweet - statistics: 
    Seen by 48367, 348 likes, 91 retweets, 17 comments, 436 viewing my profile - Engagement across sectors of education, practice, industry & the media.

    This tweet - content
    "As of today I am President Elect @RIBA. FYI I’m from outside London, from a modest background, state educated, I’ve taught & practiced in the luxury of London & low-cost NI economy & won awards in both, spent decades trying to make our profession better #opportunityforall"
    Producer/AuthorAlan Jones
    URLhttps://twitter.com/AlanJones2008/status/1035835880844525573
    PersonsAlan Jones