ROBIN Webster OBE has been elected the next president of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). He will succeed Stewart Henderson at the Incorporation’s AGM later this month and serve for a term of 19 months.
After qualifying as an architect in 1967, Robin teamed up with Robin Spence to form an award-winning practice, noted for the design of the Belsize Park Gardens residential project in Camden and a new block for Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow.
In 1984 Robin was appointed Professor of Architecture at Robert Gordon University’s Scott Sutherland School in Aberdeen. He later set up Cameronwebster Architects in 2005 with his daughter Miranda and son-in-law Stuart Cameron.
Robin has served as chairman of the North Highlands Renewal Built Environment Advisory Panel, been a trustee of the Glasgow City Heritage Trust, and continues as trustee of the Scottish Stained-Glass Symposium. He is also a former chairman of the Alexander Greek Thomson Society.
Robin said, “I am honoured to be elected as next president of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, and especially my supporters, who have challenged the status quo and argued for reform within the Incorporation. I expect that from now on we will operate a transparent organisation, fully compliant with the requirements of the bylaws and meet all good governance protocols.
“That said, the problems that face the built environment and the quality of architecture in Scotland will not go away just by reorganising our committees and procedures. It is essential that we address how we enable talent and create opportunity, how our work is valued, and how we work ethically to achieve the best possible results. I believe we have much to learn from other countries and hope to challenge the Scottish Government and local authorities regarding the quality of public architecture and construction.”
Current RIAS president Stewart Henderson added, “I wish to congratulate Robin on his election and look forward to working with him on Council.”
The RIAS has also announced the results of the RIAS Council Elections 2018 for Nationally Elected Incorporation Representatives. Council Members were elected using the Single Transferable Vote. The candidates who reached the required quota and were therefore elected are:
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- Karen Anderson FRIAS RIBA
- Gordon Duffy FRIAS RIBA
- Malcolm Fraser FRIAS RIBA
- Helen Lucas RIAS RIBA
- Ben Scrimgeour RIAS RIBA
