LIBBY Heathcote, an associate director at Reiach and Hall Architects, has been elected as the next president of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).
She will be installed in the role at the RIAS AGM on June 24, succeeding current president Karen Anderson for a two-year term.
Libby Heathcote has worked at Reiach and Hall for 26 years since completing her studies in 1999. She has delivered, from inception to completion, a series of university buildings including both new-build and retrofit/refurbishment projects, alongside numerous other building types from court buildings to cultural and heritage centres and museums.
In addition to practicing architecture, Libby has lectured on professional practice and procurement for 20 years at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, where she was also a board member. She also represents the RIAS on the Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative.
Libby has been elected unopposed, having been nominated by architects representing a broad cross-section of practices across Scotland. As president, she will act as a figurehead for the architectural profession, leading the strategic direction of the RIAS and representing the organisation and the profession to partner organisations, government, stakeholders and the public.
“It is an honour to become the next president of the RIAS,” Libby Heathcote said. “My role will be to engage, advocate, promote and defend the architecture profession in Scotland, and to highlight the invaluable impact of architecture on society wherever possible.
“I want to support RIAS members in working together, to talk proudly and confidently about what we do, and to demonstrate our vital contribution to the built environment and society.
“Karen Anderson has used her time as RIAS president extremely well. She has highlighted the importance of, and strengthened the connection between, education and practice. She has helped put in place the infrastructure to address the big issues facing architecture and architects in Scotland including the over-stretched planning system, procurement reform and building safety.
“In establishing the RIAS Praxis Group and member online Basecamps, RIAS is focused on ensuring direct access to member experience and concerns is used to inform the work of RIAS and build the strength of its voice in the built environment in Scotland.
“I am committed to building on Karen’s work and look forward to working with the excellent team at the RIAS, alongside its members, during these challenging times. By harnessing the membership’s proactive and solutions-focused approach, we can identify opportunities for positive change within the profession.”
