Architect who split from his neoclassicist father’s practice set to become new chair of Traditional Architecture Group

Francis Terry has been elected to chair RIBA’s Traditional Architecture Group from next month, taking over from Alireza Sagharchi.

The news comes a year after Terry split from the practice he shared with his neoclassicist father Quinlan, and hinted he may turn his hand to contemporary architecture.

At the time, Terry said the move may have been inspired by images of Prince Charles in the background at the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations.

RIBA’s Traditional Architecture Group was founded in 2003 in recognition of a growing number of practices specialising in traditional design.

Sagharchi, principal of Stanhope Gate Architecture, has chaired the group since 2008.

He said the group’s role and recognition of members’ work at RIBA had become increasingly more prominent as the profession recognised the importance of an inclusive and diverse approach to architecture and the built environment.

“After nine years of serving as chair and reaching our goal of gaining recognition within the profession and RIBA, I am delighted that Francis has decided to take TAG and what it stands for into a new era and generation,” he said.

Terry said he was “excited” to take the helm of the group at a time when people were “becoming increasingly open to the imaginative possibilities of traditional architecture”.

Somerset House by William Chambers

Source: Edward Tyler

Francis and Quinlan Terry at Somerset House