Chris Williamson urges architects to meet AI challenge ‘head on’ as he begins term as RIBA president

Chris Williamson has used his first day as the new president of the RIBA to urge architects to meet the challenge posed to the profession by AI “head on”.

Williamson said the rapid development of AI was a “significant and impactful transformation” but called for architects to “deploy this technology to our benefit”.

The WW+P co-founder started his two-year term as president today, replacing his predecessor Muyiwa Oki, who officially came to the end of his term yesterday.

In a blog posted on RIBA’s website, Williamson said he had seen “seismic shifts” in how architects work during his 40-year career that had “fundamentally reshaped our industry”.

“Now, our profession, and society more widely, face a myriad of challenges that can sometimes feel existential in nature,” he said.

But while he said these challenges, which also include mounting financial pressures and the climate emergency, can pose a threat to the profession, he also said they “present us with great opportunities to lead”.

“Take the rise of artificial intelligence, a significant and impactful transformation. Professionals across every sector are rightly concerned about its implications, but as architects, it also provides us with the opportunity to deploy this technology to our benefit and that of our clients and wider society,” Williamson said.

Pointing to the introduction of BIM and CAD, he said he recalled the “unease” these new technologies had caused, but that the profession had adapted. “Architects don’t shy away from challenges and change; we rise to meet them,” he said.

A key part of Williamson’s two-year prospectus will be his support of lifelong learning modules on topics including AI, conservation and business skills.

He also defended the institute’s £80m House of Architecture programme, which includes the refurbishment of its 66 Portland Place headquarters.

“Much has been said about the ambition, and price tag, of the project, but this is a once in a generation investment in our future”, he said.

The scheme will replace the grade II*-listed building’s antiquated services, add a new cafe with outdoor seating and upgrade RIBA’s digital archive to allow greater access to members worldwide.

>> Also read: As his RIBA presidency ends, Muyiwa Oki reflects on milestones and unfinished business

>> Also read: Chris Williamson: ‘I think we can do a lot for young architects – they need all the help they can get’