BD asked me why I would like to run as RIBA president, and now the nomination forms have been submitted, I can finally start explaining. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to gather the 60 “assentors” needed to support a nomination without word getting out. And perhaps limiting debate to a month doesn’t generate sufficient interest to encourage architects to vote, but those are the rules.

Maybe the whole idea of campaigning on a platform is somewhat out of date when the RIBA president doesn’t have the authority to dictate policy – quite rightly in a two-year term. Still, the president needs to work closely with the board, council and most importantly, members. So, the more time taken to understand each other and establish mutual respect, the better.

I am honoured to have a diverse group of “assentors”, including students, Stirling Prize winners, young, international and regional architects. When it comes to voting, I would rather encourage 20,000 to vote and I lose by 1,000 than have only 7,500 take part. Whoever becomes president should speak for a vibrant, engaged professional community.

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