The future of architecture... has no finish line

If you don’t know me, I am Muyiwa Oki - Nigerian-born, raised in England, studied in Sheffield, and currently working in London. In September, I will be stepping into the position of President of the Royal Institute of British Architects - or RIBA as it tends to be referred to. In this role, I will be in a unique and privileged position to influence the direction of architecture in the UK.

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As you might imagine, I am thinking as I embark on this exciting new chapter. I ask myself: What’s the end goal? Where is the finish line when it comes to the future of architecture? Ultimately, I know this will be an ongoing journey – towards growth, exploration, and continuous improvement. Working together, we can make architecture more than it is today – more dynamic, forward-thinking, relevant, vital, and capable of meeting its challenges. For my part, I will focus on three key values I hold dear – the power of storytelling; stability and precision in the practice of architecture; and the critical need to make the profession fairer, more inclusive, and more diverse.

As much as it is a science, architecture has always been associated with art – and many architects are certainly exceptional artists. But we are also storytellers. The best architects tell compelling stories through their designs, creating environments that shape the experiences of those who inhabit them and weaving narratives that deeply connect with people’s emotions. And the built environment also impacts our lives in profoundly tangible ways, influencing everything from our health and well-being to the strength of our communities. As architects, we have a responsibility to society, and I believe there needs to be a fundamental shift in our mindset. Our narratives must incorporate the pressing issues of the day – climate emergency, social inequality, and economic uncertainty. Through our work, we must tell more inspiring and hopeful stories.

Stability and precision are vital aspects of good architecture. As professionals, we strive to ensure our designs are aesthetically pleasing but also safe, functional, and sustainable. These aims can only be fully achieved if we harness the incredible potential of data, algorithms, and AI. With these new tools, we must learn to blend human creativity and ingenuity with technology to create spaces that can withstand the test of time and positively impact the lives of people living today and tomorrow. I call it connecting the pipes (tech/data) with the poetry (creativity).

June is Pride Month, and I had the privilege of attending the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ Pride in the Built Environment event. Learning how leaders can influence inclusion beyond their organisations into everyday life was eye-opening. Truly inclusive spaces don’t merely tolerate difference; they actively embrace and celebrate people’s unique identities. We cannot delay any further in creating an architectural community that reflects the diverse and vibrant society we serve. In our journey towards this goal, we must remember there is no finish line. It is an ongoing commitment that requires continuous reflection, action, and improvement.

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Also, this month, I was honoured to join a panel at Lancaster University, where I to spoke to students beginning their careers in architecture. The discussion centred around reimagining what the role of an architect can and should be – a topic that I aim to develop over my tenure at RIBA. It is vital that we inspire and empower the next generation of architects, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to drive positive change in the profession and beyond.

As I look ahead to my role as President of RIBA, I am filled with enthusiasm and determination. I am committed to a constant growth and improvement mindset with my new and incumbent colleagues on the governing council, and I invite you to join me. Let us remember that there is no finish line when it comes to creating impactful architecture.

?Together, we can shape a built environment that inspires and enriches the lives of everyone.

More from me to come.