RSUA and RIAI recommit to partnership approach at Five Presidents meeting

Last week, RSUA President John Lavery and RSUA Director Ciarán Fox headed down to Dublin for the Five Presidents meeting, this time hosted by RIAI.

John and Ciarán were joined by the Presidents and CEOs of the four other architectural representative bodies from Ireland and the UK, Chris Williamson, RIBA President; Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick, RIBA CEO; Karen Anderson, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland President; Tamsie Thomson Hon FRIBA FRSA, CEO, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland; Sean Mahon, RIAI President; Kathryn Meghen, CEO, RIAI; Alan Francis, RSAW President and Elinor Weekley, Director, RSAW.

At the meeting, RSUA President John Lavery and RIAI President Sean Mahon signed an updated joint agreement between the two organisations. This updated agreement follows the formal agreement made in 2001, after many years of informal co-operation.

The agreement was reviewed and RIAI and RSUA recommitted to this partnership approach, agreeing also to the following actions which relate to the advancement of architecture and the delivery of the highest standards of architectural practice across the island. In principle, we will:

• Maintain equality of access to opportunity in relation to registration systems, public procurement and architectural education

• Share best practice and learning opportunities

• Work together to ensure that architects play a leading role in tackling the causes and consequences of climate change

• Identify opportunities to work in partnership to celebrate and showcase the best of architecture across the island of Ireland.

• Explore options for deepening the connection between RIAI and RSUA

The group of Presidents and CEOs also discussed the future of the profession, including continued collaboration on architectural education, future UK and EU alignment, issues connected to the Building Safety Act, and the need for better access to technical documentation such as the NBS.