Muyiwa Oki has been elected as the next President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), a highly regarded position in UK architecture.
The architect will take over the two-year presidential term from Simon Allford, starting on 1st September 2023 and serving until September 2025. He stood for election alongside Jo Bacon and Sumita Singha, and upon his appointment he will become the RIBA’s youngest president to date.
Muyiwa Oki is currently an architect at global construction consultancy, Mace Group, where he has worked on a number of large-scale infrastructure projects, including HS2 Euston and the North London heat and power project.
Previously an architect London studio Grimshaw Architects, Muyiwa Oki is an ambassador for the Mayor of London: Design Future London challenge and was put forward by an informal collection of young architects as its candidate to run for RIBA President.
Commenting on his election, Muyiwa Oki said: “I am grateful to the grassroots movement whose support and passion offered a platform to represent architectural workers. Most of all a special thanks to those members and nominators, that responded to this movement, tuned in, and voted – especially those that did so for the first time.”
“We can be proud of an election where people of colour, at different stages of their careers, of all identities, can be heard and seen bidding to represent the profession. I hope this is the start of many great things to come for those who feel disenfranchised and under-represented.”
He continued: “I am proud of my campaign, the discourse has been positive, energetic, and inspirational. It has been a privilege to run alongside Jo and Sumita and as RIBA council and Board members, I am looking forward to working with you both to deliver equity, transparency, and innovation in architecture.”
Muyiwa Oki will be known as president-elect from 1st September 2022 until he becomes president.
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