Chris Williamson, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, has announced his intention not to renew his registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in 2026.

By ending his ARB registration, Williamson will be removed from the UK’s official register of architects next year.

Although he will still be able to offer architectural services, Williamson will no longer be permitted to use the title “architect,” similar to designers John Pawson and Asif Khan.

Williamson describes ARB framework as “absurd”

Williamson’s decision coincides with an upcoming Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) campaign that advocates for a new regulatory approach for architects in the UK.

He explained that his aim is to highlight what he sees as the “absurdity of the current regulatory framework” set by ARB, which regulates only the protected title “architect” and the competence of those on its register.

The ARB does not oversee the competence or professionalism of those offering architectural services without being registered.

“We all know that regulating the title ‘architect’ alone falls far short in protecting the public, offering no assurance of quality or safety throughout our built environment,” Williamson stated.

“This is not a decision I have made lightly, but I believe it is necessary to call out the failings of the current regulatory model and push for reform,” he continued.

“Ensuring quality and safety depends on upholding the highest standards of professional competence, not merely on the job titles held by those responsible.”

Williamson, co-founder of Weston Williamson + Partners, began his two-year term as RIBA president on 1 September 2025, following architect Muyiwa Oki.

He shared news of his intention to end his ARB registration in a letter to the institute yesterday.

Though Williamson will lose the legal right to call himself an architect, he will remain a RIBA Chartered Member and retain his three RIBA qualifications.

RIBA proposes creation of Built Environment Council

His forthcoming RIBA campaign will outline three steps to reform the regulation of architects. The first step will propose repealing the Architects Act, the UK law that provides the regulatory framework for the title “architect” and designates ARB as the regulator.

Secondly, the campaign will advocate for new legislation to define reserved activities—such as submitting full planning applications, building control applications, and compliance certificates—and specify who is permitted to undertake these tasks.

The third step will recommend the establishment of a Built Environment Council to oversee the competence of professionals and companies active in the construction sector.

“The creation of a Built Environment Council would allow professional bodies within the construction industry to set competence requirements and assess individuals, who could then become chartered members with the authority to carry out reserved functions,” RIBA explained.

The official launch date for the campaign has not yet been announced.

Williamson was elected as RIBA president in 2024. Before this, he served in various positions within the organisation, including as vice president international from 2017 to 2019.

He made headlines in 2024 after publicly defending his practice’s involvement with the controversial Neom mega-project in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement for the Architects’ Journal, Williamson reiterated, “it is not a decision I take lightly.”

“Everyone forms their own beliefs and personal truths, and those should be respected,” he told the Architects’ Journal.

“I have read all of The Guardian’s and other critical articles, and I have spoken to many people more directly involved. I have formed my own opinion, which, of course, may change if new information comes to light.”

The photo is by Morley von Sternberg.

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