Diversity Imperative: RIBA's Youngest and First Black President Calls for Inclusivity in Architecture

Historically, The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has been the torchbearer of architectural development in the UK. Nonetheless, its new president holds a strong belief that more needs to be done; especially in relation to representation and diversity.

With a solid call-to-action at the beginning of his presidential term, Muyiwa Oki, who at 32 is both black and youngest RIBA president ever breaks the trend: he represents future architects who must evolve or perish.

“Architecture is by all means a force for good” says Muyiwa Oki. This clearly reveals the immense potential it holds as an instrument of social change. Thus, if this profession is going to serve diverse clients optimally, then there should be great transformation towards unity and equity.

The data is stark- although there are positive trends among newly qualified architects, black professionals are still under-represented especially in senior positions while an ethnic pay gap persists. For him this is unacceptable “We have to break down these barriers wherever they may be”, he says.

However, his vision for future architecture goes beyond diversity. With issues such as spiraling costs of living and growing inequality through social classes as well as imminent climate change challenges; Oki understands well what humanity faces today. He calls them stewards of our planet’s destiny who ought to make their work an agent of change.

One area vital for global warming battlefields is built environments responsible for estimated 37% total carbon emissions globally. In his commitment statement towards sustainable design principles energy efficient solutions and use of green materials, Mr Muyiwa Oki admitted that he would lead by example. Given that RIBA claims itself as the leading advocate on climate action not only within UK but also globally according to him it must play that role too.

An important aspect of this involves retrofitting existing structures.With predictions suggesting that by 2050 80% percent of today’s buildings will still be standing, the significance of improving their energy efficiency cannot be overstated. To this end, in his guide RIBA wishes to keep the national refurbishment strategy on course- a subject that Oki says has been forgotten in policy-making process.

Architectural profession should have diverse expertise in order to cope with the future’s challenges. This is Muyiwa Oki’s message to young people: “One can make a difference through an architecture career.”There must be avenues for everyone regardless of background to take up this line of work.

As he takes over from Simon Allford as president, Muyiwa Oki leads RIBA towards an inclusive, progressive and sustainable future. Because it is not only architects but also all of us who should pay attention to it.

Muyiwa Oki’s presidency heralds a transformative period for both RIBA and wider architectural community. His leadership is symbolic yet substantial with specific priorities aimed at addressing some of the industry's most pressing problems. Through prioritising diversity and inclusion, Oki is dealing with the systemic barriers that have long impeded progress by ethnic minority architects. It is not just about ticking boxes but filling in the gaps across professions with different outlooks that will drive innovation.C don’t meet quotas; instead they bring added value into a profession through various perspectives and experiences thus promoting innovation and creativity among those engaged in it.

Moreover, the present sustainability focus by Oki is so appropriate. Architects are more crucial today than ever before in mitigating climate change effects. Through developing sustainable design and retrofitting of buildings, Oki positions RIBA as a leader in environmental stewardship. This strategy also has economic benefits, potentially lowering energy costs for building occupants and creating jobs in the construction and green technology sectors.

Given the existing stock of buildings in UK, this emphasis on retrofitting is quite apt. Retrofitting presents a practical way to decrease energy consumption and lessen greenhouse gas emissions. If we improve the energy performance of older buildings, this will be a big step towards achieving our goals on climate change. This strategy also has economic benefits, potentially lowering energy costs for building occupants and creating jobs in the construction and green technology sectors.

Another focus for Oki’s presidency is inspiring future generations through architecture. He encourages young people from diverse backgrounds to take up careers as architects thus encouraging fresh ideas and perspectives to enter into architecture field from different backgrounds that can help shape its ongoing evolution to address the society’s needs.

In summary, Muyiwa Oki’s tenure at RIBA promises to bring about much needed transformation in the architectural profession. The three pillars behind his leadership which include diversity, sustainability and youth engagement offer an integrated approach towards grappling with the challenges facing this industry sector. By breaking down barriers, championing environmental responsibility, and inspiring future architects, Oki is not only reshaping RIBA but also setting a powerful example for other professional organisations throughout his term of office as he leads us into tomorrow with hope that this momentous change will end up benefiting everyone across every class division even if it may seem so impossible right now given how complex things have become all around us where everything seems set against any possibility whatsoever anymore; however nothing lasts forever unlike these moments when they do happen—Muyiwa Okis leadership offers hope & direction for a more inclusive, sustainable & innovative architectural landscape as we look to the future.