Simon Allford, former AA Vice-President and co-founder of the architectural practice Allford Hall Monaghan Morris has been elected as the 79th president of the RIBA. Allford, who served on the AA Council from 1997–2007, serving as Vice-President of Council for two years.

On winning the RIBA election, Allford commented: ‘It is a privilege to have been elected, and I look forward to working with members, Council, Board and staff to create a leaner, more open, productive, engaged and reinvigorated RIBA… We need an institute of ideas with architecture front and centre, hosting debates, lectures and exhibitions reflecting changing cultural and practice contexts.'

He added that 'we need an institute that celebrates and promotes members' work at home and worldwide. We need an institute that is a practice friend, enabling members to share ideas about best ways of working, using today's technology to help advance architecture for the benefit of society – our charter obligation.'

Read more about the election

Portrait by Devin Blair