Election statement - Thomas Woolley
One third of architects in the UK remain unattached (not affiliated with any professional body other than the ARB) but do not enjoy proper representation on the ARB. If you would like to see more non-RIBA members on the ARB then vote for me.
I am unequivocal in my support for the continued registration of architects by the ARB, under the Architects' Registration Act and deplore attempts within the RIBA to meddle with and undermine this. RIBA members who support registration should also vote for me.
The media emphasis on differences between RIBA and ARB is very damaging, yet when I was on ARCUK Council, I was able to help establish a period of relative harmony through the joint RIBA/ARCUK validation panel. Much needs to be done to bring to an end pointless and destructive conflict.
As Professor of Architecture at Queens University Belfast, I want to ensure that there is a positive future in the profession for my students, but this requires changes to the RIBA role in the education validation system.
I am also involved in a small country practice and see damage done to design standards by the growing number of unqualified people who pretend to be architects. Action is needed to support decent fees for small practices and over the issue of insurance.
I am a vigorous campaigner for sustainability in the construction industry, and I believe that the architectural profession does not have enough influence on Government environmental and ethical policies.
[back]