Sterling Prize-winning architect Simon Allford elected 2021 RIBA president

London-based architect Simon Allford has been elected as the new president of the Royal British Institute of Architects (RIBA). Allford is a founding principal of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects, winners of the 2015 Stirling Prize. According to RIBA, Allford won some 58% of the vote in a landmark election that allowed participation of RIBA's full membership, including students. Despite this wide enfranchisement, however, voter turn out was only 13.2%. Allford beat out four other candidates—Sumita Singha, Valeria Passetti, Nick Moss, and Jude Barber—for the institute's top spot. Starting September 1, Allford will be RIBA's President-elect; He is scheduled to assume the presidency in September 2021. A statement from Allford published by RIBA is included below:  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 a...