The architecture profession is in flux once again. The role of the architect is changing as a result of client expectations, market demands, and the growing need for specialised knowledge. Architects are interested in creating environments that prioritise the user experience, but are more often occupied with other aspects of project management and procurement. Addressing this disjunction is ultimately the responsibility of the profession itself. As other professions move towards more transparent methodologies and an evidence base, architects still rely heavily on their intuition. What new tools will shift the architecture profession back to a focus on curating experience?

Ben Derbyshire was elected as president of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) in 2016 on a platform of change. His term will run for two years from September 2017. He is Chair of HTA Design LLP, a design consultancy to the home building industry, practicing ‘creative collaboration’ in a range of professional and other disciplines.

Ben will be introducing the event as well as hosting the panel debate. RIBA’s Advancing Architecture strategy for 2016-2020 aims to engage members with the challenges and opportunities of a changing world, as well as build a body of knowledge and facilitate collaboration, research and innovation in practice.