Jay Morton has been elected as the next President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Jay will become RIBA President-Elect from 1 September 2026 and start her two-year term as President, succeeding Chris Williamson, on 1 September 2027.

The role of RIBA President was established in 1835. Presidents are directly elected by the RIBA membership to chair RIBA Council, the representative body, and to sit on the RIBA Board of Trustees.

Jay Morton is a Director at Bell Phillips Architects, where she works on large scale housing, master planning and regeneration projects. Alongside practice, she has spent over a decade shaping housing and built environment policy at local and national level and contributing to public debate. Jay regularly engages with media, policymakers and professional forums, and hosts the Architects for Change podcast. She serves on design review panels and the steering group for Architects’ Action for Affordable Housing. Known for her clear communication and advocacy, she brings experience in policy influence, public engagement and practice leadership.

Jay stood for election as RIBA President, alongside Duncan Baker-Brown, Chithra Marsh and Austin Williams.

Speaking today, Jay Morton, said:

“It is an absolute honour to be elected President-elect of the RIBA. I want to thank everyone who engaged with the campaign, and to all who voted.

I want to reach out and collaborate with all of you, from small practice to large organisation, across the UK and globally. We have an amazing network, and together we can raise our profile, increase our agency, and share the value of our truly wonderful profession.

I am looking forward to working with you all. I will work tirelessly, and I will keep banging the drum for our profession.”

RIBA President (2025-27), Chris Williamson, said:

“Congratulations to our President-Elect, Jay. I look forward to working together to build on our shared commitment to architecture, our members and the public good.”