During his tenure, which formally concluded at the RIAS Annual General Meeting on June 26, one of Chris’s primary objectives was to engage with RIAS members and enhance awareness of the organisation’s offerings.

From the beginning of his term, he focused on empowering members to get involved.

He stated: “Everyone talks about there being one figurehead, the president, but the RIAS has about 5,000 members - so it’s really about thinking of 5,000 figureheads.”

Chris brought the ethos of Collective Architecture to the RIAS, encouraging members to pursue their interests, get involved, and collaborate. His leadership aimed to provide everyone with the opportunity to participate, which built on the amazing work that has been done in recent years to strengthen the organisation.

Tamsie Thomson Hon FRIBA, chief executive of the RIAS, said: “Chris has been an outstanding President of the RIAS, and our members and staff are extremely grateful to him for his service over the last two years.

“During his presidency, Chris has been committed to working hard on behalf of RIAS members, in particular taking time to meet members in every corner of Scotland to understand the needs of our diverse membership and to promote the role architects play in Scotland’s economic, social and cultural life. We deeply appreciate the significant and valuable contribution that Chris has made to the RIAS and the wider built environment in Scotland.”

Gerry Hogan, director at Collective Architecture, said: “We’re delighted at the success Chris has experienced in the role of president of the RIAS. As with everything he does Chris brought his unique personality and open-minded, collaborative approach to the role, making him an excellent figurehead for the profession. He has had great success in fostering cross-partner connections and reaching out across chapters as well as lobbying government and associated institutions on procurement.

“Collective Architecture has been pleased to support Chris in his time as RIAS president and would like to take this opportunity to highlight the need for this important role to be remunerated to broaden the range and diversity of potential candidates.

“We would also like to extend our congratulations and best wishes to Karen Anderson as the new RIAS president. We are confident she will be a great asset to the profession and further shape and develop the role.”

At the start of Chris’s RIAS Presidency in 2022, he climbed Mount Olympus for the Architects Benevolence Society. On July 16th, 2024, he will be climbing Mount Triglav in Slovenia for the same charity.

If you would like to support Chris in his fundraising efforts, please visit his Just Giving page.