Muyiwa Oki has officially taken office as the first-ever Black President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, marking the end of Simon Allford’s tenure and heralding a new way forward for the 189-year-old organization as it aims itself toward a more progressive agenda.

The historic feat is added to by Oki's status as the youngest-ever architect to hold the title. The 32-year-old University of Sheffield graduate and Senior Architect at Mace Ltd was swept into office last year on a platform of change, including a mandate for compensation oversight, students’ mental health, and other pushes tied to his campaign promise of being a “drama-free president who enacts positive, ethical, and progressive change.”

Oki used his newfound platform to call for “a fundamental shift” in architecture, adding that the profession “must go further and faster on innovation and change, considering the scale and complexity of the challenges in society” in order to “demonstrate its relevance and importance in today’s world and inspire the next generation of architects.”

Oki, who will serve a two-year term, pledged once more to steer the organization, which has approximately 28,000 chartered members across the UK, towards positions in favor of decarbonization, more sustainable design and construction practices such as retrofitting, and fair and inclusive labor practice on the part of employers. 

Speaking to the press, Oki made the following four-paragraph statement:

I am conscious that this is a critical time to take on the role of RIBA President, as we grapple with huge, global challenges: the rising cost of living, widening social inequality and, of course, the climate emergency. As architects,we are stewards of our planet's future and I believe it is vital that every architect sees themselves as an agent of change. An immense collective effort is needed.

However, to reach its full potential, the profession needs to change. A more diverse and inclusive industry is essential to delivering architecture that is responsive to the needs of everyone in society.

I will champion measures to make architecture fairer, more welcoming and inclusive. We will only attract the diverse expertise we need if young people understand they can make a meaningful difference through a career in architecture. We must ensure that anyone with talent can aspire to join us and succeed, regardless of who they are and where they come from. We must tear down the barriers wherever they exist.

Excellence in design remains at the heart of architecture, but skills such as leadership, collaboration, and the ability to harness new technologies, are equally important to the future resilience of the profession. We must learn to blend creativity and ingenuity with technology to create spaces that can withstand the test of time and positively impact the lives of people living today and in the future.”

Oki’s term will be effective until August 31, 2025.