A New Chapter
A New Chapter was an independent association of around 150 Scottish architects and designers formed in 2017 to galvanise support for “a new progressive future” for the RIAS, with aims for reform and action to transform the membership body, support architects and champion architecture across Scotland.
The group launched an unprecedented attack on the organisation raising concerns at what they said was “a lack of effectiveness, poor governance and insufficient financial accountability in Scottish architecture’s professional body”. Subsequently, the Secretary Neil Baxter stepped down (November 2017), the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) raised questions regarding governance (now concluded) and Police Scotland began to investigate historic, financial irregularities.
Whilst pressing for reform via letters and campaigns the group sought to support RIAS Council member Kerr Robertson driving internal financial and governance irregularities. In parallel, the group held a series of discussions and workshops to galvanise ideas, support and action from the architectural community – most notably the Un-Convention, co-led by Jude Barber and Rosalie Adams, as part of the 2018 Architecture Fringe.
A New Chapter developed and published a Five Point Plan under the following themes:
Unity and Support
To organise, unite and support architects in their practice for the benefit of society.
To encourage cooperation and collegiate working between all parties working within the built environment in Scotland.
To advocate for the important role that architecture plays within civic life and the economy and embed this within the way design services are procured and delivered.
Collaboration and Transparency
To work collaboratively to foster open-ness and transparency.
To promote the practice of architecture with a full and active commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity.
To broaden the membership through the sharing and exchange of information and ideas.
Excellence and Learning
To achieve and uphold the highest standards in attainment in architecture and discussion relating to the built environment.
To lead the development and implementation of unique, quality educational and developmental projects related to the physical environment.
To place ecology, health and well-being at the centre of design and development of the built environment.
Federalism and Internationalism
To promote and represent architects at both local and international level.
To operate a federal organisation of local chapters.
To foster links with international partners with a distinctive Scottish agenda.
Governance and Best Practice
To represent members, their finances and their interests in an open, transparent and accountable way.
To operate, manage and lead in a clear and democratic manner.
To support members in the challenges and opportunities within an ever-changing world.
In 2017 Robin Webster, a New Chapter Reformer, was elected RIAS President under the mandate of reform and transparency. Several members of A New Chapter are now members of RIAS Council or local Chapters. The RIAS has since implemented much-needed changes with renewed vigour, influence and engagement. In 2019 the RIAS issued its 5-Year Strategy entitled ‘Inspiring Conversations’, led by Karen Anderson, and continues to develop and evolve. In June 2020 the membership elected Christina Gaiger as RIAS President.