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TAMSIE THOMSON JOHN GLENDAY
ARCH I T ECTURE AMBAS SAD O R URBAN REALM CATCHES UP WITH NEWLY INSTALLED RIAS CHIEF EXECUTIVE TAMSIE THOMSON TO FIND OUT WHAT THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND POST PANDEMIC FUTURE MEAN FOR A PROFESSION READY AND WILLING TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS. SETTING HER SIGHTS ON THE GLOBAL STAGE THOMSON IS EVANGELICAL ABOUT BUILDING SCOTTISH ARCHITECTURE AS AN INTERNATIONAL BRAND AT THE FOREFRONT OF RECOVERY AND RENEWAL.
The appointment of Tamsie Thomson as chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland promises to usher in a new programme of change. Led by president Christina Gaiger this is designed to shape the response of the RIAS to the climate emergency and our post-pandemic future while expanding architecture’s sphere of influence. Since being appointed director of the London Festival of Architecture in 2016 Thomson has steered that organisation to become the world’s largest architecture festival, bringing architects and architecture to the attention of new audiences, a feat which Thomson will now attempt to replicate north of the border. Hailed as someone with a proven track record in breaking down barriers between people, disciplines and competing interests Thomson is also credited with giving New London Architecture (NLA) an indispensable voice in reshaping the alpha city by uniting architects, the public, politicians and business leaders. An honorary fellow of the RIBA Thomson has also worked for Shelter and the Civic Trust and has taught architecture at the University of Brighton, providing a suitably distanced background from which to view Scottish architecture from a fresh perspective. Speaking to Urban Realm in the aftermath of her URBAN REALM SUMMER 2021 URBANREALM.COM
appointment Thomson explained what drew her to the role saying: “It’s a role I’ve always had on my horizon. I’ve always been involved in architecture in one way or another. It’s the obvious next step and an enormous opportunity to expand engagement with the wider public and to support architects and clients. There’s so much that can be done in terms of making sure the legislation and systems are there as well as encouraging training and professional development opportunities.” Thomson is also mindful of the potential to rebrand the RIAS, casting aside a reputation for formality in favour of a more open and inclusive stance that is much more approachable than the scandal-hit institution of old. “The stars are aligning for a really exciting period in architecture and design,” states Thomson. “There’s a recognition that it’s a sleeping giant and there’s not been much push to explore the value of that to the economy both in terms of architecture, social equity and climate issues. Scotland has an opportunity to play a lead role.” Thomson cites the appointment of Gaiger last year as the youngest ever RIAS president as symbolic of the changes now afoot at Rutland Square where a newfound appetite for change is now apparent. “Everything I’ve seen indicates an exciting time for the organisation and an alignment with the things I would like the RIAS in particular and architectural organisations in general >
