Jay Morton has been elected as the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), pledging to champion architects with a stronger public voice while pushing for procurement reform, protection of function and a more accessible route into the profession.
The Bell Phillips director will become RIBA president-elect before succeeding Muyiwa Oki as president on 1 September 2027, serving a two-year term.
Launching her campaign in April, Morton argued that architecture is at "a turning point" and that the profession needs a stronger voice in public debate. Following her election, she thanked members for their support and said she wanted to work with practices of every size across the UK and internationally.
"We have an amazing network, and together we can raise our profile, increase our agency, and share the value of our truly wonderful profession," she said.
Among Morton’s priorities is reforming public procurement, which she believes has become a major barrier for practices, particularly smaller firms seeking to enter new markets.
She criticised lengthy and repetitive tendering processes, saying the increasing use of artificial intelligence to generate procurement questionnaires has made bidding even more burdensome.
Quality vs lowest-cost bid
"We need to educate clients about what procurement and tendering should look like," she said, arguing that procurement should reward quality and value rather than simply selecting the lowest-cost bid.
Morton also intends to continue RIBA’s campaign for protection of function, arguing that safeguarding the title "architect" alone does not provide sufficient public protection.
She supports the institute’s proposal to replace the existing legislative framework with a competence-based system that reserves key professional activities—such as planning and building control submissions—for suitably qualified professionals.
Calling the current position "the wrong way round", Morton said architects should be recognised for the professional responsibility they carry in delivering safe, high-quality buildings.
She was equally critical of recent education reforms introduced by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), describing them as "a mess", and backed RIBA’s call to reform the Architects Act.
Alongside regulatory reform, Morton wants to make the profession more accessible by shortening and reducing the cost of architectural education, while ensuring training better reflects professional practice.
She also pledged to strengthen engagement with members outside London, acknowledging that many architects feel disconnected from the institute. Her proposals include regular member clinics and greater support for grassroots campaigns led by architects themselves.
Despite the commercial pressures facing practices, Morton said climate action would remain central to the profession’s role, arguing that architects are uniquely placed to deliver retrofit, climate resilience and sustainable development while balancing economic and social priorities.
Before becoming a director at Bell Phillips in 2024, Morton stood as both a Labour parliamentary candidate and a councillor in the London Borough of Lewisham. She said that political experience, combined with first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing practice, would help her provide energetic leadership for the profession.
"I have the political astuteness and the energy to get things done," she said. "I want to bring my astuteness, energy and tenacity to champion the wonderful profession that we are all proud to be part of."
