Jay Morton, director at architecture studio Bell Phillips, has been elected to become the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Morton will become president-elect on 1 September 2026 and begin her two-year presidency on 1 September 2027, succeeding current Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) president Chris Williamson.

Alongside her work at Bell Phillips, Morton hosts the Architects for Change podcast and is on the steering group for Architects' Action for Affordable Housing.

Morton will "keep banging the drum for our profession"

"I want to thank everyone who engaged with the campaign, and to all who voted," said Morton. "I want to reach out and collaborate with all of you, from small practices to large organisations, across the UK and globally."

"We have an amazing network, and together we can raise our profile, increase our agency, and share the value of our truly wonderful profession."

"I am looking forward to working with you all," she continued. "I will work tirelessly, and I will keep banging the drum for our profession."

The role of RIBA president was established in 1835, with Morton set to be the 82nd elected representative. The position involves chairing the RIBA Council and being on the RIBA Board of Trustees.

A total of 4,015 people voted in this year's RIBA election, which equates to 10.87 per cent of eligible voters in RIBA's membership. Last year's turnout was 9.3 per cent, with a total of 4,462 votes.

Congratulating Morton on her election, current RIBA president Williamson said, "I look forward to working together to build on our shared commitment to architecture, our members and the public good".

Williamson has made a number of headlines since stepping into the role as RIBA president, first for renouncing his architect title by terminating his registration with the Architects Registration Board, and then for his proposal for The Loop, a raised high-speed railway linking nine cities in the UK and Ireland.

The top image of Morton is courtesy of the RIBA.