Marking a new era for West London architects, Bill Webb, CEO and co-founder of creative architecture practice Able Partners, has been elected branch chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) West London Group.
Bill plans to deepen ties among the community of RIBA West London members through regular in-person breakfasts, networking and drinks events, aimed at over 300 chartered practices and 2,000 members living and working across Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Brent, Harrow, and Hillingdon.
Starting with the RIBA London Summer Social series on 3 June, the RIBA West London Group’s aim is to bring together major practices, SMEs and students in the sector. The Group’s intention is to promote peer-to-peer learning, insight on how to grow and win work, employment opportunities, access to the latest talent, as well as creating a forum for sharing best practice and advice.
Bill and the wider committee will also act as a conduit between members and the RIBA body, sharing feedback gained at events to help increase the value provided to all RIBA members.
Bill said: “As someone who has built a practice in the area, it is an honour to be taking on the mantle of chair from fellow West London architect, Paul Tierney, to bring together architects of all shapes and sizes from across West London. By connecting a diverse group of people, I hope to create an environment from which everyone benefits – from creating employment and partnership opportunities to awareness of the latest trends in the industry.
“Many of the best ideas are born at in-person events when you put a group of creatives under one roof. For this reason, I believe that creating a calendar of diverse and inclusive events, that are not only interesting and insightful but also fun, is essential to the success of the RIBA West London Group.”
A series of major projects are set to change the face of West London architecture over the coming years, including London Heathrow Airport’s third runway, the development of Paddington Station area, and the £1.3bn redevelopment of West Kensington’s Olympia, providing ample opportunity for local practices.
Bill added: “West London is the home to a whole host of skilled architects, and with so many exciting projects on our doorstep, this is a great time to create a community of thriving talent. Partnership and collaboration are so important across the whole construction industry and my hope is to create a strong foundation of individuals that can work together to drive sustainable development in our corner of the capital.”
John Nahar, regional director of RIBA London, said: “We are delighted that Bill has been appointed to lead the RIBA West London Group during this exciting time of growth and change. Having met with each of our newly elected branch chairs following the elections, I have been left even more positive about the refreshed programme of events we are going to develop across London for our members.
“I’m confident that Bill will bring a new energy and dynamism to the West London Group, while bringing together members, students, local authorities, and wider construction industry professionals to drive meaningful conversations and opportunities.”
RIBA West London Group’s first networking event, the RIBA London Summer Social, will take place from 6:30pm-10:00pm on Tuesday, 3 June, with the venue to be announced soon.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the eventbrite website here.
To find out more about Bill Webb and Able Partners, visit their website here.
