The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has officially launched its Europe Chapter at the Venice Biennale, following endorsement by the RIBA Board in February 2025.
The launch celebration was held in Venice in partnership with the British Council, and featured speeches from RIBA President Muyiwa Oki, Chair of RIBA Fundraising Board, Founder of AHMM Simon Allford and Kabage Karanja, a member of the UK-Kenyan curatorial team behind this year’s British Pavillion.
The Europe Chapter represents over 1500 RIBA members and marks the fifth international chapter, joining China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Gulf, alongside the two independent volunteer groups in Sri Lanka and USA.
RIBA International Chapters are member-led groups that support, deliver, and champion the work of RIBA on the ground as part of its global community of architects. The Europe Chapter will serve members across the continent to foster collaboration, encourage the exchange of ideas and work, promote the value of architecture, and champion inclusivity and diversity in the profession.
Following Chapter elections in April, the results are as follows:
- Branch Chair: Waldemar Koehler
- Honorary Treasurer: Henry Robert Beech Mole
- Honorary Secretary: Fernando Navarro Bidegain
- Student Representative: Daniel Karol
- Branch Committee: Carla Cabrera Fernandez, Rebecca Louise Halstead, Nathalie Rozencwajg, David Wylde
The Chapter Officers and Committee will take up office on 1 May 2025 and serve until 2028.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said: “Now, more than ever, global connections and collaborations are vital. The Venice Biennale is a powerful example of this, bringing together hundreds of thousands of visitors, architects, designers and more to celebrate and interpret architecture.
“As our Europe Chapter continues to grow, we look forward to deepening these connections and working closely with our fellow professional institutes across the region.”
RIBA Councillor for Europe, Waldemar Koehler said: “With the formation of the RIBA Europe Chapter and a team of passionate and ambitious supporters we are in a strong position to represent RIBA members in Europe, promote high quality architecture and strengthen the role of the profession through cooperation with institutions in the public and private sector.
“We will work on crucial topics ranging from sustainability, the environment, affordable housing, EDI to peace, technology, and innovation. We are committed to demonstrating the value of architects, not only as designers of spaces and from and functionality, but as key players in social responsibility and positive change."
