Why Architects Are Losing Their Influence (And How to Regain It) – Chris Williamson

On 1 January 2026, Chris Williamson took a deliberate and provocative step. He allowed his registration with the Architects Registration Board to lapse, describing the framework as 'absurd'.In practical terms, the sitting President of the RIBA, a practitioner with more than forty years’ experience and the founder of one of the UK’s most successful practices, can no longer legally call himself an architect."Since I was 18 it's all I've ever wanted to do. But to be asked to pay an annual fee (which is increasing each year) to the ARB for the title - when the function isn't regulated seems madness."This conversation was filmed in the weeks leading up to that announcement. It captures Chris at a moment of conviction, before he went public with a decision that challenges how the UK regulates the built environment.As a working class kid, Chris was told architecture wasn’t for "the likes of him." Decades later, as RIBA President and co-founder of Weston Williamson + Partners, he's reshaped global cities through transport and infrastructure.If you are interested in how architecture survives the collision of technological shift, class barriers, commercial pressure, and declining influence - this is for you.0:00 Intro 1:28 Chris' route into architecture4:55 Class and the barrier to professional entry6:37 Founding ⁨@wwparchitects⁩12:27 Why architects are losing influence 14:31 Specialisim vs generalism19:14 In defence of competitions22:38 Partnerships, pressure and asking for help27:08 AI: can anyone be an architect now?30:19 Handing over WW+P to the next generation32:58 What do you want you legacy to be? 36:56 How to fix architecture's influence problem41:10 What Chris is doing as RIBA President45:08 Why young architects aren't joining the RIBA 49:17 Protection of function vs title 52:21 What success as RIBA President looks like