GIA Presidential Elections

The President of the GIA is elected by the GIA membership on an annual basis, for a maximum of two consecutive years-long terms. The post is the most senior within the organisation and is responsible for providing strategic leadership of the GIA Council in the establishment of the organisations goals and plans. The President must be a member of the RIAS and an Architect.

The President is expected to:

• Represent the GIA’s interests to the public and external bodies to maintain and enhance the influence of the organisation.

• Attend official functions and actively network to maintain and enhance the reputation of the organisation and profession.

• Actively contribute to, and liaise with, the RIAS, including the provision of a quarterly update on the organisations business.

• Establish the long-term goals of the organisation and relay these to the GIA Council.

• Work closely with the GIA Committee Convenors to ensure the approach, activities and budgets are closely aligned.

• Preside at all meetings and events of the chapter and provide leadership to the GIA Council and Committees.

• View full list of duties.

GIA Presidential Candidate 

Following an Open Call for candidates for the election to the office of President of the Glasgow Institute of Architects the GIA has received one nomination that will be put to the membership at the AGM.

ELECTION STATEMENT

“It is a great honour to have the opportunity to stand for President of the Glasgow Institute of Architects. Glasgow and the surrounding chapter area has a rich and proud history in architecture and design and, if elected, I would uphold the standards of honesty and integrity that are the foundation of our profession whilst looking to continue the momentum that has established by our previous presidents to positively promote the GIA and architecture within the chapter area. 

I strongly believe that we produce great architecture in the chapter area. In my view, the GIA can do more to champion this and promote the architecture and architects of the Glasgow chapter area within Scotland, the UK and the world.

I would also look for the GIA to pursue greater outreach to the wider Chapter area to ensure a more inclusive environment.

I believe that the opportunity exists for the GIA to play a greater role in addressing the pertinent topics facing the profession, such as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the Climate Emergency, and that with greater collaboration with other professional bodies and organisations, we can ensure that the GIA is an active voice within the construction industry.

I would also propose to work collaboratively with the RIAS to find a more equitable voting system for decision-making within the GIA, which is more representative of the make-up of the architectural profession within the Glasgow chapter area.

In conclusion, architecture has always been my passion and, if elected, I will look to bring that same passion to the role of GIA President and to positively represent, champion and promote the GIA and architectural profession within the Glasgow chapter area.”

152th Annual General Meeting of the Glasgow Institute of Architects

Calling Notice:

The 152th Annual General Meeting of the Glasgow Institute of Architects will be held online at 6pm on 11th June 2020 using Zoom.us. 

This has been rescheduled from the original date on 16 April 2020, please read the statement from GIA President Isabel Garriga below:

We recognise that many of our members will now be working remotely, you might be self-isolating, you might already be furloughed, you might be splitting the day with your partner to care for children at home or you might be taking time out to help shop for relatives that are at risk, volunteering with their local health board or helping neighbours. 

In response to the evolving circumstances we want the GIA to be in a position to help, for this reason the GIA Council have approved a proposal to extend the current term of office and delay the AGM. During this time we will establish a working group to listen, develop and deploy the W B Whitie Benevolent Fund in response to the needs of our members over the critical months ahead."

The health of our members and the ability of our practices to deliver work will take priority in the coming months.

Joining instructions: 

So that we know who is joining the AGM we require you to register via eventbrite, registration will close 24hrs before the start of the meeting. Your eventbrite confirmation will hold the ‘join link’ and ‘meeting ID’.

You can download and install the Zoom Client for Meetings, for free, prior to the AGM. It is advised to join the meeting early if you still need to install Zoom and this process should only take five minutes.

Message from GIA President Isabel Garriga: 

"I am very proud & grateful to my predecessor Tim Gray for establishing a more democratic election process for the GIA, it has been an incredible honour to take up this position of tremendous responsibility. As a woman I want to make sure that women have a bigger voice in our profession, that our work is recognised and celebrated to ensure we have true equality for future generations.

I hope I have managed to maintain the momentum that has already been gained by my predecessors, building upon it to widen the profile of GIA as an organisation that is transparent, democratic and most of all, truly represents the variety and richness of architecture and architects in our chapter. The GIA Chapter is still undergoing a process of reform and constitutional change and the next president will have a tremendous opportunity to shape the priorities of the GIA for the future. 

Being president is a great opportunity and great honor, it is at times hard to combine with working in practice and teaching, but to be honest is worth it. I am very grateful to the GIA Council members who volunteer their time so passionately and commit to undertaking such an exciting and varied programme of activities. I have met really amazing & interesting people and a chance to make a real difference to all of the architects in our chapter as well as promoting and supporting the great work they do!

Viva la GIA!”

Isabel Garriga GIA President 2018‐2020