Chris Williamson
Ambassador, Egis Architecture Line
When Chris was asked to work with Andrew Weston for group projects at Leicester School of Architecture (for no other reason than they were next to each other alphabetically) they both realised that their skills dovetailed perfectly. They particularly bonded on environmental issues during the energy crisis in the mid 1970s which alerted the world to the need to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. Their shared ambition made for a perfect business partnership and Weston Williamson was formed in 1985 after gaining valuable experience in the offices of Richard Rogers and Michael Hopkins.
In addition to being a chartered architect, Chris has an MSc in Project Management and believes strongly that the art of architecture requires excellent business skills in order to be realised. In 2024 Chris was elected RIBA President 2025-2027; he was also recently the International Vice President of the RIBA, responsible for setting a strategy to grow into a global membership institution and to encourage more UK architects to seek work globally. Chris gained an MA in Urban Design in 1995 and is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Chris mentors several students in the WW+P studio and aelsewhere. He provides an open honest account of his journey in Architecture and his hopes for the future. Chris says "My career has been a fantastic random combination of meticulous planning and unforeseen events. Trying to make the most of the cards that have been dealt and sometimes playing them at the right times."
His video explains more: My life in Architecture Chris Williamson
In March 2022 WW+P became part of the Egis to give greater opportunities in diverse geographies for all the members of the WW+P studios. Chris is responsible for collaboration with Egis across global opportunities, extending our influence in city shaping infrastructure projects and combating climate change. His work builds on valued relationships with consultants and colleagues around the world working collaboratively to improve our environment. Egis is at the forefront of sustainable thinking, having authored the Paris 2050 Carbon Neutral, in partnership we are realising the concerns that first brought Weston and Williamson together 47 years ago.
Chris is a BRE Approved Assessor for BREEAM International and National Infrastructure projects. Chris is a member of the Livery Climate Change Action Group and a member of the City of London Conservation Area Advisory Panel and is a member (sometimes Chair) of the Southwark Design Panel. He will begin his RIBA presidency on 1 September 2025.