The Merchant's House of Glasgow

introduction:

• 0900 - Registration and networking

  Start the day with registration and meet some built environment colleagues.

• 0945 - Presidential Welcome

  Chris Stewart, President RIAS, Co-Founder, Collective Architecture.

  Chris Stewart, an architect and founder of the employee-owned practice Collective Architecture, was elected RIAS President in June 2022. He is passionate about sustainable, inclusive architecture for all.

• 1000 - Ministerial Address

  Christina McKelvie MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development

  Christina McKelvie was appointed Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development in March 2023. Her role supports the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.

Morning session - PEOPLE & CULTURE:

• 1020 - Introduction

  Chaired by Rory Olcayto, Writer and critic Pollard Thomas Edwards

  Rory Olcayto, a writer and critic at Pollard Thomas Edwards, is a former editor of The Architects' Journal and chief executive of Open City. He has a wide range of experience in architecture, design, and journalism.

• 1040 - Keynote

  Natasha Huq, Senior Associate, GRAS

  Natasha Huq is a conservation accredited architect at GRAS in Edinburgh with over ten years experience working with historic buildings and monuments.

• 1100- Break

• 1125 - Keynote

  Muyiwa Oki PRIBA, Senior Architectural Manager, MACE

  Muyiwa Oki is the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) from 2023-25, with a focus on technology, innovation, and diversity. He is an architect at Mace Ltd and has worked on large-scale infrastructure projects.

• 1145 - Keynote

  Murray Kerr, Director, Denzien Works

  Murray Kerr founded Denizen Works over ten years ago, aiming to create architecture that is rooted in an understanding of place.

• 1205 - Panel Discussion

  Panel Discussion with Session Speakers, Chaired by Rory Olcayto

• 1245 - Lunch

AFTERNOON SESSION - LEADERSHIP & resilience

• 1400 - Introduction

  Isla Jackson, Director, Civic Engineers

  Isla is a Director of Civic Engineers passionate about creating inspirational structures and places that have a positive impact on the environment and enable people to lead happier and healthier lives. She leads on all structural, civil and transport engineering projects for the practice in Scotland.

• 1415 - Keynote

  Dan Benham, Director, Benham Architects

  Dan Benham is a passionate architect who believes in creating people-centered places. He is the youngest President of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales and has a strong design ethos that emphasizes place-making and spatial understanding.

• 1435 - Keynote

  Anne Marie Galmstrup, Director, Galmstrup Architects

  Anne Marie Galmstrup is an architect specialized in cultural and community projects, with 20 years of international experience. Her practice, Galmstrup Architects, works on new build and transformation projects, as well as master planning.

• 1455 - Keynote

  Denise Bennetts, Founding Director, Bennetts Associates

  Denise co-founded Bennetts Associates in 1987 and played a strategic role in the overall design direction of the practice.. She is a respected architectural critic, is an assessor for several awards schemes and is currently a member of the RIBA National and International Awards Group

• 1515 - Keynote

  Alex Ely, Founding Director, Mæ

  Alex Ely is a leading architect and urban designer who is known for his work on sustainable urbanism, innovative housing, and social infrastructure. He is also a vocal advocate for better urban planning and policy.

• 1535 - Panel Discussion

  Panel Discussion with Session Speakers, Chaired by Isla Jackson

• 1555 - Breakout Rooms

• 1655 - Conclusion

• Chris Stewart PRIAS will conclude the day with some final thoughts and key takeaways from the day’s discussions.