MÓLA is delighted to announce that one of its founding directors, Sean Ó Laoire is to become the next president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). He succeeds outgoing president James Pike and his new role as RIAI President is for the period 2008-2009. He will seek to lead the profession to adapt to new challenges and in doing so to demonstrate that good architecture and urban design is a fundamental ingredient of a healthy and sustainable society.
The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) officially announced his appointment as the new President of the Institute for the period 2008-2009 on the 19th December.
Seán has been responsible for a number of award winning architectural projects including the Civic Park at Arthur's Quay in Limerick, winner of the prestigious Triennial Gold Medal from the RIAI in 1995 and the Irish Pavilion at Expo 2000 at Hanover, Germany. He has also been project leader on a wide range of planning and urban design projects, many of which have been rewarded with national and international awards.
Seán is a former vice president of the RIAI and in taking up his new role he said:
"The quality of architecture in Ireland is being increasingly acknowledged internationally. I would like firstly to build on the contribution of immediate past presidents and Councils.
I will also develop the Institute's role as a 'thought leader' in informing government policy relating to architecture, the environment, planning, and the sustainability agenda. I intend to lead the profession to adapt to new challenges and in doing so to demonstrate that good architecture and urban design is a fundamental ingredient of a healthy and sustainable society."