University News Last updated 20 April 2012
Ruth Reed, the Immediate Past President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has been conferred with the title, Professor of Architectural Practice by Birmingham City University.
Ruth has wide-ranging experience coming from a background in Architectural Practice and now currently focuses on teaching and planning in her role with Birmingham City University, being the current Director of Professional Studies in the School of Architecture within Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD).
She has been involved with the RIBA since her early career, previously holding the title of President of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales. As Vice-President of Membership with the RIBA, Ruth was keen to improve communications between the regions and Council and during her term in office, she oversaw the transformation of the regions into effective bodies liaising with local decision makers and providing support and resources for local architects and practices.
Ruth grew up in rural Shropshire and then went on to complete an MA in landscape design. Her early career experiences include working for a national house builder, a commercial practice and a housing association in South Yorkshire. She then moved back to the Welsh Marches where she set up her own practice which focused on housing producing discreet architecture with an ecological agenda.
In delivering the decision of the University Senate, Professor David Tidmarsh, the Vice-Chancellor, stated that “this application had been subject to extensive scrutiny from internal and external peers. The award of this title as a mark of personal academic achievement and professional development is therefore a very significant achievement.”
Her wealth of experience coupled with her inclination towards ecology as well as design, makes Professor Reed the ideal candidate to lead and guide students within the School of Architecture.