RIBA president receives honorary doctorate

He received the award from UEL’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Amanda Broderick at a ceremony at the University’s Docklands Campus on Thursday 5 September.

Mr Williamson expressed his gratitude for the recognition, noting how UEL’s objectives resonate with his own. He said, 

It's fantastic. I mean, it's a real honour. I was quite emotional when I read the letter UEL sent. It was talking about sharing the aims of the University of East London, which was a careers first university and an engine for social mobility, committed to diversifying the talent pipeline. While providing leadership in pursuit of a further, healthier and more sustainable world. And those are all the things that I believe in. As for the title, I don't quite know what it means, to be honest. it's a great honour to have but it hasn't really sunk in yet.

Mr Williamson has made outstanding contributions to education and architecture practice. He has been actively involved at UEL delivering lectures, sponsorship projects, curating major exhibitions, and providing work experience for students. 

Receiving his honorary doctorate in architecture, he said “I implore you to never stop learning, never lose the appetite to be curious, to improve, to get better, to grow.”

He has earned recognition nationally and internationally. Mr Williamson is a winner of Queen’s Award for exporting world-class city shaping design and for Enterprise (International Trade) in recognition of the WW+P outstanding international growth. He was awarded the prestigious Prix Versailles World Title for Paddington Elizabeth Line Station. 

Carl Callaghan, Cluster Leader for Architecture and Physical Design, recognised Mr Williamson’s contributions and expressed pride in having him join the School’s graduates. 

He said, 

Chris Williamson is an outstanding award-winning architect and has made a significant contribution to Architecture both in the UK and Internationally. Those who use the Elizabeth Line can enjoy an excellent example of his architecture at Paddington station which won both the RIBA London Award 2024 and RIBA National Award 2024.We want to recognise his contributions and are proud to have him as an honorary

Mr Williamson’s career has also been focussed on sustainability. He is a member of the Livery Climate Change Action Group and the City of London Conservation Area Advisory Panel. He sits on the Expert Panel for Transport at the NLA and is a member (sometimes Chair) of the Southwark Design Panel.

He is the founder of an outstanding international practice with an exceptional track record in sustainable buildings and infrastructure projects.  WW and P is an award-winning architectural and urban design practice with a wide variety of projects in the UK and abroad. He led the design of many international projects, including Crossrail 1&2, HS2, Network Rail, the London Underground, and Docklands Light Railway, along with many residential and mixed-use developments. The quality of the work from WW and P is exceptional both at an experiential level but also a technical level. 

Mr Williamson has been elected as the next President of RIBA for the term 2025 to 2027. In this role, he will continue to champion social mobility, inclusion and diversity in the profession while taking action to combat climate change. He will focus on education and creating more opportunities for younger generations.

Beyond his prestigious architecture career, Mr Williamson is also a multifaceted creative. He is currently writing a play and runs “Ilkon”, a community centre in his hometown Ilkeston, Derbyshire. He created the centre to champion creative talent in the East Midlands and improve accessibility to culture. As part of Ilkon, he employs a young artist in residence to run the day-to-day programme and the participation has been very positive so far. 

Chris Williamson will undoubtedly continue to bring his knowledge, passion, and his genuine commitment to creating a positive impact to everything he does for years to come.