A principal in HOK’s London studio, Oresanya will lead the institute’s Architect for Change advisory group that promotes equality and inclusion within the design profession.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has tapped Femi Oresanya, RIBA, MRIAI, LEED AP, to serve as the interim chair of its Architects for Change (AfC) committee. A longstanding member of the institute, Oresanya has served on numerous RIBA committees including, for the past two years, the AfC group. He will serve as interim chair of AfC until a new chair is named in September 2019.
“I joined the board of AfC because I felt our profession needed to focus more on social mobility—creating equal opportunities for all aspiring architects regardless of one’s family or societal background,” said Oresanya. “As chair of AfC, I plan to work with RIBA to create an action plan for solving and addressing social mobility as well as a host of other biases related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, mental health and age.”
Oresanya joined HOK in 1999. Today he leads the firm’s Government and Justice practice within Europe and the U.K. and assists in securing and delivering other large projects throughout Africa and Asia. Oresanya also has an active role in HOK’s mentoring program and volunteers as a tutor and examiner in professional practice at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.
“I am delighted that Femi has been appointed as interim chair of the AfC group,” said RIBA President Ben Derbyshire. “During his 19-year career with HOK, Femi has led significant education and community initiatives. He will play a key role in leading the work of the RIBA’s expert member group, which advises the RIBA on equality, diversity and inclusion matters.”
Outside of architecture, Oresanya devotes his time and expertise in support of his favorite sport. A former rugby player, Oresanya coaches a juniors team, is a certified professional-level rugby coach and referee and holds season tickets to the London-area rugby club Harlequins F.C.