Maria Smith

Maria is founder of architecture and engineering firm Interrobang whose first exhibition, 'Concrete Inspirations' opens this week at the Arup gallery. She is co-founder of architecture and art firm Studio Weave, a regular columnist for the RIBAJ and co-creator of the debates series, Turncoats.

"I believe that the AF’s members and supporters are predominantly motivated by a shared sense of the value of good architecture (and good architects) to our city. I believe the AF can afford to bravely put its position forward. The foundation has a fantastic range of events and projects but I would like to see it do more and look forward to working with the board members and staff team to achieve this."

David Knight

David is a designer, author and educator. He is a founding co-director of DK-CM, a London-based architecture, urban design and planning practice whose reworking of Barkingside civic centre recently was named one of the best public space projects in Europe in the European Prize for Urban Public Space. David’s critical projects about the contemporary built environment have been exhibited and published internationally. Notable published works include ‘SUB-PLAN: A Guide to Permitted Development’ (with Finn Williams & Europa, Architectural Association, 2009) and ‘Wallpaper* City Guide: Porto’ (Phaidon, 2011).  

"The Architecture Foundation is ideally placed to assert the role of architecture in the politics, economy, culture and aesthetics of our society, and to do so in a way that is both celebratory and propositional. To connect architecture with the politics of development is not to dissolve its character but to assert it, particularly in a place such as London: rich in history and character but facing fundamental challenges which the practice of architecture should play a key role in addressing."

Holly Lewis

Holly founded architecture practice We Made That in 2006. She has extensive experience working across public realm and strategic projects, and in urban research. Holly has taught Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL and London Metropolitan University, and sits on the RIBA Education Committee. She is a member of the Tower Hamlets Conservation and Design Advisory Panel, guest member of the Greater London Authority Mayor’s Design Advisory Panel and an appointed Design Council CABE Built Environment Expert.

"Having experienced the work of the Architecture Foundation as a visitor, member, competition winner and commissioned architect, I know that it can be provocative, entertaining, influential and a crucial support to young practices. I am excited giving something back to an organisation that played an important role in the development of my own practice." 

Richard Jones

Richard is founder of new property development firm, Nord which aims to put positive architect/client relationships at the heart of its projects. He was previously a Senior Partner at Jackson Coles with 30 years experience in the company and was a founding director of the London Architecture Biennale (now the London Festival of Architecture). 

“I’m looking forward to helping to bridge between architects and potential clients, between the AF and its potential supporters.”