Hugh Simpson

Our team had a roundtable in Glasgow discussing the Scottish context for architecture with learning providers and employers also joined by Sandy Robinson, Scottish Government Chief Architect, Tamsie Thomson, and Gordon Murray.

Thanks to all who attended and contributed to the insightful discussion.

Really loved this excellent understated but warm and funny film. The www.regentstreetcinema.com
Was a perfect venue.

Applications are now open for a new mutual recognition agreement between the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC).

Learn more here➡️https://arb.org.uk/international-routes/arb-and-roac-mra/

Yesterday, the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Canada’s ROAC signed a new UK–Canada Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

This opens up streamlined opportunities for architects in both countries.

Join this evening’s webinar at 8pm BST to learn more:

Register here➡️https://bit.ly/3GmFFTs

🌍✍️ A new UK-Canada Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) is to be signed today, making it easier for eligible architects to register and work between the two countries.

Read more ➡️ arb.org.uk/uk-and-canad...

South Africa, SRF poll:

ANC (centre-left): 36% (-4)
DA (liberal|centre-right): 28% (+6)
MK (left-wing|conservative): 14% (-1)
EFF (left-wing): 7% (-3)
…

+/- vs. 2024 election

Fieldwork: 3-19 February 2025
Sample size: 1,008

➤ africaelects.com/south-africa
#RSA

What should the Grenfell memorial look like? History has some answers | Neal Shasore Whatever stands in the tower’s footprint should be inspired by the community – and remind us that such a tragedy must never happen again, says heritage advocate Neal Shasore

Interesting ideas and reflections from history on the Grenfell Memorial from the ever thoughtful Neal Shasore

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Giving blood or platelets is an easy thing to do. They also give away #seabrooks crisps. Sign up @ www.blood.co.uk #platelets #blood

On Thursday, the govt will publish its Plan for Change. This will include key 'milestones' for each of the govt's five missions. Targets such as these have been used extensively by previous govts trying to improve public service performance. But how effective are targets?

A short🧵on the evidence:

What we’ve missed about Donald Trump, Julius Malema and Gayton McKenzie The Trump-Malema-McKenzie trio of braggarts cut through this world of scripts and ‘messaging’ with simplicity and emotion. For many, this is precisely the antidote to a political landscape that feels ...

Great article about emotion and authenticity in politics by @njclelland.bsky.social A South African example, a Trump analysis and a lesson for all politicians. Oh and includes references to gorillas and craft beer.

www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/...

South Africa, Institute of Race Relations poll:

Q: ‘Which of the following government coalitions would you prefer?’

Fieldwork: October 2024
Sample size: 604 respondents

➤ africaelects.com/south-africa
#RSA

Few people even know about this; when people are asked in surveys how child mortality has changed the majority says it has stagnated or increased.

If you consider that many don't know about humanity's biggest achievement, then it's not surprising that many are so pessimistic about our future.

Architectural abuses exposed: ‘Underpaid, overworked and undervalued’ A new warts-and-all investigation into workplace culture by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) ...

Important research on the workplace culture in architecture www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/archite...

Spotify for news, but with better rewards for authors/artists?

Beautifully written. And very apt advice for our hectic times.

The horrors of the "Reply All" email. Excellent and v funny from The Economist's Bartleby...
www.economist.com/business/202...