Ruth Reed facts for kids

Ruth Reed is a famous British architect. She made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This important role lasted from 2009 to 2011. Ruth grew up in a town called Shrewsbury and now lives in Birmingham.

Becoming an Architect

Ruth Reed started her own architecture business, called Reed Architects, in Wales in 1992. Her company focused on designing homes for people who wanted to build their own houses. This is known as a self-build project.

Besides her own business, Ruth also taught architecture. From 2006, she was in charge of a special course at the Birmingham School of Architecture. This course helped students become fully qualified architects.

Leading Architectural Groups

Ruth Reed has held several important leadership positions in the world of architecture.

President of RSAW

From 2003 to 2005, she was the President of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW). This group helps architects in Wales.

Leading the RIBA

On September 1, 2008, Ruth became the president-elect of the RIBA. This meant she was chosen to be the next leader. She called it "a great honour and privilege." The RIBA is a very old and respected group for architects in the UK.

During her time as president, Ruth split her time between her home in Birmingham and a flat in London. She believed in talking quietly and privately to government leaders to share the concerns of architects. For example, she spoke directly to a government minister named Michael Gove.

Ruth finished her time as president by speaking out. She publicly disagreed with the government's plan for Free Schools. This shows she was not afraid to share her opinions on important issues.

See also

• In Spanish: Ruth Reed para niños