Adrian Dobson, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) executive director for members, is the latest speaker confirmed for the BMF All-Industry Conference in Budapest in June.

RIBA members are at the start of the design process that eventually drives product sales through builders’ merchants. Yet this is the first time that a senior executive from the RIBA has presented at a BMF conference.

In addition to working to improve the design quality of public buildings, new homes and new communities, the RIBA provides the standards, training, support and recognition that puts its 40,000 members as the peak of their profession.

Mr Dobson, a chartered architect himself, leads all of the RIBA’s member-facing work and is helping to shape an organisation attuned to the times as the profession faces new challenges in response to significant societal, economic and technological change. He is also the author of ‘21 Things You Won’t Learn in Architecture School’, a helpful and entertaining guide to the realities of working in architectural practice. He will be adopting a similar approach in his conference presentation, which will include a light-hearted look at the perception of architects through the eyes of merchants and vice versa.

John Newcomb, managing director of the BMF, said: “It is an opportune moment for the BMF conference to hear from a RIBA spokesperson for the first time. Every element of the construction process – design, building and the supply of products – is facing up to change and the challenges and opportunities that brings. It is more important than ever for every member of the construction team to understand each other’s motivations in order to work together as a harmonious unit. I am delighted that Adrian will be joining us in Budapest.”

The BMF All-Industry Conference takes place in Budapest from 15 to 18 June, 2017 at the five star Intercontinental Hotel. Broadcaster and TV personality, Gethin Jones, will host the event.

Further details are available on the conference website, www.bmfconference.co.uk.

Picture caption: Adrian Dobson, executive director for members at RIBA, will discuss the perception of architects through the eyes of merchants at this year’s BMF’s All-Industry Conference.