Eddie Weir elected as new ABS President

Eddie Weir PPCIAT MCIAT has been elected as the new Architects Benevolent Society (ABS) President and will succeed Jane Duncan OBE PPRIBA.

As an ABS Ambassador since 2017, Eddie has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and fundraising within the architectural community. He was the Society's first CIAT Ambassador in Northern Ireland and now becomes the Society's first Chartered Architectural Technologist in the role of President in the charity's 173-year history.

Robert Ball, ABS Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to welcome Eddie Weir as our new President. Eddie genuinely cares about the welfare of people who have fallen on difficult times and is a strong advocate for the support ABS can offer. The team and I at ABS admire him greatly and it is clearly evident that so do his colleagues and peers in our community. We look forward to working together to make a difference to the lives of those who need us."

Eddie was President of CIAT from 2019-2021, and his involvement with ABS has been paramount in helping the charity establish new connections, leading to greater event participation and increased donations.

Eddie Weir said: "It is an absolute pleasure and honour to be elected as the next ABS President. ABS continues to be a symbol of hope and support for those within and close to the architectural community and has done for many years. 

"The architectural industry can be a demanding environment; and for some these demands can take their toll and detrimentally manifest themselves in many forms. It is incredible to know that the Society is here to offer help and support to those in our professions who may be experiencing difficult times. For this, I shall continue as always to promote the support that ABS offers to our architectural community.

"Thank you to everyone for your continued kind wishes.

"I look forward to working closely with the ABS team and our wonderful group of Ambassadors; and to continue with our work raising awareness and advising that this support in its many different guises is available for those who need it.

"I remain passionate as ever about our wonderful Institute and as ABS President, this will further our great work and relationship with the Society. My energy and spirit to give back to the sector and community is as strong as ever and my campaign trail for President Elect continues. This is a momentous moment for the Architectural Technology profession and for a Chartered Architectural Technologist to be President of the ABS – as I always say – it’s a great time to be an AT!"

Over the course of his Presidency, Eddie will work with the Society on a range of new projects that will support more people in the community as well as continue to raise awareness and vital funds to provide long term sustainable growth well into the future.