Global architects’ body appoints Philip Thompson as Specialist Practice Consultant
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the global professional membership body for architects, has appointed Thrings’ Philip Thompson as a Specialist Practice Consultant (SPC).
Specialising in construction, engineering and infrastructure law, Philip, an associate solicitor in the firm’s Construction and Engineering team, will advise RIBA members on a range of issues, including building contract disputes, processes of adjudication and arbitration, contract administration, liability issues, building defects, copyright and licensing.
The SPC service provides the RIBA’s 29,000 architect members with access to approved consultants and industry experts whose specialist legal, technical and professional knowledge enables them to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards.
Philip will replace Thrings consultant Steve McCombe, who is retiring from the legal profession next month after a 32-year career as a practising solicitor. In his capacity as a SPC, Steve has provided high-level advice to RIBA members on a broad range of topics for more than 15 years.
Philip, who was admitted as an attorney in South Africa in 2013, said: “It is an honour to be taking up the mantle from Steve as a Specialist Practice Consultant for the RIBA, an organisation which has supported British architects with distinction since being founded in 1834.
“I am very much looking forward to providing contentious and non-contentious construction law advice to members of the RIBA while broadening my network among architects and other professionals working in the built environment.”
Steve McCombe added: “I am delighted that Philip, who is an experienced construction law specialist, is taking on the role as Specialist Practice Consultant and extending Thrings’ long-term association with the RIBA.
“I have enjoyed providing advice to architects on a variety of contractual, copyright and dispute resolution issues as a Specialist Practice Consultant over many years, and would like to wish the RIBA, its members and Philip well in the future.”