It is difficult to talk about the future of architecture without also talking about regulation. In the years since Grenfell, the architectural profession has been forced to reckon with its own failings and its role within the systemic shortcomings across construction that contributed to the tragedy.

Into this unsettled territory has stepped Hugh Simpson, a former health-sector regulator with no background in the built environment but a deep understanding of what happens when regulation fails.

Since joining the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as chief executive in 2020, Simpson has set about rethinking what it means to regulate in the public good. Under his leadership, ARB has pushed through major reforms to architectural education, introduced mandatory continuing professional development (CPD), and negotiated a series of mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with architectural bodies around the world.…