UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 8
Caroline Shortt is Appointed Chair
of RIBA South West
Barc Architects is pleased to announce that its Founder, Caroline Shortt, has been appointed
Chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South West.
Caroline steps into the role following her tenure as Chair of
RIBA Exeter, where she worked closely with architects across
the city to support professional development, strengthen the
local architectural community and promote design excellence
in the region.With over twelve years leading the awardwinning Exeter practice Barc Architects, Caroline brings
extensive professional experience to the position, along with
a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges
facing architects working in the South West.
After graduating from the Dublin School of Architecture,
Caroline developed an international architectural career
before relocating to Devon in 2008 to establish the Exeter
office of BAS Mooarc. In 2012 she founded Barc Architects,
which has since developed a strong reputation for thoughtful,
sustainable design across the South West and beyond.
Throughout her career Caroline has prioritised architecture
that responds carefully to both people and place, advocating
for design that enhances everyday life while respecting the
natural environment. In her new role as Chair of RIBA South
West, Caroline will focus on supporting architects across the
region and strengthening collaboration within the profession.
She is particularly passionate about knowledge-sharing,
sustainability and the continued development of a more
inclusive architectural community.
Sharing her enthusiasm for the role, Caroline said:
“
I am very honoured to represent the RIBA in this role and
grateful for the opportunity to work closely with architects
across the South West. There is a huge amount of design
talent in the region and I look forward to building an open
and collaborative branch that highlights these talents to
the wider community. It’s wonderful to be an architect
at a time when the profession is evolving so positively,
with increasing female representation and a growing
commitment to becoming a more socially and culturally
diverse profession. I hope that as Chair I will be able to
actively listen and be a voice for all of our members.”
UK CONSTRUCTION JOURNAL
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