ESSEX-BASED Steven Kearney is the new chairman of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East.The award-winning architect has worked in both the private and public sector and is currently head of planning and transport at Southend on Sea Borough Council, where his remit covers over 200 members of staff and is also a member of the Inspire East Regional Design Panel.

ESSEX-BASED Steven Kearney is the new chairman of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East.

The award-winning architect has worked in both the private and public sector and is currently head of planning and transport at Southend on Sea Borough Council, where his remit covers over 200 members of staff and is also a member of the Inspire East Regional Design Panel.

Mr Kearney, who is chairman of the South Essex Chapter of Architects, was due to take up his position in September, as incumbent chairman David Thompson stepped down.

He has received a number of accolades from the RIBA, Civic Trust and Arts Council as well as a number of local design awards.

He is married with two young children and has recently undergone the re-building of his own environmentally-friendly home.

He said he was “delighted” to be elected and thanked Mr Thompson for his “unfailing enthusiasm, commitment and service to the organisation over the past two years”.

“Architecture affects every member of our society - it forms the spaces around us in which we work and live. I am therefore, as the new chairman of RIBA East, very keen to encourage a better understanding of and appreciation for architecture within the region and its involvement in shaping the environment of our villages, towns and cities.”