Louise Brooke-Smith became the first female president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in its 146-year history.
A qualified urban land economist and chartered town planner, Brooke-Smith has gained a wealth of experience in planning and development in public and private sectors both in the UK and internationally over the past 30 years. She established Brooke Smith Planning in 1994, providing professional advice on town planning, land use and development matters to blue chip clients across the country. Additionally, she has been retained as a visiting lecturer at various academic institutions.
“Chartered surveying is the world’s most sought-after property qualification – we now need to ensure that it is open to all. This is a wonderful time to be encouraging a younger generation into the profession – whatever their background or gender.”
Louise Brooke-Smith
Taking up her new role Brooke-Smith said: “Chartered surveying is the world’s most sought after property qualification – we now need to ensure that it is open to all. This is a wonderful time to be encouraging a younger generation into the profession – whatever their background or gender.
“Whatever we do, wherever we go, we follow the footsteps of someone from the surveying fraternity who has mapped the route, planned the city, built the houses, valued the offices or managed that shopping centre. I am passionate about supporting the clear role RICS has within the global built environment profession, from established to emerging markets, so the future leaders of our industry can shine through.”
Within RICS, Brooke-Smith has been a member of the West Midlands Regional Board since the early 1990s (elected as branch chairman for the 1999/2000 session), represented RICS on the National Planning Forum between 1989 and 2002, as vice chairman, and is currently a Commissioner for Disaster Management.
Alongside Brooke-Smith’s appointment, the RICS has announced the inauguration of its new presidential team:
- Martin Brühl becomes president-elect.
- Amanda Clack becomes senior vice president.
- Robert Mayhew continues as vice president.
- John Hughes and Chris Brooke are newly elected as vice presidents with immediate effect.
- Bill Gater continues as RICS honorary treasurer and Rob Mahoney continues in his role of RICS honorary secretary.
