John Assael

John Assael (born 1950) is a prominent British architect. He is particularly known for his work at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and for his commitment to being an exemplar employer.

Early life and education

John Assael was born in Nairobi in Kenya. He spent the early years of his life in Africa but attended school in England from the age of 11. and in 2023 was made an Honorary Professor by the University of Nottingham.

Career

John Assael is currently the Chairman and a co-founder of the London-based practice Assael Architecture.

Architecture

After qualifying as an Architect, he worked for several architectural companies until the age of 28, when he started his first practice. His practice was named Architect of the Year in 2016 at The Sunday Times British Homes Awards.

Professional

In 2019 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). He had previously held various other posts at the RIBA, including Vice President for Professional Services and was a trustee of the RIBA Board. He is a former chairman of the RIBA Journal.

He was an elected member to the Architect's Registration Board (ARB) where he has sat on the Prescription Committee.

He sits on the Executive Committee and has been a trustee of the Architects Benevolent Society since 2004. and was a judge for the annual WAN (World Architecture News) Awards.

Involvement in Higher Education

He been a visiting fellow at Oxford Brookes University since 2000. He is an external examiner at The Bartlett and London Metropolitan University and has lectured at Cardiff, Nottingham, Huddersfield, Manchester and Westminster Universities.

He holds the post of Master of Students at the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects Queen's Wharf & Riverside Studios, Hammersmith Great West Quarter, Brentford Century Buildings, Manchester Wallis House - conversion of Art Deco landmark on the Golden Mile, Brentford, London. Tachbrook Triangle SW1, Vauxhall Bridge Road, London Rainsborough Square, Farm Lane, Fulham Osiers Gate Lumiere Apartments, Former Granada Cinema, Clapham Paynes and Borthwick Wharves, London Quebec Way, Canada Water, London Doddington Estate, Cheshire

Selected awards

The Sunday Times British Homes Awards, Architect of the Year in 2008, 2014 and 2016 Building magazine's Good Employer Guide, Winner 2014 and 2015 Architects' Journal AJ120 Business Pioneer of the Year in 2015