Victoria Thornton is the Founder of the Open House concept and Open-City. She has been involved in the field of architecture and the built environment for many years, working with a wide range of public bodies, community groups and professionals, to explore issues related to architecture and design. She is at the forefront of advocating the value of design in creating vibrant, liveable cities and the role everyone plays in them through dialogue with key stakeholders and the wider public.
As well as Director of Open City and Open House (1992-2016) and curator of many high-profile exhibitions/initiatives, Victoria has recently undertaken two impact studies – Open House Worldwide concept and Open-City’s Education Strategy and programmes; producing and curating Open House Worldwide Conference 2018, London and is author of the book Open House, 2012 and co-author of London’s Guide to Contemporary Architecture 6th edition.
Positions held include Trustee and Board member of the Architectural Association, Jury member of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, 2015-16), Women in Architecture Judge (2012-2017), Advisory Board member Spacehive (2012-present), Board Member of Irish Architecture Foundation (2005 – 2013), Department of Culture Media and Sport’s Engaging Places Advisory Panel (2007), member of Expert Advisory Board, Bartlett 2050 Leadership Programme, expert advisory panel, Farrell Review of Architecture and the Built Environment, Member of the RIBA Research Committee and advisor to ALDEA,Chile.
She was awarded an honorary fellowship of the RIBA in 2003, Honorary MA from London Metropolitan University, 2006, and in 2012 an OBE by the Queen for services to architecture and education.
She is a member of the Institute of Directors, a Trustee of BPT and a Fellow of the RSA.
In October 2018 Victoria was appointed President of the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London.
Open House Worldwide blog 