Voting for the next RIBA president started this week after ballot papers were sent to all 32,000 members.

The successful candidate, who will be known as RIBA president-elect until the start of their presidential term in 2007, is likely to be confirmed on 26 July.

The institute announced the potential successors to president Jack Pringle after nominations last month. In the running are:

  • Sunand Prasad, a partner at Penoyre & Prasad and a CABE commissioner
  • Valerie Owens, managing director of Le Vallient Owen
  • Peter Phillips, a sole practitioner and RIBA councillor.
Prasad's manifesto says the RIBA should be younger and more diverse, architects should see themselves as part of the construction industry, and the institute should act as a knowledge centre and a campaigner to deal with climate change.

Owen's key policy is that architects should be paid more to reflect skills. She also says the RIBA should improve its relationship with the ARB, embrace diversity, help tackle climate change and champion PFI design and sustainability.

Phillips wants the RIBA to improve how it deals with "questionable" legislation that affects architects. He says small practices should be championed to encourage diversity, and architectural education should include apprenticeships.

RIBA members have until 24 July to vote for their new president.