Riba's portals rocked by plot to oust chief

Revolution is stirring behind the handsome portals of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Some members of Riba, which represents one of Britain's most civilised professions, are plotting to oust their director-general in a coup.

Opponents of Alex Reid, who was appointed to the senior executive post three years ago, have forced a special meeting of the institute's ruling council for today, to discuss whether he should be dismissed. Mr Reid, a former military pilot, will be asked to answer grievances before the council members vote on his future.

Discontent about Mr Reid will come to a head at the meeting, which is taking place behind closed doors at the Riba's central London headquarters in Portland Place.

The subject matter is viewed as so sensitive that all 61 council members have been sworn to silence, and even ordinary members are reluctant to discuss it.

The council is believed to be split evenly between supporters and opponents of Mr Reid and those who are undecided.

Mr Reid's critics regard him as a high-handed and abrasive manager who is out of step with the culture of a place accustomed to being run like a gentleman's club.

His backers praise him as a pragmatist and say that he has swept the cobwebs out of an introspective and old-fashioned organisation.

Peter Lacey, the chairman of Riba's south-west region, said yesterday that Mr Reid had turned the institute's finances around.

"If someone exercises strong management, it is likely to disturb a number of people," Mr Lacey said.

"But that doesn't make it, or the individual responsible, wrong. We desperately need strong management and, as a progressive, modern profession, we should welcome the provocations it can bring."

The unprecedented divisions have led to the formation of a breakaway "reform" group of architects who want to preserve the old ways.

Mr Reid, who worked mainly in industry before he was appointed, has had frequent confrontations with Owen Luder, the institute's elected president.

One long-standing member said yesterday: "It's not like running a commercial company. He has to respect the professional ethos of architects."

Complaints which have been aired about Mr Reid include his derecognition of the staff union and the introduction of security swipe cards at Portland Place.

He is also accused of formulating policy "on the hoof", instead of leaving such matters to the elected officials.

His most unpopular move was his dismissal of Peter Gibbs-Kennet, the director of education. Subsequently, Riba was informed by the Charity Commissioners that it had infringed their rules when it replaced Mr Gibbs- Kennet in the paid post with Chris Colburne, a council member with similar status to a trustee.

Mr Reid declined to comment before appearing at today's meeting, which required 10 signatures of council members in order to be called.