Born in Liverpool in 1942, Rod Hackney served as RIBA president from 1987 to 1989, having set up his own practice in Macclesfield, Cheshire, where he carried out his first community architecture project in 1974.

In a highly influential initiative, Hackney worked with residents of Black Road in Macclesfield to resist the widespread slum clearance of the time and, instead, help them renovate and save their Victorian terraces.

Having completed this work while studying for a PhD at Manchester University, Hackney and his Black Road project became a model for future schemes to refurbish existing Victorian housing and help combat the trend of mass demolition during the 1970s.

During his tenure as RIBA president, Hackney worked to forge closer bonds between the institution and European architects, fostering the free flow of ideas and people with the European Economic Community.

Current RIBA president, Muyiwa Oki, said in a statement: ‘Unfailingly cheerful and immensely popular, we were delighted to welcome Rod last year when he paid a visit to 66 Portland Place and his old office.

‘Rod’s death is a huge loss and he will be greatly missed. We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to the RIBA and community architecture.

‘I would like to express my sincere condolences to Rod’s family and many friends at this very sad time.’

Hackney also served as president of the Union of International Architects between 1987 and 1990, where, the organisation said, he ‘promoted architecture as a tool for social responsibility and community empowerment’.



During this period, he reportedly maintained a close relationship with the then Prince Charles, who was said to have supported his community architecture cause. However, Hackney was allegedly responsible for letting slip a private comment made by the Prince, expressing fears of a racially divided Britain, leading to accusations that the heir to the throne was wading into politics.

Paul Hyett, RIBA president from 2001-2003, told the AJ: ‘Rod was a colourful but often mischievous and maverick – some would even say Machiavellian – personality who brought the community architecture agenda to the heart of Portland Place.

‘Sadly, indiscreet references to the then Prince of Wales, an otherwise great supporter of his work, revealed a weakness of judgement which no doubt undermined the effectiveness of his campaign.

‘But Rod was courageous, passionate and had a great sense of the importance of architectural service to the underprivileged. And he was always great fun to be with.’

Hackney also became a popular author with his autobiography The Good the Bad and the Ugly: Cities in Crisis, published in 1990. The book recounted his concern at the state of British architecture when he returned to the country in the 1970s, after his education abroad in Denmark, and his work to combat the worst in new modernist housing developments.

Hackney wrote of championing community architecture during his time as RIBA president: ‘I would like to think that during my term it [community architecture] came of age and became accepted as one of the normal ways of practising rather than just a ginger group activity.’

Further tributes

Benjamin Derbyshire, RIBA president 2017-19, chair of HTA Design 

Rod Hackney inspired the pioneers of professional advocacy with his neighbourhood co-designed project at Black Road Macclesfield. He helped build momentum, so that in the 80s we were able to open a Community Architecture Resource Centre on the ground floor at RIBA in Portland Place. And we hoped for more when he was elected president.

In those heady days we administered a community projects fund from the Department of Environment grant aiding small practices. His fall from grace, quoting the heir’s anxieties of a divided Britain following a meal on the Royal Train, was immediate.

But he remained an indomitable proponent of grass roots professionalism to the last – a sad loss.

Angela Brady, RIBA president 2011-2013, director of Brady Mallalieu Architects

Rod was a brilliant communicator and leader in community architecture and engaging the public in architecture and design. He was also active in Europe on the UIA Council bringing people closer together.

He promoted architecture as a tool for social responsibility and empowering the community. He was an inspiration on sustainable issues in architecture. He was a great guy, always cheerful and optimistic.

Stephan Reinke, founding president of AIA UK, director at Stephan Reinke Architects

Rod was a great supporter of the AIA UK, The First AIA International Chapter in the early 90’s; more importantly he was a spirited advocate of the exchange of ideas, practices, and cultures of our International Profession…a new phenomenon at the time. He was tireless in promoting the strength and qualities of the profession to take the lead in our communities with energy, intellect and understanding.

In recent years Rod joined us on Portland Place, for several Hon FAIA dinners following the AIA Keynote Speech. As ever, he “inspired” the conversation in the room and at the table, with his wit, wisdom and great laughter

He will be missed as a good friend of the AIA and International Practice