The Architects’ Council of Europe announces that Ruth Schagemann has decided to resign from her position as President four months prior to the next election. During her time in office, Ruth Schagemann provided strong leadership, engaged deeply in European policy dialogue, and worked closely with the ACE Executive Board and Secretariat to advance the organisation’s mission.

In accordance with ACE’s Statutes and By-Laws, Vice-President Carl Bäckstrand has now assumed the role of President. This transition ensures continuity and stability within ACE’s leadership, with responsibilities now fully shared between Mr. Bäckstrand and Secretary General Ian Pritchard.

In his first letter to ACE’s Member Organisations, Carl Bäckstrand reflected on the transition with “a deep sense of responsibility and the privilege of having already worked closely with the ACE Executive Board and Secretariat over the last five years.” He emphasised that this collaboration “provides a solid foundation for a smooth transition and the continued strength of our shared mission.” Paying tribute to his predecessor, he expressed “sincere thanks to Ruth Schagemann for her exceptional leadership, her dedication to ACE’s mission, and her tireless work in representing our profession with distinction and integrity.”

Looking forward, Carl Bäckstrand underlined the importance of collaboration and openness. Recalling the recent Conference in Luxembourg, he described it as “an inspiring milestone — a powerful demonstration of how collaboration among architects, engineers and allied professionals can shape a sustainable, high-quality built environment to enhance the green transition.”

He also stressed the responsibility carried by the architectural profession within the construction industry:

“We represent one of the most vital sectors of the construction industry. With that comes the responsibility to lead with professionalism, integrity, and a willingness to find compromise where it serves the common good. The future of ACE must be one of openness — to new ideas, to innovative practices, and to productive alliances that advance our shared goals.”

Carl Bäckstrand, European Conference on Architectural Policies, Gdańsk. Pics by Grzegorz Mehring / BAM.

ACE expresses its deep appreciation to Ruth Schagemann for her dedicated service and looks forward to her continued collaboration with ACE in advancing the architectural sector in Europe.

Ruth Schagemann, European Conference on Architectural Policies, Gdańsk. Pics by Grzegorz Mehring / BAM.