Rab Bennetts OBE and Professor Sarah Wigglesworth MBE have today been appointed as CABE commissioners by Minister for Tourism and Heritage, John Penrose MP.   

Welcoming the announcement, CABE’s chair Paul Finch said: ‘Sarah Wigglesworth and Rab Bennetts are extremely high calibre architects with influential design practices. They will bring to the Commission the kind of creative flair and technical expertise that will help us to champion great architecture and support others in creating great places.’  

CABE commissioners Joyce Bridges CBE, MJ Long and Lorna Walker have been reappointed for a second term. ‘The reappointment of Joyce Bridges, who remains as deputy chair, means we retain a highly respected voice on planning and strong links with English Heritage,’ Paul Finch said. ‘Lorna Walker’s expertise in engineering and sustainable development gives the commission real breadth and engagement beyond the world of architecture and design, while MJ Long’s reappointment keeps a superb chair of Design Review and a champion of affiliated design review panels.’   

Sarah Wigglesworth is a professor at Sheffield University and founder of Sarah Wigglesworth Architects, specialists in low energy and sustainable building, with extensive involvement in schools.   

Rab Bennetts is co-founder of Bennetts Associates Architects, known for its commitment to sustainable design. Recent projects include the redevelopment of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and Edinburgh University’s Informatics and Humanities building. Rab is a founder and on the board of the UK Green Building Council.  

Rab Bennetts and Professor Wigglesworth succeed Robin Nicholson and Irena Bauman, whose commissioner terms expired this year.