ABOUT Peter Murray OBE
I've spent my career exploring one question: how can we make cities - London in particular - better?
I've worked at the intersection of architecture, planning, publishing, public policy and civic life. Whether through journalism, exhibitions, festivals, organisations, debates or public campaigns, my focus has always been the same: bringing people together to shape a better London.
I've worked at the intersection of architecture, planning, publishing, public policy and civic life. Whether through journalism, exhibitions, festivals, organisations, debates or public campaigns, my focus has always been the same: bringing people together to shape a better London.
CAREER JOURNEY
After training as an architect, I realised my greatest contribution wasn't designing buildings, it was creating platforms where ideas could be shared, challenged and turned into action. Since then I've worked as an editor, publisher, curator, broadcaster, author and adviser, helping to make architecture, planning and city-making part of the public conversation. I've written and edited numerous books, chaired hundreds of conferences and debates, and spent decades championing better places for Londoners.
1970s
Trained as an architect
Edited the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Journal
Edited the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Journal
1983
Founded Blueprint magazine
1996
Set up Wordsearch Communications
1999
Awarded Honorary Fellow, RIBA
2004
Co-founded the London Festival of Architecture
2005
Founded New London Architecture (NLA)
2013
Appointed Chair of The London Society
2015
Master of the Architects’ Livery Company
2021
OBE awarded for leadership in architecture, city planning, design, publishing and charity
bringing people together
One of the privileges of my career has been working with thousands of people who care deeply about London's future - architects, planners, engineers, developers, politicians, local authorities, businesses, community groups and residents.
Throughout my career I've founded and led organisations that continue to shape London's built environment. I co-founded the iconic Blueprint magazine in 1983. In 1996 I started Wordsearch Communications a global design and marketing company specialising in real estate. I helped establish the London Festival of Architecture in 2004 and founded the New London Architecture (NLA) thinktank in 2005. I chaired The London Society from 2013 to 2019. These organisations have become trusted forums for debate, research, exhibitions and collaboration, bringing together professionals, policymakers and the public to discuss London's future.
I started the Cycle Cannes (now Club Peloton) charity bike ride in 2006 . This has raised millions of pounds for charity while Routemaster bus tours organised with Lord Hendy, the former Commissioner of Transport for London, have raised tens of thousands.
Over the past forty years I've worked with successive Mayors of London, boroughs, government departments, businesses, universities, cultural institutions and community organisations. I've judged major design awards, advised on urban policy, curated exhibitions and spoken at events around the world. My work has taken me into every London borough and introduced me to thousands of people working across housing, transport, culture, business and local government, giving me a broad understanding of both London's strengths and its frustrations.
Throughout my career I've founded and led organisations that continue to shape London's built environment. I co-founded the iconic Blueprint magazine in 1983. In 1996 I started Wordsearch Communications a global design and marketing company specialising in real estate. I helped establish the London Festival of Architecture in 2004 and founded the New London Architecture (NLA) thinktank in 2005. I chaired The London Society from 2013 to 2019. These organisations have become trusted forums for debate, research, exhibitions and collaboration, bringing together professionals, policymakers and the public to discuss London's future.
I started the Cycle Cannes (now Club Peloton) charity bike ride in 2006 . This has raised millions of pounds for charity while Routemaster bus tours organised with Lord Hendy, the former Commissioner of Transport for London, have raised tens of thousands.
Over the past forty years I've worked with successive Mayors of London, boroughs, government departments, businesses, universities, cultural institutions and community organisations. I've judged major design awards, advised on urban policy, curated exhibitions and spoken at events around the world. My work has taken me into every London borough and introduced me to thousands of people working across housing, transport, culture, business and local government, giving me a broad understanding of both London's strengths and its frustrations.
Recognition & Public Service
My contribution to architecture, planning and public life has been recognised through numerous honours and appointments. I was appointed OBE for leadership in architecture, city planning, design, publishing and charity, am an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and have received lifetime achievement awards recognising my contribution to London's built environment. While these honours are deeply appreciated, I'm proudest of the organisations, ideas and conversations that continue to make a difference long after they began.
Why Mayor?
Standing for Mayor isn't the next step in a political career, it's the next step in a lifelong commitment to London.
I've spent decades helping people shape this city from outside politics. Now I believe I can make my greatest contribution by bringing London's expertise together to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face—from housing and transport to economic growth, opportunity and quality of life.
Good ideas for the capital don’t belong to political parties. They belong to Londoners.
I've spent decades helping people shape this city from outside politics. Now I believe I can make my greatest contribution by bringing London's expertise together to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face—from housing and transport to economic growth, opportunity and quality of life.
Good ideas for the capital don’t belong to political parties. They belong to Londoners.
BEYOND WORK
Beyond my professional work, I'm an enthusiastic cyclist, writer and lifelong student of cities. Some of my best ideas have emerged while walking London's streets or exploring great cities around the world. I remain endlessly curious about how places shape people's lives, and how people, in turn, shape the places they call home.
