CIBSE warmly congratulates Past President Fiona Cousins on her election as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), recognising her contribution to engineering and technology.
Fiona, Chief Operating Officer, Total Design at Arup, was among 75 leading figures elected to the Academy’s Fellowship at its Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2026. The 2026 cohort includes a record 24 women and brings together engineers and technology leaders making significant contributions across industry, academia, policy and innovation.
Fiona served as CIBSE President for 2024–2025, during which she championed a broader approach to building performance through her presidential theme, Building Performance Reimagined. Her presidency explored how building engineering can respond to challenges including climate change, resilience, health and wellbeing, and the changing needs of building users.
Fiona is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of CIBSE, and remains closely connected to the Institution. She is listed among CIBSE’s Past Presidents and continues to contribute to the wider engineering profession.
During her CIBSE presidency, Fiona challenged the profession to look beyond traditional definitions of building performance and consider the wider outcomes buildings can deliver for people, communities and the environment.
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Fellowship brings together more than 1,700 leading engineers and innovators from the UK and around the world. The Academy says its Fellows play a central role in connecting business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers to support technological progress and help turn innovation into impact.
Fiona will be formally admitted to the Academy at a special ceremony in London on 19 October, where she will sign the Academy’s roll book.
CIBSE congratulates Fiona on this significant achievement and on joining the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Fellowship.
Her election reflects the breadth and impact of her contribution to engineering and the built environment, and CIBSE is proud to celebrate the achievement of a Past President and Fellow who continues to make a significant contribution to the profession.
The complete list of the Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows elected in 2026 can be found at Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows 2026