Willie explained that this year is especially important to the DIA because it is celebrating its 125th anniversary. As a result of that DIA has already participated in a conservation conference which was held in Dundee and managed to attract the internationally respected RIAS Convention to the city as a centrepiece of the celebrations.

DIA will continue celebrations over the course of the year and is about to launch its annual awards, a separate endeavour to document the public's favourite building in the area built over the course of the last 125 years, an inter-chapter golf event and a festival of 'architectural' films at DCA.

It is hoped that each of these events will underline the importance of architecture and good design across all walks of life and that they will create widespread interest.

Nicoll Russell Studios are particularly proud of Willie's new role, as their office has now provided four of the DIA's presidents.

Willie's partner and former DIA President Andy Baxter explained: "The DIA carry out a great deal of work to encourage architecture to the fore of the public's thoughts via education and business events and most importantly by the DIA awards. We feel that design plays an important part in all of our lives and as an award-winning practice which works around the UK we recognise that we must make a personal investment to promote architecture across Tayside and North East Fife.

"We are passionate about the beauty and ongoing success of our home area and we wish the DIA every success during Willie's presidency. "