George Ferguson Politician
George Robin Paget Ferguson, CBE, PPRIBA, RWA is a British architect, who has made a significant contribution to architecture, town planning and design in the South West of England and Europe. George Ferguson read architecture at the University of Bristol from 1965-1971. He was co-founder of Ferguson Mann Architects in 1978 and founded the national UK wide network of practices, Acanthus, in 1986. He has a wide variety of experience in architectural, master-planning and regeneration projects, commencing with regeneration and historic building work that formed the foundation of the practice. This includes many award winning schemes such as the At-Bristol Millennium project with its new urban spaces, Royal William Yard in Plymouth and his Tobacco Factory mixed use project, including the renowned Tobacco Factory Theatre and other creative activities that have helped kick start the regeneration of South Bristol. Ferguson lives at the top of the building. He has been described as "a prime mover for change in attitude to planning and redevelopment in the South West Region and beyond. " Ferguson has been awarded honorary degrees from the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Ferguson was appointed High Sheriff of Bristol when that office was revived in 1996 and served for one year. He is a past president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (2003–2005). when "he was noted for championing the causes of education, the environment and good urbanism. " He writes, broadcasts and lectures on planning and architectural matters and sustainability, and was a presenter on the 2005 Channel 4 television series Demolition. He is amongst many other things a trustee of the London based think tank Demos and his interests include local food (he has a restaurant and brewery), theatre, and travel. He is known in Bristol for always wearing red trousers.