Sir Ian MacAlister (1878–1957) was the longest serving Secretary of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (1908–1943) and a significant figure in the twentieth-century development of architectural education. Until he joined the RIBA he was a freelance journalist with a particular interest in the Empire. The Institute changed greatly during his reign, from a largely London society into one of national and international importance. He encouraged the foundation of allied societies of architects in the provinces and in the British dominions abroad. His most important achievement was the passing of the two Architects Registration Acts of 1931 and 1938, which ensured that architects could only practice if they had studied in registered schools and passed competitive examinations.