He succeeds former editor Amanda Baillieu who joined BD as editor in March.
Mr Pearman started his career as a reporter on BD in the 1970s and has worked across various architectural titles and national newspapers, including 20 years at The Sunday Times.
He will continue his role at The Sunday Times, working on RIBA Journal three days a week.
Eleanor Young, acting editor and formerly deputy editor of RIBA Journal, has been promoted to executive editor and will run the journal's day-to-day editorial operations in his absences.
Mr Pearman will commence his new role in September.
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