RIBA events 2023, Architecture Gallery London, UK buildings future trends, British architects news
RIBA News Events 2023
Royal Institute of British Architects Exhibition + Talks + Events in London, England, UK
2 October 2023
RIBA manifesto outlines vision for a better built environment
Monday 2nd of October 2023 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today published a Manifesto for a Better Built Environment, calling on policymakers to place more urgent focus on quality, safety and sustainability in the design and construction of UK buildings.
Published to coincide with the 2023 party conference season, RIBA’s manifesto says that while policy makers must act to boost housing supply to address the severe shortage, concerted action is also needed to ensure that quality and standards are not compromised.
The institute is calling for greater investment in the capacity of local planning departments, enabling them to recruit and retain the highly qualified design expertise needed to deliver well-designed and well-connected new homes.
Noting that the built environment is responsible for 37% of global energy-related carbon emissions, RIBA’s manifesto highlights the need for improved regulation around measuring the sustainability of new and existing buildings. RIBA is calling for the introduction of targets that take full account of buildings’ ‘whole life carbon’ – including the ‘embodied carbon’ associated with creating new building materials and ‘operational carbon’ that buildings will produce over the decades they are in use.
RIBA has also reiterated its long-standing call for a National Retrofit Strategy to upgrade the UK’s housing stock, which is among the oldest and least energy efficient in Europe.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said:
“Well designed buildings and places enrich our lives, positively impact the environment, and strengthen our communities. Our manifesto highlights the need for conscious and concerted policy action to deliver a built environment that meets peoples’ needs, both now and in the future.
Everyone in the UK has the right to an affordable, safe and sustainable home. While the housing crisis demands that we build at scale, it is vitally important that this does not come at the expense of quality. To ensure this, policy makers must focus on empowering local planning authorities, equipping them with the skills and capacity they need to design and build high-quality, accessible and future-proof buildings.
And, with the clock ticking, it is imperative that that we are pursuing effective climate action, including delivery of a robust strategy for minimising the carbon impact related to the built environment. The next government must lead the way and set ambitious building regulations to address sustainability, reform public procurement and enable greener infrastructure.”
RIBA will be involved in the following events at the Conservative and Labour party conferences.
Conservative Party conference:
• Monday 2 October 6-7pm, RIBA will be part of a panel, alongside CIOB, RICS, RTPI, and the Housing Minister, Rachel Maclean MP, to discuss whether the housing crisis will determine the next general election.
• Tuesday 3 October 2.30pm-3.45pm, RIBA President Muyiwa Oki will join a panel that will consider the state of school and college buildings, with Department for Education Minister, Baroness Barron.
Labour Party conference:
• Monday 9 October 9.30-10.30am, RIBA will be part of a panel, alongside CIOB, RICS, and RTPI, to discuss skills and sustainability in the built environment.
• Monday 9 October 6-7.30pm, a private viewing of our “Long Life, Low Energy: Designing for a Circular Economy” exhibition will be held at RIBA North in Liverpool.
21 September 2023
Optimism falls among smaller architecture practices amid housing sector decline: RIBA Future Trends August 2023
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its latest Future Trends survey, a monthly report of the business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession.
It shows that, in August, architects overall felt slightly more downbeat about future workloads and staffing levels. However, small practices, whose workloads typically comprise a greater proportion of housing projects, were markedly less hopeful than their larger counterparts, who remain confident that their workloads will increase.
The pessimism among smaller practices appears to be driven by a further fall in confidence in the housing sector – now at its lowest since the pandemic. The outlook for most other monitored sectors improved.
While workloads were not expected to increase in any region of the country, practices in the South of England were the least pessimistic. Overall, workloads remain lower than a year ago.
There was a similar trend in expected staffing levels. While overall, practices expect a slight reduction in the number of permanent staff, this was driven by decreasing confidence among smaller practices. In contrast, medium and large practices continue to expect staffing to increase.
Optimism gap between small and larger practices widens
The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index fell by 1 point to -11.
Over the next three months, 18% of practices expect workloads to increase, 29% expect them to decrease, and 53% expect them to stay the same.
The outlook of small practices (1-10 staff) fell by 2 points to -17. Medium (11+ staff) and large (50+ staff) practices remain optimistic about future workloads, with a combined Workload Index figure of +24, an increase of 4 points compared to last month.
All four monitored work sectors still have a negative outlook on future work, but only one sector is less optimistic than last month. The outlook for the Public (-5) sector rose 10 points, the Community (-12) sector rose by 1 point, and the Commercial (-7) sector held steady. The outlook for the Private Housing (-23) sector fell by 10 points, now at its lowest level since the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Except for the South of England, the regional picture has further deteriorated, and no region has a positive outlook.
Slight dip in confidence in staffing levels, with larger practices upbeat
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index has fallen by 2 points to -2. This reflects a weak outlook for future work and continues the longer-term pattern of the Staffing Index hovering around zero.
• Over the next three months, 13% of practices expect to employ fewer permanent staff, 12% expect to employ more, and 75% expect no change.
• Medium and large practices (+24 combined Staffing Index) continue to expect an increase in permanent staff.
• Small practices (-6) continue to expect staffing levels to decline.
• Despite a falling workload outlook, Wales & the West (+7) and the South of England (+12) both anticipate growing staff levels. Falling staffing numbers are expected in the North of England (-11) and the Midlands & East Anglia (-8), and London (-6).
• The Temporary Staffing Index (-7) fell by 4 points, suggesting a reduction in temporary staff in the next three months.
• Levels of personal underemployment held steady at 22%.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:
“With rising interest rates making project financing more expensive and more difficult to obtain, the UK construction sector is weak and forecast to shrink this year.
This month’s data reflects this downbeat context, with workloads expected to fall. The housing sector is the worst hit, with confidence in the sector at its lowest since the pandemic, affecting smaller practices the most. Larger practices, typically with a more diverse portfolio and less reliant on housing, are consistently more optimistic.
The RIBA Economics Panel explored this economic context in August.
This month’s feedback from practices underscores the tightening market, particularly in domestic housing. Practices report significantly fewer new enquiries for residential projects, and existing projects being put on hold, as obtaining financing becomes more challenging for existing and potential clients.
Practices also report clients’ cash flow issues resulting in delayed payment for architects, planning delays still impeding project progress, and high-skilled staff remaining difficult to recruit and retain.
On a positive note, practices hope to see public sector spending increase in the medium term, and the commercial sector remaining more resilient than the housing sector. Practices continue to note that there is a global market for UK architectural expertise, with some reporting increased overseas demand.
We will continue to report our findings to the Government and work with other built environment bodies to monitor trends.”
21 September 2023
UK homes will remain least energy efficient in Europe without government support, says RIBA
On Wednesday 20 September 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to scale back key green policies.
In response, RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:
“The built environment is the UK’s second highest carbon emitting sector. Despite concerted effort from architects, and our partners across the built environment, today’s announcement signals that the Government has no real intention to lead the charge towards net zero – and it is generations to come who will pay the heavy price.
Millions of people in the UK are living in draughty, damp homes that are leaking energy and money. Today’s announcement reverses the little policy progress the Government has made in upgrading our ageing and inefficient housing stock. Without consistent government signal, support and investment, our homes will remain the least efficient in Europe for years and decades to come.
It’s time for leadership and ambition.”
12 September 2023
ARB education reforms make headway but falls short
Tuesday 12th of September 2023 – ARB education reforms make some headway but fall short of changes needed to ensure a competent and inclusive profession.
On Thursday 7 September 2023, the Architects Registration Board’s (ARB) published the results and next steps of Tomorrow’s Architects, its consultation on education and training reforms.
Read the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)’s response to ARB’s Tomorrow’s Architects consultation (May 2023) for more detail on its position.
Responding to ARB’s announcement, RIBA Chair of Board Jack Pringle said:
“While we are encouraged by some of ARB’s decisions, we feel that they do not go far enough to remove the current barriers to pursuing a career in architecture and fail to ensure that competence and innovation in architectural education are prioritised. Shorter routes to registration, lowering of student debt, and more flexible modes of study are key to creating the diverse and inclusive profession we urgently need, and we must ensure that students are taught low carbon design and building safety.
ARB’s decisions to focus on establishing clear minimum regulatory requirements for those who wish to enter the profession at master’s level (RIBA Part 2) and then after professional practical experience (RIBA Part 3), in lieu of a specific requirement at RIBA Part 1, are welcome. These will open up the profession to graduates with undergraduate degrees (including RIBA Part 1) from other countries, those who already have relevant career experience, a related degree or even non-cognate entry with a conversion course. We also welcome the proposed independent commission into professional practice experience, as this is a critical aspect of architectural learning.
However, in only focusing on the later stages of academic study and practical experience (equivalent to RIBA Parts 2 and 3), the reforms lack detail around ensuring key competencies such as climate literacy and building safety are met. This is surprising, as it’s vital that tomorrow’s architects are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to address today’s most pressing challenges, including the climate emergency and delivering a safe built environment. Innovation must be at the forefront of the proposed reforms.
RIBA greatly values the Part 1 undergraduate degree programme in architecture, which is likely to remain the primary route into the profession. We will continue to use our rigorous and world-recognised validation process to mark this crucial milestone in architects’ education. And whilst we currently have alternative models of education – such as apprenticeships and RIBA Studio – it is important that we continue to create diverse routes, including our previously proposed accelerated model, to further strengthen the relationship between education and practice, to widen access to the profession.
RIBA remains committed to working with ARB to ensure that reforms deliver a relevant and resilient education system.”
4 September 2023
RIBA urges action on the condition of public buildings
Monday 4th of September 2023 – RIBA has commented on the latest developments around the use of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in public buildings, following its repeated warnings about the dangerous condition of England’s school estate.
RIBA Chair of Board Jack Pringle said:
“RIBA has long voiced serious concerns about the condition of school buildings. Our 2016 study – Better Spaces for Learning – highlighted that pupils and teachers are struggling to learn and teach in conditions damaging to their health and education.
Alongside funding the mitigation of immediate safety risks through an industry-led task force, the Government must publish the Condition of Schools Survey without delay, to expose the full scale of this problem.
It’s also clear however that RAAC failure goes beyond schools, and that’s why the Government must undertake an urgent audit of public buildings to identify how widespread it really is.
Once immediate safety risks have been resolved, we need to look to the future. We must make sure this doesn’t happen again – learn from mistakes, ensure all products are safe, and have a programme of work to upgrade buildings as they reach the end of their life. The mobilisation of private finance will be key to achieving this.”
1 September 2023
RIBA responds to cabinet reshuffle and new Energy Secretary
RIBA has responded to the appointment of Claire Coutinho MP, as the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero; replacing the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, who has been appointed as Secretary of State for Defence, following the departure of Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP.
RIBA President, Simon Allford said:
“Our message remains loud and clear. Millions are living in energy inefficient homes that are in dire need of retrofitting. If we are to address the climate emergency, help households with the cost-of-living crisis, and create new green jobs, we urgently need a well-funded National Retrofit Strategy, with a robust timetable and targets.
We welcome the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho MP, and look forward to working with her to achieve this.”
31 August 2023
RIBA responds to schools closing over shocking building safety fears
Friday 31 August 2023 – RIBA has responded to the Government’s advice to close educational settings with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), following warnings about the dangerous condition of England’s school estate.
This year, RIBA President Simon Allford has called this a huge concern and urged the Government to seize this opportunity to invest in good design.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“All young people and staff deserve to learn and work without fearing for their safety. We have repeatedly raised concerns about the dangerous state of some school buildings – and the Government has failed to fund desperately needed repairs.
It’s shocking to see this advice issued, just days before schools are due to reopen.
The Government must now make it an immediate priority to identify the extent of remediations necessary and fund them without delay.”
24 August 2023
Architects increasingly downbeat about future workloads, but staffing stable: RIBA Future Trends July 2023
Thursday 24th of August 2023 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the Future Trends survey results.
And, in a blog published today, RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson explores the wider economic context surrounding this month’s trends and highlights how practices might navigate the challenging business environment.
In July, architects became more downbeat about workloads, but slightly more confident about staffing levels.
The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index (how practices expect workload to change over the next three months) dropped to -10. Overall, architects expect their workloads to fall, with the lowest level of confidence since the aftermath of the Truss min-budget.
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index (how practices expect permanent staffing to change over the next three months) has recovered by 1 point in June to 0 in July, suggesting practices are looking to retain, if not recruit, staff.
Small practices remain markedly less hopeful than their larger counterparts. None of the monitored work sectors or regions expect increasing workloads, with London feeling the least pessimistic. Current workloads remain lower than a year ago.
Workloads expected to fall further
The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index fell by 11 points to -10.
Over the next three months, 16% of practices expect increase to workloads, 26% expect them to decrease, and 58% expect them to stay the same.
Medium (11+ staff) and large (50+ staff) practices remain optimistic about future workloads, with a combined Workload Index figure of +20, a dip of 3 points compare to last month. The outlook of small practices (1-10 staff) dropped by 12 points to -15.
Overall, the regional picture has deteriorated. No regions have a positive outlook, and confidence has faltered among those who had been optimistic. The North of England’s (-3) outlook fell by 22 points, and Wales & the West (-12) fell 18 points. The South of England (-28) saw the largest decrease in confidence, by 24 points. The Midlands & East Anglia (-8) rose by 5 points, and London (0) is the least pessimistic.
All four monitored work sectors have a negative and deteriorated outlook on future work. As rising interest rates continue to curtail housing activity, the Private Housing (-13) sector fell by 5 points. The Commercial (-7) sector fell 10 points. The outlook for the Public (-15) sector fell 9 points, in its fifteenth consecutive negative month. The Community (-13) sector fell by 4 points.
Modest recovery in confidence in staffing levels
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index has recovered by 1 point to 0. This indicates practices’ commitment to retaining staff, even as they anticipate falling workloads.
• Over the next three months, 11% of practices expect to employ fewer permanent staff, 11% expect to employ more, and 78% expect no change.
• Medium and large practices (+14 combined Staffing Index) continue to expect an increase in permanent staff.
• Small practices (-3) expect staffing levels to decline.
• The employment outlook in London (+2) has turned positive following a brief fall into negative territory last month. Wales & The West (+11) saw an uptick of 7 points despite its fall in confidence about workloads. In contrast, the North of England (-6) deteriorated by 20 points. Falling staffing numbers are also expected in the South of England (-8), which fell by 6 points, and the Midlands & East Anglia (-3), which, though still negative, rose by 10 points.
• The Temporary Staffing Index (-3) fell by 1 point, suggesting a reduction in temporary staff in the next three months.
• Levels of personal underemployment rose to 22%, an increase of 4%.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:
“The profession has become downbeat about future workloads, and the return to confidence that followed the reversal of the Truss minibudget has been short-lived.
This pessimism is concentrated among smaller practices, as interest rates rises make project financing increasingly difficult to obtain. Small-scale residential work has been adversely affected by mortgages becoming more expensive and difficult to arrange.
Medium and large practices remain optimistic about future work.
This month’s feedback suggests the market is deteriorating. Practices continue to highlight pre-existing issues: of the ongoing effects of Brexit, project cost inflation, planning delays, fee competition, and Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) costs.
A number of practices report reduced enquiries and concerns about future workloads.
Some also report falling commissions from the leisure and entertainment sector and the public sector. There are payment delays as clients seek to manage cash flow more tightly.
However, other practices continue to report steady workloads and brisk levels of enquiries, even within the domestic sector. Not all potential clients are affected by tightening monetary policy.”
Background:
Completed by a mix of small, medium and large firms based on a geographically representative sample, the RIBA Future Trends Survey was launched in January 2009 to monitor business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession.
230 practices took part in the July 2023 survey.
The survey is carried out by the RIBA in partnership with the Fees Bureau. Results of the survey, including a full graphical analysis, are published each month here.
The definition for the workload balance figure is the difference between those expecting more work and those expecting less. A negative figure means more respondents expect less work than those expecting more work. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends workload index.
The definition for the staffing balance figure is the difference between those expecting to employ more permanent staff in the next three months and those expecting to employ fewer. A negative figure means more respondents expect to employ fewer permanent staff. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends staffing index.
24 July 2023
Government approves staircase call in huge win for fire safety standards
Today, Monday 24 July 2023, the Government confirmed that they will adopt an 18-metre height threshold for second staircases in all new residential buildings.
In a huge win for RIBA’s cross-sector campaign on this issue, the Government noted that the new fire safety measure comes in response to expert bodies’ united calls.
Since March, a RIBA-led coalition spanning the built environment, fire safety and disability rights groups have been strongly advocating an 18-metre threshold. RIBA and its Expert Advisory Group have been calling for second staircases in new residential buildings for a long time.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“This is a significant moment. Over six years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it is hugely positive and reassuring to see the Government listening to the united call of experts on fire safety, bringing greater coherence and certainty for industry.
Mandating second staircases in new homes over 18 metres is a vital step towards a safer built environment for all. We are pleased to have played our part in this.”
Background:
In March, RIBA and seven built environment bodies, fire safety organisations and disability rights groups signed a joint letter to Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP. The united call urged the Government to reduce the height threshold for more than one staircase in new residential buildings to 18 metres (approximately six storeys), from the government’s proposed 30 metres (approximately ten storeys). The letter was signed by:
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
• Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN)
• Disability Rights UK
• Inclusion London
• Claddag (Leaseholder Disability Action Group)
Previously on e-architect:
20 July 2023
RIBA Future Trends June 2023
Thursday 20 July 2023 – Architects losing confidence about workload and staffing prospects: RIBA Future Trends June 2023.
The Royal Institute of British Architects has published the Future Trends survey for June 2023.
June sees a further dip in architects’ confidence, although the overall outlook remains positive by the slimmest of margins. Following a period of improvement since the beginning of the year, The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index (how practices expect workload to change over the next three months) fell from +8 to +2 between April and May, and has fallen again in June.
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index (how practices expect permanent staffing to change over the next three months) has fallen 5 points to -1 between May and June, reaching negative territory for the first time this year, reflecting the lower confidence in workloads.
The housing sector expects workloads to plummet amid a weak economy and interest rate rises, but the commercial sector is far more buoyant. Small practices are much less hopeful than their larger counterparts, and the regional picture remains mixed but declining. Current workloads remain lower than a year ago.
Workload expectations remain precarious.
The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index fell by 1 point to +1.
Over the next three months, 23% of architectural practices expect an increase in workloads, 21% expect them to decrease, and 56% expect them to stay the same.
Medium (11+ staff) and large (50+ staff) practices remain optimistic about future workloads, with a combined figure of +23, up from +16 last month. The outlook of small practices (1-10 staff) fell 2 points to -3.
Overall, the regional picture remains mixed but weakening. The outlook in London (-3) and the South of England (-4) held steady but negative. The Midlands & East Anglia reverted to negative territory, falling by 19 points to -13. As often seen in previous months, the North of England (+19) and Wales & the West (+6) have the strongest outlooks, with the North rising in confidence by 14 points.
The outlook is pessimistic for three of the four monitored work sectors. The Commercial (+5) sector rose by 5 points to become positive. In contrast, the outlook for the Private Housing (-8) sector fell by 8 points amidst rising interest rates and declining house prices. The Public (-6) and Community (-9) sectors remain negative.
Falling staffing levels expected for first time this year.
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index has fallen 5 points to -1, reflecting softening confidence in future workloads.
• Over the next three months, 13% of practices expect to employ fewer permanent staff, 11% expect to employ more, and 76% expect no change.
• Medium and large practices (+11 combined Staffing Index) continue to expect an increase in permanent staff.
• Small practices (-3) expect staffing levels to decline.
• Staffing outlook in the North of England (+14) improved by a significant 14 points. Wales & The West (+4) fell by 1 point, still showing an appetite for recruitment. In line with increased pessimism about coming workloads, London’s (-7) outlook fell by 14 points to its lowest so far this year. The Midlands & East Anglia (-13) fell by 20 points, and the South of England (-2) remains stable.
• The Temporary Staffing Index (-2) fell by 2 points, suggesting falling temporary staffing levels in the next three months.
• Levels of personal underemployment decreased slightly to 18%.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:
“The profession remains positive about future workloads but by the slimmest of margins.
While medium and large practices are still optimistic, smaller practices feel increasingly gloomy, with the housing sector coming under more pressure.
This month’s feedback suggests the market is deteriorating. Interest rate rises are making projects less affordable. Some domestic clients are reportedly reducing project scope to cut costs, and some projects that have already commenced are being put on hold or cancelled due to financing issues. Project delays, planning delays, obtaining finance, and client/contractor hesitancy continue to impede progress.
As the market tightens, architects are competing for work by fee reduction, and with lesser-qualified, non-architects.
However, not everyone is feeling so bleak. A number of practices continue to report a steady pipeline of future work, with some having full order books to 2024, showing some clients are still commissioning high-value projects.
A fuller analysis of the current and future economic climate is available in the RIBA Quarterly Economics Report.
Previously on e-architect:
17 July 2023
RIBA announces 2023 President’s Medals Judging Panels
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed the judging panels for the 2023 President’s Medals. Awarded to work produced by architecture students, RIBA’s President’s Medals celebrate talent and promote excellence in architectural education, with entries welcomed by invitation from schools of architecture across the globe:
2023 President’s Medal and Awards for Research
15 July 2023
MPs back RIBA planning reform recommendations to tackle the housing crisis
On Friday 14 July 2023, the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee published a report that examines the Government’s planning reform proposals. In the report, the committee says it is difficult to see how the Government will achieve its target of 300,000 new homes per year by the mid-2020s in England if mandatory local housing targets are dropped.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President Simon Allford said:
“The Committee’s findings echo our concerns and those of the wider sector. The Government’s current proposals risk blocking the new homes we desperately need to build.
Reforms to planning policy must ensure the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes in the places people need them most, supported by the necessary amenities and infrastructure – we need to build on the long history of successful existing communities. As the report acknowledges, this requires comprehensively resourced and appropriately skilled planning departments, that incorporate and recognise qualified design expertise.
The housing crisis will only be solved by listening to the shared concerns of the design and construction industry. We are happy to be challenged, but the Government must consider the recommendations and take steps to address our concerns. We look forward to working in support, to improve our planning system for the better.”
Previously on e-architect:
13 July 2023
New guidelines put accessibility and inclusion at the heart of building design
Thursday 13th of July 2023 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today published new guidance to ensure that inclusion and accessibility are considered at every stage of the design and construction process.
The result of a multidisciplinary collaboration – including input from people with lived experience and experts from 25 built environment professions – the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work aligns with RIBA’s commitment to making the built environment accessible and welcoming for everyone.
The guidance has been developed with the specialist inclusive design consultancy Motionspot, and with the support of Heathrow and Jane Simpson Access. Intended to be widely understood and used by anyone involved in the built environment sector, it assigns clear responsibilities and tasks to the different roles involved in a building project – including client, project management, design, construction, and asset management teams.
What is inclusive design?
• Inclusive design seeks to create buildings and spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, health condition, disability, ethnicity, or religion. It means considering the needs of people with physical, cognitive and sensory impairments, including neurodivergence and dementia.
• Inaccessible design can systematically exclude people. Designing with human diversity in mind can remove barriers to access across all the places people work, visit and live.
• Inclusive design is about more than buildings and the space around them. Enabling everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities is a vital part of creating a sense of belonging and making society more equitable.
• An accessible built environment is also vital for improving sustainability, as it is used more efficiently, and is more flexible and adaptable for different users and uses.
Download the Inclusive Design Overlay.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“RIBA serves our members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities, and a sustainable environment – and inclusion is at the heart of this. The Inclusive Design Overlay will help not only our members but other design professionals to support wider communities, placemaking, and buildings, by designing for everyone.”
RIBA Director of Practice and Individual Knowledge Alex Tait said:
“Our industry needs a more rigorous and collaborative approach to inclusion throughout the full lifecycle of our projects and assets. This Overlay aims to embed an inclusive design framework within the RIBA Plan of Work. We are grateful to our project partners and industry colleagues for their commitment to deliver this.”
Inclusive Design Overlay Project Lead and Lead Overlay Author, Pareisse Wilson, who is also Inclusive Design Strategy Lead at Motionspot, said:
“The biggest positive for me regarding this project is the fact it has been created in collaboration with industry, from landscape architects and engineers to project and facilities managers. Together, these collaborators supported the Steering Group in deciding which roles to include in the engagement process and contributed to defining the tasks at each Work Stage. Throughout the journey, over 100 built environment professionals have attended workshops or provided feedback on draft versions of the Overlay. This makes the Inclusive Design Overlay a truly inclusively designed framework.”
Steering Group member and Motionspot CEO and Founder Ed Warner said:
“By empowering built environment professionals to create and operate more inclusive and equitable buildings and spaces, the Inclusive Design Overlay will enable previously marginalised groups to access and feel welcome in all areas of the built environment. I am confident the Overlay will inspire action throughout the UK and beyond, while reinforcing the UK as a leader in the field of inclusive design.”
Steering Group member and Heathrow Project Manager Jenny McLaughlin said:
“Heathrow’s vision is to be ‘Open for All’. However, we can only achieve this with the right tools and commitment from the design and construction industry. The Inclusive Design Overlay is a massive step in the right direction as it allows us to work towards our goals of becoming systematically inclusive, equitably safe, and meeting our UN Sustainable Development Goals to leave no one behind.”
29 June 2023
RIBA responds to Climate Change Committee report on reducing emissions
On Wednesday 28 June 2023, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) gave a report to Parliament outlining the country’s progress in reducing emissions.
Responding to the report, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President Simon Allford said:
“The CCC’s report presents clear and concerning evidence that the Government is neglecting its duty to pursue policies that will deliver a net zero future.
Buildings remain the UK’s second highest emitting sector. This report highlights a serious lack of progress in introducing energy efficiency measures, particularly for the owner-occupied and private-rented sectors, which account for the vast majority of our homes.
This inertia must end now. Millions of homes up and down the country are leaking energy and money. Homeowners must be incentivised to make the upgrades needed for greener homes, and this will require new funding models. The Government must urgently publish a comprehensive National Retrofit Strategy.”
28 June 2023
RIBA responds to National Audit Office report on the condition of school buildings
On Wednesday 28th of June 2023, the National Audit Office (NAO) published findings that more than a third of English school buildings are past their estimated initial design life. The UK’s independent public spending watchdog’s report found that 700,000 pupils are learning in schools that require major rebuilding or refurbishment.
RIBA has long warned of the dangerous condition of England’s school estate.
This year, RIBA President Simon Allford has urged the Government to seize this opportunity to invest in good design, and, said that, after years of falling funding, recent investment has not been enough to make all schools safe
Responding to the NAO report, RIBA President Simon Allford
“It is a huge concern that 700,000 pupils are being taught in buildings that require major rebuilding or refurbishment, a clear failure of the Government, who have simply not put enough money in the pot to address the scale of the problem.
Our young people deserve educational spaces that facilitate learning and promote healthy living. We must use this opportunity to ensure all schools are well-designed, energy efficient and fit for children both today and in the future.”
22 June 2023
Architects’ workload expectations positive but fragile: RIBA Future Trends May 2023
Thursday 22nd of June 2023 – The Royal Institute of British Architects has published the May 2023 Future Trends survey.
While architects remain broadly positive about future work for the fourth successive month, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index (how practices expect workload to change over the next three months) has fallen from +8 in April to +2 in May. The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index (how practices expect permanent staffing to change over the next three months) remains positive and rose by 1 point to +4.
5yt5The housing sector expects workload to hold steady, but other sectors are less optimistic. Medium and large practices still see a bright future, while the regional picture is weaker. Current workloads remain down on a year ago, and, although fewer practices expect workloads to rise compared to last month, staffing levels are expected to increase.
Workload expectations still positive but fragile
The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index fell by 6 points to +2.
Over the next three months, 23% of practices expect their workloads to increase, 22% expect them to decrease, and 55% expect them to stay the same.
Medium (11+ staff) and large (50+ staff) practices remain optimistic about future workloads, with a combined figure of +16, albeit down from last month’s +29. The outlook of small practices (1-10 staff) fell 5 points to -1.
The regional picture remains mixed but is weakening overall. The Midlands & East Anglia (+6) is the only region to improve, rising by 11 points. The outlook in London (-3) and the South of England (-4) remains pessimistic, falling by 6 and 2 points respectively. The North of England (+5) and Wales & the West (+7) remain positive but down by 23 and 10 points respectively.
The outlook for three of the four monitored work sectors has fallen, with the Commercial (-2), Public (-7) and Community (-6) sectors all negative. The outlook for the Housing (0) sector has improved slightly, rising by 2 points.
Staffing levels expected to hold steady
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index remains positive, rising by 1 point to +4.
• 8% of practices expect to employ fewer permanent staff over the coming three months, 11% expect to employ more, and 81% expect no change.
• Medium and large practices (+23 combined Staffing Index) continue to expect an increase in permanent staff.
• Small practices (0) expect staffing levels to hold steady.
• Staffing outlook in London (+7) improved by 3 points. Wales & The West (+5) fell by 5 points, but still shows an appetite for recruitment. In line with more optimism about coming workloads, Midlands & East Anglia (+7) became positive. The North of England (0) fell slightly but remains stable, and the South of England (-2) fell by 4 points.
• The Temporary Staffing Index (0) is unchanged.
• Levels of personal underemployment remained at 20%.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:
“On balance, the profession is feeling positive about future work for the fourth consecutive month. However, this month’s optimistic outlook feels fragile as economic challenges gather again.
Practices report that successive interest rate increases are affecting projects, and clients are struggling to secure project funding due to increased finance costs. Late payment of architects’ fees is reportedly on the rise. Overall, clients are being more cautious. The planning process is still a top concern, with viable projects getting stuck indefinitely.
On a brighter note, after months of very high inflation for the construction sector, the latest ONS data suggest that construction output inflation, whilst still high, is falling.
Despite the challenges, some practices report a strengthening market, lots of potential work, increased enquires, full order books, and a notable pick-up compared to the start of the year.
post updated 20 June 2023
Sir Michael Hopkins CBE (1935-2023)
RIBA President, Simon Allford, pays tribute to acclaimed architect Sir Michael Hopkins CBE, who passed away in June 2023.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“Michael was one of the great architects of our time. His honours and accolades – including the 1994 RIBA Royal Gold Medal presented to him and Patty Hopkins – are testament to his talent and the strength of their equal partnership in work and life.
Read the statement in full at:
Moe info here:
Previously on e-architect:
23 May 2023
RIBA responds to funding for school repairs
On 22 May 2023, the Department for Education announced over £450m investment to improve school buildings, saying 859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools will receive funding to improve their school buildings. This follows £1.1bn capital funding for local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies announced in March.
RIBA have previously warned of the dangerous condition of England’s school estate.
In February 2023, RIBA President Simon Allford said: “With so many [school] buildings likely to be in need of overhaul, we hope to see the government seize the opportunity to invest in good design to ensure these vital community assets are fit for future generations. The school rebuilding programme – be it retrofit or repair – must address the climate emergency by ensuring funding supports sustainable design, delivering value for money, and improving educational outcomes.”
Responding to yesterday’s announcement, RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“England’s school estate remains in serious disrepair, so I am pleased to see this funding to make much-needed upgrades. However, after many years of funding falling in real terms, this only represents a small proportion of the amount needed.
Safety must be at the top of the agenda, but it is vital that investment also ensures that school buildings foster positive student engagement and support their communities. Whether retrofit or new build, we must deliver well-designed, energy efficient schools – architecture that guarantees that our schools are fit for future generations.
We would urge the Government to publish the Buildings Conditions Survey – so we can better understand the scale of the problem we face.”
22 May 2023
RIBA responds to funding for green finance projects to make homes more energy efficient
On 19 May 2023, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that £4.1 million will be shared between 26 green finance projects to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“Green finance products are a vital piece of the puzzle for making England’s homes more energy efficient, so we welcome this funding for trials to ramp up the green finance market.
With millions of homes leaking energy, money, and in dire need of retrofitting, it’s vital that green finance options encourage homeowners to undertake the work needed.
A well-funded National Retrofit Strategy must use every tool available – time is against us.”
19 May 2023
‘This warning must not be ignored’ : RIBA responds to 1.5C climate threat
On Wednesday 17 May 2023, new findings from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) indicated that the key 1.5C temperature threshold could be breached for the first time by 2027. Whilst unlikely to be on a permanent basis, the UN agency has made clear that this would be an entry into ‘uncharted territory’.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“This worrying development signals a global failure to adequately address the climate emergency.
The UK Government must ramp up its own response. Beyond existing policies aimed at reducing emissions, adapting the built environment to address the harmful realities of a warmer world will be critical. For too long, this has fallen through the cracks.
Construction has a huge role to play – architects are an essential part of the solution, and our expertise must be utilised. The sector will need to implement a range of retrofit measures to embed flood resilience and reduce overheating in existing and new buildings through passive design.
This warning must not be ignored. The Government must fulfil its duty to help protect communities. Otherwise, tomorrow’s generations will pay the price of today’s inaction.”
18 May 2023
RIBA+VitrA: Forms of Exchange: exploring the spaces in-between
Thursday 18th of May 2023 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is pleased to mark the fifth consecutive year working in partnership with VitrA Bathrooms. This year, RIBA is curating a programme of events throughout 2023 called Forms of Exchange: Exploring the spaces in-between. This public programme talks season investigates how architecture manifests itself beyond the structural form.
post updated 18 May 2023
Taskforce begins work to support housing for older people: RIBA responds
On Tuesday 16 May 2023, the new Older People’s Housing Taskforce held its first meeting. This team of experts, brought together by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), will run for up to 12 months, making recommendations to support the growth of an older people’s housing sector.
Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle said:
“The establishment and inaugural meeting of the Older People’s Housing Taskforce is welcome news. The Government should act quickly to deliver the high quality and accessible homes that the country urgently needs. Key priorities include bringing forward the consultation on raising the mandatory minimum accessibility standards for new homes and ensuring local authorities have qualified design expertise to recognise and promote age-friendly housing.
We look forward to engaging with the Taskforce over the coming months.”
post updated 18 May 2023
Architects expect increasing workloads despite growing planning application delays: RIBA Future Trends April 2023
Architects’ outlook for future work remains positive. In April 2023, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index stayed at +8, the same as in March, and the third successive positive month. The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index remains positive and improving, at +3.
The commercial sector expects more work for the first time in a year, though the housing sector is less optimistic. Medium and large practices still see a bright future, while the regional picture is mixed. However, current workloads remain down on a year ago, and those in smaller practices are more likely to be underemployed. Slower processing of planning applications is worsening project delays compared to two years ago.
Workload expectations remain stable
The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index stays at +8, the same as in March.
Over the next three months, 28% of architecture practices expect their workloads to increase, 21% expect them to decrease, and 51% expect them to stay the same.
Medium (11+ staff) and large (50+ staff) practices remain firmly optimistic about future workloads, with a combined figure of +29. Small practices (1-10 staff) remain positive but fell 3 points to +4.
The regional picture remains mixed, with most regions feeling positive about future work. There is some growing optimism – the North of England (+28) rose by 10 points and Wales & the West (+17) rose by 3 points. London’s (+3) outlook dipped but remains positive. The Midlands & East Anglia (-5) remains negative, and the South of England (-2) fell by 10 points.
Three out of four monitored work sectors show an improved outlook. The commercial (+3) sector had a positive outlook for the first time since May 2022, indicating growth is anticipated. Whilst remaining negative, the public (-6) and community (-3) sectors improved, with the latter rising by 5 points. The housing (-2) sector fell by 3 points.
Staffing levels expected to hold steady
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index remains positive, rising by 2 points to +3.
• 8% of practices expect to employ fewer permanent staff over the coming three months, 11% expect to employ more, and 81% expect no change.
• Medium and large practices (+22 combined Staffing Index) remain strongly positive about recruitment.
• Small practices (0) anticipate staffing levels to hold steady.
• Staffing outlook in London (+4) remained consistent. Practices in Wales & The West (+10) rose by 5 points, show a growing appetite for recruitment. The North of England (+2) and the South of England (+2) both recovered by 2 points. In line with a pessimistic view of future work, the staffing outlook in the Midlands & East Anglia (-3) rose 4 points but remains negative.
• The Temporary Staffing Index (0) rose by 3 points.
• Levels of personal underemployment rose slightly to 20%.
Planning application delays increasingly holding up projects
Our results show that the speed with which planning applications are being processed is deteriorating compared to two years ago, causing project delays.
• In April 2023, 22% of practices report projects being abandoned in the last three months, compared to 7% in 2021, due to delays in the processing of planning applications.
• 47% report some projects being delayed by 6 months or more, compared to 30% in 2021.
• Only 15% of practices report no projects being delayed, compared to 22% in 2021.
What action is RIBA taking?
In addition to monitoring and reporting on the impact of planning delays, our Policy and Public Affairs team has responded to a number of government consultations relating to the planning system this year, making recommendations that reflect the concerns of our members.
We have repeatedly called for the Government to invest in building up the capacity of local authority planning departments, particularly with qualified design expertise. As part of this, we have also called for planning departments to be allocated additional financial resources to recruit and retain planning professionals.
In January 2023, former Housing Minister (current Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer MP spoke at an event held in conjunction with the Office for Place at RIBA HQ in London. Our engagement with government continues.
Commenting on RIBA’s survey findings, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Chief Executive Victoria Hills said:
“It is widely recognised that Local Planning Authorities, along with the wider public sector, are facing significant resourcing challenges. We have continuously warned that chronic under resourcing is burdening our Local Planning Authorities, leaving them struggling to meet public expectations and support the delivery of much needed homes and infrastructure, for example.
This survey’s alarming results illustrate the consequences of neglecting our planning departments. The ongoing housing crisis demands our immediate attention. Without a sufficiently resourced planning system, the homes that individuals, families, and communities desperately need will remain out of reach.”
Commenting on the RIBA Future Trends April 2023 report, RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:
“Architects remain cautiously optimistic about future work. London is positive, regional work remains strong in the West and North, the commercial sector is improving, staffing levels are steady, and larger practices are increasingly optimistic.
However, while architects are looking beyond immediate difficulties to see growth ahead, ongoing challenges include PII costs, fee pressure, and the continuing adverse effects of our current EU trading arrangements. Inflation and interest rate increases are hindering practices. Inflation is increasing project costs while decreasing the value of fees. Higher interest rates are increasing the long-term capital costs of projects, deterring potential clients.
The speed with which planning applications are being processed is deteriorating compared to two years ago, delaying projects, holding back architects and the creation of the buildings we need.
Nevertheless, some practices report increasing workloads, brisk enquiry levels and improving activity from developers.”
12 May 2023
Removing Parts 1,2 and 3 a mistake: RIBA responds to ARB consultation on education reform
On Wednesday 10 May 2023, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published its formal response to Tomorrow’s Architects, the Architects Registration Board’s (ARB) consultation on education and training reforms. Read our full consultation response and blog by RIBA Director of Education and Learning Dr Jenny Russell for more detail.
“ARB’s current proposals fall short of the radical changes that are needed to transform our education system.
To create a truly accessible, diverse and inclusive Register, we must lower the barriers (but not quality) and facilitate the growth of alternative routes to entry. These include apprenticeships, combined work and study models, flexible part-time routes, and a new accelerated model to enable a student to become an architect in 5 years.
ARB’s current proposals to remove Parts 1, 2, and 3 (titles established and held by RIBA) would undermine a highly valued, world-class architectural education system. As a framework, the ‘Part’ system offers flexibility and portability in architectural education, particularly at Part 1.
It is vital that tomorrow’s architects are equipped with the skills, competence and knowledge to address contemporary challenges, including the climate emergency and delivering a safe built environment – but ARB’s proposed outcomes are just not good enough.
We will continue to work with ARB, schools of architecture and our members, to stress our collective concerns and solutions, to ensure we have an education system fit for the future.”
20 April 2023
Architects remain confident about workloads: RIBA Future Trends March 2023
Thursday 20th of April 2023 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the survey results.
Architects’ outlook for future work continues to improve. The private housing sector expects its workload to increase for the first time in six months, as do small practices for the first time in nine months, and all but one region feels the same. Despite this improvement, current workloads remain consistently down on a year ago, with practices, on average, reporting an 8% decrease in workload levels over the last 12 months.
In March 2023, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index rose by 3 points to +8. The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index remains positive at a modest +1.
Over the next three months, 27% of practices expect workloads to go up, 18% expect them to decline, and 55% expect them to stay the same.
For the first time since June 2022, small practices (1-10 staff) expect workloads to increase, rising 7 points to +7. Medium (11+ staff) and large (50+ staff) practices remain firmly optimistic, with a combined figure of +20.
The profession’s rising optimism is felt across regions. Only the Midlands & East Anglia expects workloads to diminish, falling 13 points to -5. All other regions have an improved and positive outlook. London, which was the most pessimistic region towards the end of 2022, rose 9 points to +7 after a dip in confidence in January and February. The outlook of the North of England (+18), Wales & the West (+14), and the South of England (+8) all improved.
All monitored work sectors have an improved workload outlook. After six months of pessimism, the private housing (+1) and commercial sectors (0) left negative territory. The outlook for the public sector (-7) rose 4 points but is now in its 12th negative month. The community sector (-8) rose by 1 point.
In terms of staffing:
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index remains positive, falling by 2 points to +1.
• 9% of practices expect to employ fewer permanent staff over the coming three months, 11% expect to employ more, and 80% expect no change.
• Medium and large practices (+23 combined Staffing Index) remain strongly positive about recruitment.
• Small practices (-3) anticipate decreasing staffing numbers.
• Staffing outlook improved in the capital but has fallen slightly in all other regions. London (+4) rose 6 points to return to positive territory. Practices in Wales & The West (+5) continue to expect increased staff numbers. The North of England (0) and the South of England (0) remain neutral, and the Midlands & East Anglia (-7) fell into negative territory.
• The Temporary Staffing Index (-3) fell by 1 point.
• Levels of personal underemployment held steady at 18%.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:
“Architects continue to grow in confidence as political turbulence recedes, and the outlook for the UK and the global economy, whilst remaining relatively weak, improves.
It is encouraging that the private housing sector, which provides the majority of the work for most smaller practices, expects increased workloads for the first time since June last year.
However, it’s not all rosy. A stagnant economy, high inflation, high interest rates, lowered business investment, and an ongoing cost of living crisis mean architects’ confidence is unlikely to resurge to pre-Brexit highs. Actual workloads remain below levels this time last year. RIBA members continue to report impediments including planning delays, Professional Indemnity Insurance exclusions and costs, labour shortages, increased material costs, and interest rate increases.
On the plus side, the rate of product cost inflation increases is abating, and construction material availability issues have fallen back. There is some workload uptick in high-end domestic work and the health and entertainment sectors. Practices also caution that competing for work by fee-cutting is unsustainable.
Previously on e-architect:
31 March 2023
RIBA responds to Government’s revised net zero strategy
On Thursday 30 March 2023, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP announced plans to improve energy security and published a renewed net zero strategy.
Commenting on the revised strategies, RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“This is progress which we welcome but this is still not an energy ‘revolution’. It fails to set out the radical change of course needed. The UK will not reach net zero carbon commitments without fresh funding and targeted policies.
The Great British Insulation Scheme, previously announced as ECO+, continues to fall short. Millions of our homes require whole house retrofits, not just insulation. We need a comprehensive National Retrofit Strategy: a long-term programme that will in turn create jobs, upskill workers and deliver healthier, greener homes.
This latest raft of commitments does not go far enough. We need targeted action, and we will continue to work with government to help make this happen.”
31 March 2023
RIBA and CIOB publish guide to help manage high-risk elements of buildings
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have jointly published a free guide to managing Safety-Critical Elements (SCEs) in building construction, for their members and the wider built environment sector.
The Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction helps to identify high-risk elements in and around buildings. It outlines systems that should be adopted to ensure that SCEs are properly incorporated and will serve as an important tool to ensure good practice and deliver safe, high-quality buildings.
The joint guide recognises the cross-industry need for a rigorous and structured approach to the design, construction and inspection of safety-critical building elements.
The guide highlights elements that, if omitted or installed incorrectly, can pose significant risk to people in and around buildings, including:
• Safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
• Combustibility of cladding and insulating materials
• Effective fire compartmentation including smoke control, firestopping, cavity-barriers and fire doors
• Structural integrity of masonry cladding panels and the proper incorporation of necessary brick accessories into them including fixings, bed-joint reinforcement, wind posts and ties
• Structural integrity of balconies
CIOB past President Paul Nash, who chaired the Safety-Critical Elements working group, said:
“At its heart, this guide is about ensuring that the buildings we create are safe for those who use them. That means ensuring every element that goes into a building is designed and installed correctly and this is independently verified before a building is occupied. The guide is another step towards creating a safer built environment.”
Former President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) and current member of RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety Professor John Cole CBE said:
“This guide is a spur to the industry. We have seen much evidence showing how poorly Safety-Critical Elements have been installed in too many buildings. We all have to stand up, be serious and take appropriate responsibility. We want to push the industry to ensure that, on every project, all SCEs that could potentially impact the safety of future building users are properly designed, installed and inspected, with supporting evidence of compliance.”
Download the Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) stands for the science, ethics and practice of built environments across the world. The professional body has over 48,000 members worldwide who work in construction management and leadership.
Previously on e-architect:
RIBA News in 2023
15 March 2023
“The world is opening up for architecture”: RIBA responds to work and study agreement between UK, Australia and New Zealand
Today, Wednesday 15 March 2023, a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) has been signed between the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), and the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). This agreement between the three countries follows ARB’s recent signing of an MRA with the US’s National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) on 16 February.
From 25 May, eligible architects can benefit from a streamlined registration process that will reduce costs and examinations, making it easier for them to register to work in the UK, Australia and New Zealand respectively. Architects educated up to and including master’s level will also be able to complete their training in another partner country.
Responding to the news, RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“This is another welcome step that opens up the world for architects and architecture. Through these agreements, we enable the sharing of expertise and innovation internationally.
With our cultural links and this new agreement, I am optimistic that UK architecture will be able to engage in more projects in Australia and New Zealand, and crucially, the new arrangements will save architects time and money.
I hope that our members and their peers in Australia and New Zealand make the most of this chance to expand beyond borders and import and export best practice in the design of the low carbon future.”
28 Feb 2023
No left-behind places: RIBA responds to consultation on reforms to national planning policy 3
Today, Tuesday 28 February 2023, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) consultation on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy, which sought views on the Government’s proposals to update the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“The revised National Planning Policy Framework rightly focuses on the importance of levelling up. To achieve its ambitions to level up our built environment, the Government must ensure architecture is at the heart of building design.
The challenges are huge and are growing as the housing crisis worsens. We are not yet convinced that the proposed measures go far enough to boost housing supply to the levels we urgently need.
It is also vital that quality and inclusive design must be prioritised alongside quantity. We must build sustainable homes that will stand the test of time in places where people want to live where there is the infrastructure to support them.
We are therefore very pleased to see that the proposals consider the importance of utilising existing infrastructure. Of course, this need not and must not disincentivise affordable housing delivery elsewhere.
As we continue to decarbonise the built environment, we welcome the NPPF’s specific focus on nature-based solutions and carbon assessment – the planning system has an important part to play in the transition to net zero. The Government is right to harness this opportunity to embed sustainability at the heart of the planning system.
We look forward to responding to further consultations and continuing to engage with the Government on how the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill can create a built environment that works for all.”
23 Feb 2023
‘Strikingly positive about recruiting’: RIBA Future Trends January 2023
Thursday 23rd of February 2023 – The Royal Institute of British Architects has published a monthly report of the trends affecting the architects’ profession.
The new year began with some trepidation about workload, but a positive shift in the RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index indicates that architects were feeling the most optimistic about employing and retaining staff since May 2022.
The first RIBA Future Trends Workload Index is negative (-11) and has deteriorated slightly but has recovered from the low of late Autumn 2022. Over the next three months, 18% of practices estimate workloads to increase, 28% expect them to drop, and 54% expect them to stay the same.
The outlook among small practices (1-10 staff) remains negative (-14), down from -11 last month. In contrast, medium and large practices (11+ staff) maintain a positive outlook, with a combined balance figure of +7 in January, albeit down from +13 in December.
Practices in all regions reported a subdued outlook for future work. Having ended 2022 with optimism, London fell back to -5. Both the North of England (-20) and the South of England (-22) fell, while the Midlands & East Anglia (-13) improved slightly, and Wales and the West (0) recovered to be neutral.
All monitored work sectors remained negative, but two sectors have improved. The private housing sector improved this month, rising 5 points to post a balance figure of -10. The public sector (-9) rose one point, whilst the commercial sector (-7) fell by 3 points, and the community sector (-13) fell the most, by 9 points.
In terms of staffing:
The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index has shifted firmly into positive territory this month, rising 8 points to +5, the highest since May 2022.
• 9% of practices expect to employ fewer permanent staff over the coming 3 months, 14% expect to employ more, and 77% expect no change.
• Medium and large practices are strikingly positive about recruiting staff as the year begins, with a combined Index figure of +23.
• Small practices also anticipate growing staffing numbers (+2).
• Staffing outlook continued to improve in most regions. After five months of pessimism, London rose to +12. Wales & the West (+13) remained positive, and the North of England (0) recovered to expect staffing to hold steady. The South of England (-2) dipped into negative territory, and the Midlands & East Anglia (-4) continued, on balance, to expect permanent staffing levels to fall. has seen the outlook for permanent staff deteriorate this month.
• The Temporary Staffing Index fell three points to -6, perhaps reflecting a preference for securing talent long-term.
• Levels of personal underemployment have risen slightly this month, with 20% reporting personal underemployment, compared to 18% in December.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said:
“Our figures show 2023 beginning with some trepidation as architects continue to expect their workloads to fall. However, the uptick in the RIBA Staffing Index suggests that practices are looking beyond the three-month horizon of the Workload Index to see brighter times ahead. Although recruitment remains challenging, practices are getting themselves ready for the eventual upturn by seeking talent now.
RIBA members continue to report external factors suppressing their workload – planning delays, Professional Indemnity Insurance exclusions, labour shortages, and high construction product costs.
Practices report economic conditions directly affecting current and future workloads, with private clients putting domestic projects on hold due to concerns about their job security, increases in interest rates making previously feasible projects no longer so, and client payment delays hitting cash flow.
As the pandemic-induced ‘race for space’ loses momentum, small practices maintain a negative outlook about future workload. But the picture is not uniformly downbeat – stronger areas of work include high-end residential and retrofit work, and large and medium-sized practices maintain a positive outlook.
Last month, we said we expected 2023 to be a year that would challenge the profession. While a UK recession remains on the cards for much of the year, it is likely to be shallow, and we see practices showing short term resilience, while planning for long-term stability and growth.”
21 Feb 2023
RIBA delegation to tell MIPIM how architects can address the climate crisis
Tuesday 21st of February 2023 – RIBA is preparing to showcase British architecture on a global stage at MIPIM, the renowned leading real estate, exhibition, conference and networking event for international property professionals.
Nineteen small and medium RIBA Chartered Practices from across the country will benefit from a presence at the RIBA Space at the London Stand, at MIPIM 2023 in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, from 14-17 March 2023.
RIBA’s delegation will be led by President Simon Allford, Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle, and RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE, who will give a keynote speech. RIBA representatives will be on hand to support practices networking with colleagues and clients.
During this key event in the industry’s calendar, the RIBA delegation will promote the value of working with architects, particularly in the context of climate crisis, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in architecture and the built environment. They will discuss the benefits to clients of working with RIBA Chartered Practices, as well as promoting the value of chartered practice membership.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“We’re heading to MIPIM to make a difference, discussing our leading work on sustainability, including the 2030 Climate Challenge, the Built Environment Carbon Database, and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. We cannot tackle global climate and biodiversity emergencies without changing how we design and construct buildings, and architects need the support of the wider industry to do so. Sharing expertise, breaking down silos, and increasing standards and competence are cornerstones in creating a safer and more sustainable built environment.”
RIBA Chief Executive Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE said:
“It’s an honour to attend MIPIM to promote the value of architects, and I hope to see many of our members there. I look forward to accompanying our Chartered Practices and spreading the word about the vital work RIBA and our members deliver, and why, in these challenging times for the climate and the economy, architects have never been more important. I’ll focus on how we can move our conversations and connections from MIPIM forward to effect real change.”
Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle said:
“Our industry has a crucial role to play in tackling social inequality, the climate crisis, and building safety, so I look forward to joining colleagues at MIPIM to represent the RIBA and exchange knowledge with people from across the industry.”
What we’re getting up to at MIPIM 2023
We are hosting an array of activities at our RIBA Space, including slots for attendees to meet our Chartered Practices, and client-targeted briefings about the value of working with an architect.
On Tuesday 14 March at 11.15am (CET), Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle will feature on the panel discussion ‘15-minute cities, 20-minute neighbourhoods and the future of placemaking’ at the Newcastle stand.
On Wednesday 15 March at 11.30am (CET), RIBA Chief Executive Valerie Vaughan-Dick will give a keynote speech on the importance of collaboration for a safer, more equitable and sustainable built environment on the Leaders’ Perspective Stage, Hi5 Studio.
On Thursday 16 March at 2pm (CET), RIBA President Simon Allford will feature on the panel discussion ‘How can retrofitting ensure the avoidance of stranded assets?’ at the London Stage Stand C14.
The RIBA at MIPIM 2023 stand is sponsored by T2 Design Solutions.
See more of the RIBA at MIPIM 2023 programme.
Meet the Chartered Practices at MIPIM 2023
• Able Partners
• ADW architects
• AndArchitects Ltd
• Baca Architects
• Barr Gazetas
• BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
• Bond Bryan
• Box Architects Ltd
• David Roden Architects
• Holland Harvey
• Jefferson Sheard Architects
• Mangera Yvars Architects LTD
• Moll Architects
• NAME architecture
• ONE Creative environments
• Paul Vick Architects
• RUFFARCHITECTS
• Simone de Gale Architects
• Will+Partners
About MIPIM 2023
MIPIM 2023 will take place from 14-17 March 2023 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.
Established in 1990, MIPIM is a four-day real estate event where practices can meet the most influential players from all international real estate industry sectors. It is attended by over 20,000 participants from 80 countries.
MIPIM connects and inspires the global real estate community to create more sustainable, liveable, and prosperous places for all.
18 Feb 2023
2023 RIBA East Awards Shortlist
2023 RIBA East Awards Shortlist
13 Feb 2023
2023 RIBA Northeast Awards Shortlist
2023 RIBA Northeast Awards Shortlist
9 Feb 2023
ARB launches major consultation on education reform: RIBA responds
Yesterday, Wednesday 8 February, the ARB launched Tomorrow’s Architects, a major public consultation on comprehensive reforms to the education and training of architects. This three-month consultation invites architects, educators and students to share their views on ARB’s proposals.
ARB’s reforms would see the regulatory framework change from the current approach of prescription, where they approve what is going to be taught, to one of accreditation, where they will review what has been learnt. Their current approach (aligned with the RIBA’s Part 1, 2 and 3) will be replaced with a requirement for only two accredited qualifications covering learning and practice outcomes, aiming to support flexibility and widen access to the profession.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“We welcome this consultation, and we will be making a considered response that will reinforce the concerns we have raised with ARB. We also urge our individual members to respond – we must take this once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure that changes to our world-renowned architectural education system benefit everyone.
Over the last decade, RIBA has been actively championing initiatives that encourage new models for architectural education; in our Education Review 2015, The Way Ahead 2021, and the RIBA Education White Paper 2023. It’s imperative that new models of education facilitate a truly inclusive profession – we need to remove the barriers and we do not believe this goes far enough.
Our view was confirmed a few weeks ago when RIBA hosted an Away Day on education and practice where we heard from students, educators, practitioners, and the ARB. We heard of the financial challenges to the funding of education, the accumulated debts of students but also of new ways into the profession. We learned much that reinforces most of RIBA’s thinking on the provision and validation of architectural education.
Personally, I am a fan of the architectural degree – as a good general degree and a springboard to a host of different careers. Looking ahead, whilst recognising the success of the classic degree and diploma route, I would like to see a structure that allows students to qualify within five years – allowing them to select from a combination of apprenticeships, degrees, masters, and earn and learn courses (the latter to be offered by schools and Teaching Practices).
At present, I do not see much change – the ARB accreditation model does not allow the new courses we are supporting to create a more accessible and open and representative profession. Nor does it speed things up. We need to support courses that recognise and reinforce the need for core skills and competencies, but also the essential requirement to equip the next generation to create ever-evolving and appropriately different models of practice. Students need to both acquire core skills and have the imagination to adapt them to help the profession respond to and define an uncertain future – the architects of tomorrow will face different challenges to those of today’s curriculum.
As stated in our Education White Paper, the RIBA has already undertaken a significant review of the curriculum. Our Themes and Values for Architectural Education, outlined in The Way Ahead, were developed to provide a useful framework for Schools of Architecture to address shortcomings. We recommend that the ARB adopt these overarching Themes and Values for Architectural Education and lay out an appropriate breakdown of core competences and skill sets under each. This would align the two systems, which must be a shared objective.’’
Previously on e-architect:
7 February 2023
RIBA responds to Government reshuffle
Today, 7 February 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the creation of four new government departments and the appointment of a series of new ministers, including:
• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (led by Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP)
• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (led by Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP)
• Department for Business and Trade (led by Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP)
• A refocused Department for Culture, Media and Sport (led by Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP)
• Rt Hon Greg Hands MP appointed as the new Conservative Party chairman.
RIBA President, Simon Allford said
“We fully support the principle of the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Indeed, we have previously stated that the cross-departmental nature of energy efficiency has led to crucial policy elements being lost; but how it functions in reality is what really matters.
Millions of energy inefficient homes in the UK are in urgent need of retrofit. We very much hope that this new department will bring together the right people, skills and funding to introduce a National Retrofit Strategy with a clear timetable and targets.
The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer’s move will usher in the sixth Housing Minister in just one year. If the Government are serious about delivering the high-quality homes that people need, they themselves must prioritise stability.
The Government must now work collaboratively with the built environment sector to ensure these changes make a positive difference to people’s lives. We will be engaging with the new Secretaries of State and their departments immediately.”
28 January 2023
RIBA publishes architects’ guide to the Building Safety Act 2022
The RIBA has published a guide for its members on the legal implications of the Building Safety Act and other draft UK regulations.
RIBA UK News in 2023
The RIBA developed the guide with the law firm, Simmons & Simmons LLP, to help members understand key issues affecting architects from the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA), the Building Act 1984, and related regulations that are likely to be introduced.
The Building Safety Act 2022: Initial Guide for Architects provides practical tips and describes where practitioners need to be aware of changes to liability and insurance cover. It will serve as an important tool for practitioners to ensure they have good practices and procedures in place to avoid breaching regulations.
The guide outlines:
• New ‘dutyholder’ roles that may be created
• New obligations, and what these mean for how practitioners provide their services
• The new ‘gateway’ process which may apply to the design and construction of high-rise residential buildings
• The new or extended civil actions and criminal sanctions that the BSA brings in
• How practitioners may be exposed to such liabilities for both new projects and existing properties
• The impact on and availability of insurance coverage
RIBA Director of Practice and Individual Knowledge, Alex Tait, said:
“This initial guide gives practitioners essential information about how the BSA will impact their work. We’re pleased to have worked with Simmons & Simmons to give our members confidence that they will be able to work within the new regulatory framework and know what to expect. As the legislation develops, we will keep our members informed.”
Simmons & Simmons LLP said:
“We are delighted to work with the RIBA in the preparation of an Initial Guide for Architects relating to the Building Safety Act 2022, which is one of the most significant pieces of legislation in relation to building safety to impact the industry in some 20 years. We will also continue to assist RIBA with an updated version of the guide in future once additional regulations and guidance are published, as there are a number of issues that architects need to grapple with.”
RIBA members can download the Building Safety Act 2022: Initial Guide for Architects. Find out more about becoming a member.
Previously on e-architect:
RIBA UK News in 2022
Royal Institute of British Architects News for 2022 – key selection below:
Serjeant Award for Excellence in Architectural Drawing News
image courtesy of Nathan Tipping-Stevenson
RIBA Serjeant Award for Excellence in Architectural Drawing
2022 RIBA Charles Jencks Award News
2022 RIBA Charles Jencks Award
RIBA Reinvention Award News
photograph © Paul Rafferty
RIBA Reinvention Award
RIBA announces new Chief Executive
Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE:
photo © Grainge Photography
2022 RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship Winner
Muyiwa Oki Elected RIBA President
UK Government Building Policy 2022 News
UK Government Building Policy 2022
RIBA and Scott Brownrigg prize fund to support sustainability research
image courtesy of The Royal Institute of British Architects
RIBA Scott Brownrigg Award for Sustainable Development 2022
RIBA HQ refurbishment
RIBA HQ refurbishment, 66 Portland Place
2022 RIBA Yorkshire Award Winners
2022 RIBA Yorkshire Award Winners
2022 RIBA Southeast Award Winners
2022 RIBA Southeast Award winners
2022 RIBA West Midlands Awards Winners
2022 RIBA West Midlands Awards Winners
2022 RIBA Northwest Awards Winners
2022 RIBA Northwest Awards Winners
2022 RIBA East Midlands Award Winners
2022 RIBA East Midlands Award Winners
2022 RIBA Northeast Award Winners
2022 RIBA Northeast Award Winners
Built environment sector bodies unite to improve diversity, equity and inclusion
UK Built environment diversity, equity and inclusion
2022 RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship
2022 RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship
RIBA bursaries and funding schemes
2022 RIBA Bursaries and Scholarship
2022 RIBA London architecture awards news
2022 RIBA London Awards shortlist
RIBA 66 Portland Place in London, UK
RIBA London Events 2022 information from The Royal Institute of British Architects
Location: 66 Portland Place, London, England, UK
Previously on e-architect:
RIBA UK News Archive
RIBA News & Events 2021
RIBA announces winners of 2020 President’s Medals
RIBA President’s Medals Student Awards 2020
RIBA News & Events 2020
RIBA News 2019
National Museum of African American History and Culture building:
photo © Darren Bradley
RIBA Gold Medal for Architecture
London Architecture Events
Bartlett School of Architecture Event
Comments / photos for the RIBA News & Events for 2023 page welcome
