The future of architecture  

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a comprehensive plan to raise the profile of architecture, reform practice, and build the skills needed for the future.

Towards Tomorrow’s Architecture targets four priority areas for reform across education and practice, with practical actions ranging from reforming life-long learning, to strengthening business skills, to championing fairer approaches to procurement, and sharing fee information for clients.

With fee pressures persisting across parts of the sector and architects needing to respond to increasingly complex environmental, technological and regulatory requirements – the built environment system needs to be reformed and rebooted, according to RIBA.

Towards Tomorrow’s Architecture therefore sets out a commitment to work with members, educators, government, and industry partners to:

*Ensure architectural education is inclusive, accessible and focused on the skills needed for the future:

Including collaborating with schools of architecture to promote a five-year route to becoming an architect, improving life-long learning, and strengthening links between academia and practice.

*Champion better business practices to help practices thrive:

Including sharing fee information for clients, developing business skills through a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in architecture, and improving both private and public procurement processes.

*Drive regulatory reform to improve standards:

Including progressing our campaign on competence through repealing the Architects Act, reserving activities for suitably qualified professionals, and regulating through a built environment council and working with government to improve the planning system.

*Raise the profile of the profession to demonstrate the value that architecture and architects bring:

Including a profile-raising campaign, ensuring architects are involved in major housing developments and new towns, and advocating for stronger design leadership in local and regional government.

The plan will combine research, policy development and member engagement, marking a turning point in how the Institute supports the profession and advocates for the conditions it needs to thrive.

Jack Pringle, chair of the Board of Trustees at RIBA, said: “The architecture profession is evolving, and RIBA is leading that change.

“This plan sets out our full commitment to breaking down the systems and barriers that can limit opportunity and progress.

“From reforming professional regulation, to boosting business skills and viability through lifelong learning and specialist training, to raising the profile of architects so people truly understand the value we bring – change is urgently needed.

“Some of this work is already underway, and some of the actions on the table are ambitious, but we are ready to meet the challenge.”