21st March 2018

UK architecture profession issues stark Brexit warning

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is warning of the impact of Brexit uncertainty in a new report, Global by Design 2018.

Containing the second year’s results from the most comprehensive survey of architects on Brexit, the report gives …..

….. an insight into the major priorities and trends facing the profession, revealing significant concerns about a continued lack of clarity on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

RIBA’s Global by Design 2018 report reveals:

• 74% of architects state that frictionless access to the European single market is a priority for expanding international work
• Over two thirds (68%) of architects have reported projects put on hold, and more than two in five (43%) architects have seen projects cancelled since the EU referendum (61% had delays, 36% had cancellations in 2017)
• 71% of architects are concerned that Brexit will have a negative impact on the built environment (60% in 2017)
• 60% of EU architects have considered leaving the UK since the EU referendum (a significant increase compared to 40% in 2017)

With just one year to go until the UK leaves the European Union, the RIBA’s report shows that the threat of a ‘hard Brexit’ is impacting confidence in the industry. While architects are able to adapt to the changes facing the UK, there is also much at stake for a sector with a global leadership and export role, which is at risk should the UK economy falter or its trade opportunities diminish. RIBA members have made it clear that they need more clarity on how the UK Government plans to mitigate the short-term impacts of Brexit.

The UK’s architecture sector is a global success story contributing £4.8 billion GVA to the British economy every year. Built on a reputation for quality, creativity and innovation, this global reach can only continue if the UK Government prioritises access to international talent, ongoing mutual recognition of professional qualification agreements with the EU, and trade agreements that support access to the European and global markets.

In response to the concerns and opportunities raised by architects, the RIBA report sets out a series of recommendations for the Government to maintain and strengthen the UK as a global hub for architecture, including:

• A deal with the EU that maintains market access and avoids non-tariff barriers, and new services trade agreements with priority markets that open new opportunities for UK architecture
• A post-Brexit immigration system which continues to allow businesses to access the best global talent from the EU and the rest of the world
• Continued mutual recognition of architects’ professional qualifications with the EU and new mutual recognition agreements for architects in markets like the USA, Canada and Australia
• An expansion of the scope and range to support architectural exports, in particular for small and medium sized practices.

RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said, “2018 is a critical year for the UK and whilst our architect members are adaptable and creative, the results from our survey show increasing uncertainty amongst the profession. While the UK Government has provided the headlines on the country’s future relationship with the EU, we need urgent action from them if the UK is to stem the talent exodus and inspire confidence in UK construction investment.

“The UK must maintain and strengthen its role as a global centre for architecture, responsible for creating innovative and inspiring buildings and communities in the UK and across the world. But to do this we need the right agreements and conditions in place to ensure that the UK continues to be a global facing nation and an attractive place to live, work and invest. We will be continuing to make this case to Government on behalf of our members.”

RIBA Chief Executive Alan Vallance said, “Attracting and retaining skills and talent in the UK is absolutely critical to the architecture and construction sector. We have been working closely with the UK Government, stressing the urgent need for progress and clarity on behalf of the architecture profession.

“Whilst our calls for continued mutual recognition of qualifications are being heard, many EU architects continue to face uncertainty about their future in the UK. This is unsustainable: it is having a real-time impact on recruitment and is unquestionably a threat to the success of our economy and society. The UK Government must make urgent decisions that allow the sector to thrive today.”

RIBA’s report Global by Design 2018 can be downloaded here.