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.”
