Architects call for support to protect jobs, public sector projects and flexibility within planning system – RIBA latest survey findings revealed

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today revealed the findings of its third Covid-19 survey of the architects’ profession.

Headline findings of the survey which ran from to 15 October – 19 November 2020, reveal:

Covid-19 continues to have a detrimental impact on the personal lives of architects.

• 45% of respondents stated that their working hours have increased.
• 40% of people reported that their work/life balance has worsened.
• 55% of respondents reported a reduction in household income.
• 48% of respondents said the pandemic was having a negative impact on their mental health – an increase on the findings from the last survey in May 2020 (23%).

34% of people said the pandemic was negatively impacting their physical health.

Some practices are adapting well, but instances of bad practice exist.

• Only 25% of respondents said they felt that their employer managed Covid-19 disruption well.
• 10% of respondents stated that they believed that their practice was not following good or lawful employment practices.

Project delays and cancellations are widespread, and architects fear the impact of future lockdowns on construction sites, private homes, schools and childcare.

• 70% of survey respondents reported projects delays.
• 50% of respondents reported cancellations.
• In terms of future lockdowns, respondents said that the closure of construction sites would have the greatest impact (52%), as would client’s private homes (39%) and school/childcare facilities (32%).

Architects want to see greater financial support to protect jobs, investment in public sector projects and flexibility within the planning system to accommodate for delays.

• 67% of respondents said they wanted to see further measures to keep people in employment.
• Half of respondents (52%) wanted to see greater investment in public sector projects.
• Half of respondents (50%) wanted to see further clarity in lockdown measures.
• 42% wanted further flexibility in the planning system to accommodate for delays.

In terms of Brexit – only 7% of respondents said they were well prepared for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 – 50% said they were neither well or badly prepared, and 12% said that were badly prepared.

This week the RIBA also published the results of its annual Business Benchmarking survey assessing the workload of Chartered Practices from May 2019-May 2020. The findings revealed that revenue and staffing levels fell for the first time since 2012 following rapid year-on-year rises, but that strong appetite for UK architectural expertise overseas remains. RIBA Chartered Practices collectively generated £624m of practice revenue from outside the UK only slightly less than the £625m generated last year.

RIBA President, Alan Jones, said:

“These findings – coupled with those from our annual Business Benchmarking survey – show that architects’ wellbeing and financial security are continuing to suffer as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Ensuring the government continues to provide critical financial support and helps to re-build our sector through public sector investment, remains the RIBA’s priority.

Those managing and leading practices should study these findings and make positive adjustments to their businesses where and when they can. I am extremely concerned that 10% of survey respondents report poor employment practice. This is wholly unacceptable. All chartered practices are required to meet our codes of conduct – and any unprofessional or abhorrent behaviour should be reported.

As 2020 draws to a close with the promise of an expansive immunisation programme on the horizon, practices continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. Our latest Future Trends survey indicated a variation in the impact of the pandemic on practices – some feel somewhat optimistic about workloads over the next three months while others less so. As we all navigate the next stage of this pandemic and the end of the Brexit transition period, the RIBA is working hard to support all our practices and members.”

RIBA members with any concerns should email info@riba.org.

Latest information and guidance on Covid-19 including our Recovery Roadmap for practices can be found here.

Advice for architects on how to prepare for Brexit, guidance on the UK’s new immigration system and no deal technical notices are here.

Read the full executive summary of findings here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Press contact: Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811.
2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.