Ukraine crisis – latest guidance
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Read our initial response to the conflict here.
This page has been developed to help answer queries from our members and partners. It will be regularly updated to include the latest guidance for Ukrainian architects and students, advice for UK practices wanting to provide assistance, and updates on the actions we’re taking at RIBA.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has announced a new package of sanctions aimed at restricting Russia's access to professional business services, including architecture. This places restrictions on UK architects and practices working in or providing services to Russia. The sanctions will come into force on the 16 December 2022.
Read our response to the announcement and find out more.
What can UK practices do?
We know that many UK-based members and practices are keen to support those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the invasion, as well as those who are already living in the UK. We thank those already raising awareness and priming the profession to respond.
Sponsoring a refugee
Details of the UK government's 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme were published on 14 March 2022.
To support this humanitarian rescue effort, we are now using our RIBA Jobs platform to match refugees with employment opportunities in the UK.
This means willing RIBA Chartered Practices can advertise either a job or apprenticeship role for displaced architects and architectural students for free.
Take a look at available placements here.
All roles are remunerated in accordance with RIBA Chartered Practice requirements and come with an offer of free accommodation for an initial six month period.
Find out more about the process and specific requirements.
Other ways to support
Anyone wishing to support the humanitarian relief effort can visit UN Crisis Relief.
The United Nations Global Compact has also created a Humanitarian Crisis Business Guide, providing concrete action for businesses to support the Secretary-General’s three month Flash Appeal for people in Ukraine, and a Regional Refugee Response Plan for the situation outside, under the leadership of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
What can Ukrainian architects and students do?
We have reached out to RIBA Members who are based in Ukraine or have Ukrainian heritage on their membership record.
In the first instance, all Ukrainian architects or students working in the country are encouraged to contact the National Union of Architects of Ukraine, which is receiving support from the Architects Council of Europe.
For Ukrainian nationals working or studying in the UK, we recommend keeping up to date with the UK government’s visa support. This includes specific advice for Skilled Workers and those on a Student visa.
If you are an architecture student fleeing Ukraine (whether you’re a Ukrainian national or studying on an international visa) and want to continue your studies in the UK, we recommend you contact international@riba.org for advice.
What are we doing at RIBA?
We are working with professional institutes across the globe. We have extended our support to the National Union of Architects of Ukraine, and we're assisting the Architects Council of Europe to coordinate with their assistance programme across member organisations (including the non-EU member organisations – Norway, Switzerland, and the UK).
As outlined above, we're using RIBA Jobs to host opportunities for Ukrainian refugee architects and architectural students – to match them with UK practices (as sponsors) willing to provide them with work and accommodation. We are also contacting schools of architecture to see whether a process can be facilitated for those seeking opportunities to continue their education in the UK.
On 11 May, join New London Architecture (NLA) at the RIBA for a preview screening of Jonathan Ben-Shaul’s What Shall We Do With These Buildings?.
This page will be updated as any new information or guidance becomes available.
Any members seeking specific advice should contact their local RIBA team or support@riba.org.
Last updated: 11 April 2022
