The UK is a global architecture centre. Architecture directly contributes £4.8 billion to the UK economy every year, with a further £1 billion a year embedded in the exports of the other industries it supports – from banking to museums, transport to IT services. In 2019, the architecture sector exported £625 million of creativity, innovation and expertise across the world.
Over the last year, the value of RIBA Chartered Practices' international work increased by 22%. This positive trend continues to grow year on year.
The UK is currently looking to establish new international trade deals. This presents an opportunity for architects, their practices and those who work alongside them to further increase their contribution across the world, driving design excellence globally.
This report showcases just some of the projects that RIBA architects have worked on across the world, sharing their expertise and architectural ambition. These buildings exemplify design excellence, and many deliver meaningful social impact.
The case studies in this report demonstrate the talent, skill and ambition of architects, who have worked to ensure that UK architecture is, and continues to be, world leading.
This report follows Design Matters: RIBA Award winning homes, Design Matters: Conservation, modernisation, and adaptation of existing buildings, Design Matters: Promoting good design through the planning system, and Design Matters: Good design doesn’t cost the Earth.
Download the full report below, or read more about these examples of UK architects working internationally.
Read more about our international work and how we support members across the globe and those looking to export their services overseas.
