RIBA research shows how architects can build professional resilience

RIBA research shows how architects can build professional resilience

Jun 19, 2017 |NBS

Update: Since this article was first written, all the content from the NBS National BIM Library has moved across to NBS Source.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Despite the challenges of Brexit and a snap general election, resilient architectural practices have been able to adapt to recent changes as they have done in the past. The RIBA-commissioned research document, Practice Resilience: How architects survive and thrive during challenging times, identifies four key characteristics:

  • Business-focussed - Growth is not the main driver for resilient practices, who prioritise creating a strong, sustainable business by investing in the right team, improving how they operate and protecting their financial stability.
  • Innovative - Resilient practices are influencers in the future of architecture. They take a long term view and are investing in technology, research and skills to expand business opportunities.
  • Adaptable - Resilient practices take a proactive approach to business strategy and scenario planning – during the good times and the hard times – preparing them to respond to unexpected change or opportunity.
  • Diverse and inclusive - Recruiting, developing and retaining the right staff who have a good fit with the organisational culture is seen as key to growing sustainably. Resilient practices are passionate about the importance of staff from the EU, and beyond, who help to create: rich, interesting places to work; stronger businesses; and better architecture.

RIBA President Jane Duncan said:

“The RIBA is working to ensure our members have the information and skills to help them to remain agile, in order to thrive even in the most challenging times.

This research is extremely valuable reading, providing inspiration from practices who have built resilience into their businesses, enabling them to make the most of the employment and business opportunities even during a time of economic uncertainty.”

Download the full free report

Our latest articles

Uniclass - October 2026 update

Classifying the natural environment

UniclassClassification

Visqueen launches Ultimate Self Adhesive Membrane for hydrocarbon and VOC-contaminated sites

The construction industry faces growing challenges when building on increasingly complex brownfield sites. Alongside the need for effective waterproofing, developers and contractors must now address a wider range of ground contaminants, including hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous ground gases, while maintaining programme efficiency and installation quality. Against this backdrop, Visqueen has expanded its gas protection and waterproofing portfolio with the launch of Visqueen Ultimate Self Adhesive Membrane, a new hydrocarbon and VOC-resistant self-adhesive tanking membrane. Developed as the latest addition to the Visqueen non-foil gas barrier range, the new membrane combines proven gas barrier and waterproofing performance to help specifiers address multiple site challenges with a single solution.

Construction ProductsSponsored

Siderise: Helping to bridge the gap between Gateway 2 approval and on-site fire protection

While the new building safety regime hasn’t fundamentally changed what requirements higher-risk buildings (HRBs) must meet to comply with the Building Regulations, it has significantly increased the breadth, depth and volume of evidence that must be supplied to demonstrate this. As a result, project teams have had to adapt the way they work and even look beyond their roles to understand how their actions may impact the next Dutyholder in the chain. For specifiers, this can include considering what supporting services are offered with life safety-critical elements to enable correct design, installation and maintenance. Early engagement with manufacturer technical specialists can help identify any practical challenges that may arise onsite. Then, during construction, these services can help support the translation of design intent into reality so that buildings are safe for occupation.

Construction ProductsSponsored