The search is officially underway in what could turn out to be one of the most significant design contests of the next year following an update from the UK’s largest architectural organization. 

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has formally issued a tender for any and all professionally chartered practices to submit expressions of interest in the redesign of its art deco 66 Portland Place headquarters in London. 

The Institute announced the redesign in October as a means of delivering on President Simon Alford’s campaign promise to turn the 87-year-old structure designed by George Gray Wornum into “a house of architecture.”

The organization is in the process of selling off its adjacent 76 Portland Street offices after recently reporting a budget deficit and staffing changes related to the effects of COVID-19 on the economy. With more than 89% of its workers reporting that they feel more comfortable working from home during the pandemic, RIBA has decided on a fundamental shift in the use of its buildings. This will be expressed in the results of the redesign. Successful projects will not only create more flexible office environment for workers in the building, but also establish a new three new gallery spaces in addition to providing much-needed accessibility upgrades for members and visitors in a way that is also in keeping with the organization’s overall push for sustainability. 

“This presents a great opportunity for a practice to join our team and play a key role in the transformation of 66 Portland Place into an accessible 21st-century building, and an exemplar of re-use and sustainable design,” Alford said in a statement. “The building will be a physical stage for our ‘House of Architecture’ concept – a space where members, visitors and RIBA colleagues can find inspiration, stimulation and make connections. I encourage all Chartered Practices to register interest, and help deliver us a rejuvenated home, fit for the present and the future.”

Each of the finalists for the competition will be awarded £5,000 plus VAT for their entry. Practices are invited to submit an Expression of Interest, outlining their approach, relevant skills, team roles, case studies and references to the organization no later than 2:00 pm GMT on February 1st. A shortlist of up to six candidates will follow in a later announcement.