On January 11, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published a new white paper examining potential solutions to cultivate a more diverse, skill-based educational environment and subsequent pathways into the profession. 

The paper identifies a series of impactful steps to be taken in response to the slate of issues that are outlined. Among the most prevalent issues that the paper hammers on are the length of time it takes for architects to complete Part 3 of registrations, an expensive and outmoded process that RIBA says has surpassed its originally-intended 7-year window to 10 years and comes at a cost that’s increasingly over £100,000 ($122,310). In order to combat this restrictiveness, the organization recommends:

• Continuing the growth of different educational models such as apprenticeships and collaborative practice along with the development of alternatives for non-UK graduates, with a simple test of competence used to access the register and RIBA Chartered membership.
• Developing a “5-year integrated and accelerated pathway” that includes practical training and a test of competence as an optional route to the standard 3+3+2 registration process.
• Considering a “registration upon graduation” model, whereby university instruction includes at least some “appropriate structured experience.” 

Additionally, the white paper addresses the role of architectural curriculum in preparing students to combat lasting societal challenges such as climate change and industry-wide issues like building safety and financial competence. The text continues by calling on the government to consider re-classifying all architectural degrees as STEM fields and placing the courses into Price Group B, which it says will provide at least an additional £25 million ($30.5 million) in funding per annum.

The important area of professional practice was also touched upon as RIBA called for a more explicit timeframe for apprentice training at all chartered firms. Each of the recommendations outlined in the paper will be addressed at RIBA’s Education and Practice Away Day “Interface” on January 18, 2023. The paper will also be shared with the ARB along with additional recommendations specific to the streamlining of the two sometimes at-odds systems.

In a press statement, RIBA President Simon Allford shared, “In order to recruit and maintain a diverse and skilled talent pipeline, we need to remove barriers and offer shorter and more flexible modes of study. It’s important we also mitigate any unnecessary burden and confusion by reducing duplication – for architects, architecture schools and architecture students. RIBA fully supports radical changes to speed up entry to the workplace and reduce student debt. We have established and globally recognized education and CPD systems in place, and we are committed to sharing our expertise with the ARB, so that together we can create an education system that works for all.”