A statement from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has called into question the recent slate of educational overhauls proposed by the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) in February in the interests of removing barriers for entry into the field.

In our February 2023 reporting, RIBA’s President Simon Allford said he "[did] not see much change” caused by the reform measures, adding: "The ARB accreditation model does not allow the new courses we are supporting to create a more accessible and open and representative profession. Nor does it speed things up. We need to support courses that recognize and reinforce the need for core skills and competencies but also the essential requirement to equip the next generation to create ever-evolving and appropriately different models of practice." 

Now, with reforms moving forward for approval in the ARB’s vetting process, RIBA has issued its own response to the organization’s public feedback prompt stating, “The five-year UK architectural system is highly respected around the world and this type of academic study offers students portability to many countries around the world. This must not be undermined."

After conceding that "change needs to be made to the current model of architectural education to encourage a more accessible, inclusive and diverse profession." Their response breaks down questions 14 through 24 of the ARB promot, calling most significantly the removal of Parts 1, 2, and 3 "unwise" while stating its concern that the remaining proposals "will not widen access to the profession."

On May 11, Allford shared with The Architect's Journal, "ARB’s current proposals to remove Parts 1, 2, and 3 titles established and held by RIBA –would undermine highly valued, world-class architectural education system. As a framework, the 'Part' system offers flexibility and portability in architectural education, particularly at Part 1."

The news comes as ARB is making inroads towards an adaptation of the 49 outcomes "pathway" beginning in 2026. Proponents have called it an effective tool for inclusion and representation, arguing the current route requires up to three years of additional time and many cases and often excludes those coming from an underprivileged background or an international Bachelor's degree program.

“RIBA fully understands that many of the issues within education are difficult to address without consequence, either from a regulatory, institutional or education position. We are committed to working with ARB to find meaningful solutions to these issues,” their response acknowledges along these lines.