The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced a continuation of the professional partnership that, put together, impacts more than 140,000 architects in the U.S. and UK combined.

In order to foster collaboration and strive towards better professional work environments and the improvement of the built environment overall, the two groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding that they say will ensure better sharing of knowledge and resources while taking measures to simplify practice areas in both countries.

“AIA is looking forward to our continued cooperation with the RIBA. To create a stronger, more resilient, and equitable world, architects will need to work together, and our relationship will serve to both foster and reflect this collaboration amongst our esteemed members,” AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer, Lakisha Ann Woods, said at the declaration.

The RIBA Chief Executive, Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick, added: “This is a critical partnership for RIBA and marks a successful start to COP28. The AIA shares many of our own priorities, not least promoting sustainable design and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive profession. This longstanding agreement is a testament to the fact that collaboration remains key to addressing our challenges. Together we will work to deliver a fairer, sustainable built environment.”

The announcement of the professional compact comes just months after the signing of an unrelated reciprocal agreement between the American National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the UK's Architects Registration Board (ARB).