The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that it will freeze all of its membership rates for 2010, as part of the Institute's continuing drive to support its members through the current period of economic difficulty.

The rates will remain at the 2009 levels for all membership categories, (encompassing Associate Member, Affiliate, and Chartered Member both UK and International) including the concessionary rates, which are available to members experiencing financial hardship.

Over the past year, the Institute has introduced a number of initiatives to provide support to both its membership and the profession through the recession, including the Recession Survival Kit, a comprehensive online resource with advice tailored specifically for each membership category; the monthly Future Trends Survey, monitoring business and employment trends affecting the architecture profession, and RIBA Focus, a monthly e-mail which keeps members up-to-date with current trends, drawn from the RIBA Future Trends Survey. It also includes updates on the Institute's policy and political activities, regional focus and a case study from an RIBA Chartered Member or RIBA Chartered Practice.

In addition to free membership of the RIBA, Student Members are eligible to apply for a wide range of education schemes and bursaries, as well registering for the very successful HostPractice initiative, and benefitting from advice and guidance from the RIBA Education department at every stage of their career.

RIBA President Ruth Reed said:

"There is no doubt that the architects' profession has been severely affected by the economic downturn, and this is something that the Institute fully understands; the RIBA is firmly committed to supporting the profession through this difficult time, and our work to assist members has been very well received. RIBA Chartered membership is recognised worldwide as a symbol of professional excellence , and members have access to an important network of technical, contractual and professional support, which is an invaluable resource."