How is architectural practice changing?

This year's RSAW Conference will consider the way in which the delivery of design has changed over recent years and how the established models of architectural practice are unravelling and re-making themselves.

We are beginning to look at themes around certain questions:

• As the recession continues to bite, how are emerging architects finding new approaches to winning and carrying out their work?
• How are the established players reacting to the new challenges?
• Are the old models for building architectural practices out of date?
• Do we need to look at new, more flexible ways of making design happen?
• Is collaboration the answer?

The 2011 RSAW conference will bring together experts from across the UK to look at these issues:

• Christine Murray, Editor of The Architects Journal, will chair the conference, as well as speak on the issue of why print publications still count when it comes to winning clients and influencing people.
• Fran Balaam and Michael Corr (Pie Architecture) will consider how the new generation is changing the practice of architecture.
• Su Butcher (Just Practising) will talk about the importance of 21st century media, which is changing the way we work and can give you a voice.
• RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2011 winner Phil Coffey (Coffey Architects) will talk about surviving and winning in the current financial climate.
• Young Architect of the Year 2009 David Kohn (David Kohn Architects) will touch on incompleteness, coincidence and how that determines the future.

Breakout workshops with:

• Edmund Fowles and Fergus Feilden (Feilden Fowles) - starting a practice in the recession.
• Lorna Parsons - looking to new media for ideas and inspiration for the future of practice.
• Micheal Holliday and Chris Hall (Roots Design workshop) Archivan: a new business model from rural Scotland.
• Andy Thomson (BCA Landscape) - it is not down on any map; true places never are...

Inspiration Hour by Deborah Saunt (DSDHA). With her experience of observing how the profession has changed through judging a range of prizes (Olympic Delivery Authority 2008, American Institute of Architects Awards 2007, RIBA Gold Medal 2006, RIBA Presidents Medals 2006), broadcasts on architecture for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 3 and 4, and writing and commentary published widely including the RIBA Journal, Blueprint, Building Design, Deborah is well placed to comment on how the delivery of design is changing.

This event is the only dedicated conference and exhibition for the architectural profession in Wales and attracts around 150 decision makers and practitioners. The RSAW Conference provides a unique networking forum that shares and compares best practice, expertise and experience. 

This event is supported by bulthaup and Hobson's Choice|. The RSAW is pleased to be associated with Constructing Excellence in Wales|.