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Future Business of Architecture

multi-coloured arrows to illustrate upward future business of architecture

Researching architecture's
next decade

What changes are ahead for the business of architecture? An extensive research programme provides foresight into the profession's future, enriched by the insights of RIBA members and subject matter experts

The 2020s have brought significant challenges for many practices. With increasing global instability, accelerating technological innovation, and continued downward pressure on architects’ fees (and upward pressure on costs), architecture as a business is increasingly under scrutiny. 

Nevertheless, architects’ businesses have proven themselves to be resilient and adaptable, able to seek out new markets and adopt new working practices. Indeed, over the last few years, RIBA Chartered Practices have succeeded in growing revenue each year. Total revenue now tops £4billion.

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of architectural practice, however, means looking beyond current challenges and successes to explore what may lie ahead. The Future Business of Architecture offers that longer-term, research-based perspective by exploring a range of possible future scenarios. 

Taking a thematic approach the programme examines:

  • tomorrow's work types
  • future-ready practice management
  • technological innovation
  • future skills and roles

Looking ahead 10 years, many challenges can be seen, but so too can extensive and varied opportunities for the profession.

Throughout the second half of 2025, RIBA is publishing a series of white papers examining the emerging themes from the research. These are introduced by an overview of the programme and an analysis of what the RIBA Horizons 2034 programme means for future business. The white papers are to be accompanied by a CPD webinar on RIBA Academy and an online global conference.

The Future Business of Architecture is a RIBA Horizons programme, sponsored by Autodesk.

Autodesk logo in black text

Horizons 2034/Future Business of Architecture Review and executive summary

Explore what the impact of global trends are on tomorrow's practice with the Horizons 2034/Future Business of Architecture Review, researched and written
for RIBA by Yale educator and architect Cristian Oncescu. Full review available to download with executive summary online.

Future Business of Architecture themes

The programme will explore these key themes with white papers published through the second half of 2025.
Read the introduction to the white papers.

modern two-storey building, with large panes of glass overlooking a grassy view

Tomorrow's work types

Exploring future sectors, client categories, and locations.
The white paper will be available here, exclusive for RIBA members, 31 July 2025. (Open access 31 October 2025)

Scotty Batty Architect, 1970s House Retrofit, St Albans. Photo: Siobhán Doran
people sitting at computers along three long white desks

Future-ready practice management

Organisation, culture, and business management in the decade to come. The white paper will be available here, exclusive for RIBA members, 21 August 2025. (Open access 21 November 2025)

Large open plan office. Photo: Nisangha/iStock
A low-lying technology park over a large area, with motorway in foreground, and solar panel farm behind

Technological innovation

Technology and professional practice in the onset of AI. The white paper will be available here, exclusive for RIBA members, 11 September 2025. (Open access 11 December 2025)

Data centre, Middenmeer, in the Netherlands. Photo: Nisangha/iStock
Shady and open-sided  public construction with many columns and roof structure

Future skills and roles

Anticipating new skills and roles, and new ways of working. The white paper will be available here, exclusive for RIBA members, 18 September 2025. (Open access 18 December 2025.

Studio SAAR, Third Space Cultural and Learning Centre, Udaipur, India. Photo: Ankit Jain