Future Business of Architecture is a research-based programme running through the second half of 2025, which will provide a range of scenarios describing what architects' businesses may look like in 2035, acting as a stimulus for discussion and knowledge exchange.
What are the longstanding opportunities and challenges for architects? What might be their role be in responding to global social and environmental challenges? How might AI disrupt the established model of professional services?
Through our Future Business of Architecture online global conference, expert voices including Peter Brannan, Asia Pacific Practice Leader, SOM, Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, Architecture and Design Commission, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Phil Bernstein, Deputy Dean and Professor in the Practice, Yale University and others will explore these issues within geopolitical contexts and create a platform for ideas sharing to inform future business strategies.
The conference day is organised into four regional, standalone 2-hour sessions:
Hong Kong and Asia: New work types (8am to 10am BST UK)
Introduction: Dennis Ho, Founder, Design Curate Place; Chair, RIBA Hong Kong Chapter
Keynote: Peter Brannan, Head of Asia & MENA, Arquitectonica
Presentations from:
- Andrew Mead, Founder and Architect, Meada Design, Formerly Head of Architecture, MTR
- Pearl Chee, Director, WOHA
- Florence Chan, Director, KPF, Shenzhen Office
- Dr Chuan Wang and Dr Yinan Dong, School of Architecture, Southeast University
The Gulf: Towards a sustainable environment (10:30am to 12:30pm BST UK)
Introduction: Andy Shaw, Managing Partner, AMA; Chair, RIBA Gulf Chapter
Keynote: Dr Sumayah Al-Solaiman, Architecture and Design Commission, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Presentations from:
- HE Sultan Al-Harthi
- Simon Gathercole, Partner, Allies and Morrison
- Jonathan Ashmore, Founding Principal, Anarchitect
UK and Europe: Winning work today and tomorrow (1pm to 3pm BST UK)
Introduction: Waldemar Koehler, Project Director, CBRE Global Workplace Solutions; Chair, RIBA Europe Chapter
Keynote: Jan Knikker, Partner and Director of Strategy, MVRDV
Presentations from:
- Jo McCafferty, Director, Levitt Bernstein
- Su Stringfellow, Director, Harrison Stringfellow
- Lianne Knotts, Director, Medical Architecture
North America: Applying technology to differentiate your practice (3:30pm to 5:30pm BST UK)
Introduction: Catherine Clark, Director of Strategic Development North America, RIBA
Keynote: Phillip Bernstein, Yale University
Presentations from:
- Philip Allsopp, CEO, ORBIS Dynamics
- Martha Tsigkari, Senior Partner, Head of Applied R&D group, Foster + Partners
- David Benjamin, Director of AEC Industry Futures, Americas, Autodesk
To close each session, we will have a facilitated interactive workshop to encourage attendees to exchange views and insights.
The flexible structure of the day allows participants to join relevant regional and thematic sessions live and catch up on demand.
The programme is sponsored by Autodesk.
