The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a high-level task force to address longstanding concerns about poor workplace culture in architectural practices across the UK.
The move follows the publication of RIBA’s Workplace Conditions and Wellbeing Report, which highlighted systemic issues affecting staff wellbeing, pay equity, and sustainable working conditions.
The newly formed Presidential Taskforce on Workplace Wellbeing, chaired by RIBA President Muyiwa Oki, held its first meeting on 11 June. Its mission is to drive meaningful industry-wide change by developing practical recommendations that can be adopted by practices of all sizes.
RIBA’s latest survey revealed deep-rooted challenges including long hours, low pay, and a culture that often undermines mental health and equity in the profession. The taskforce brings together influential voices from architecture, education, and regulation to confront these issues directly.
Focus areas for reform Work-life balance and sustainable working hours, fair pay and the real living wage across all roles, inclusive cultures that protect dignity and mental wellbeing and ethical and sustainable business practices across all practice scales
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki stressed that the taskforce is not a symbolic gesture, but a vital step toward building a resilient, forward-facing profession.
“This taskforce is about the future competitiveness of the architecture profession, one that is decent and dynamic, Architects across the UK are telling us the same thing: the current culture is not working. It’s time to take action and build a profession that values people as much as projects.”
He added that improving workplace wellbeing isn’t just about staff satisfaction, it’s a matter of public trust and professional survival.
“When we address the culture of being overworked and underpaid, we don’t just improve wellbeing, we enhance creativity, safeguard public safety, and earn the trust of those we design for. Workplace wellbeing is more than a nice-to-have. It’s essential to the survival and success of architecture. We’re committed to doing the hard work. Change is coming.”
What’s next?
The taskforce will now begin a deeper investigation into the specific drivers of poor workplace culture. This will include expert roundtables, discovery workshops, and evidence-gathering from across the sector. A national call for evidence will launch in the coming months to identify and learn from practices already demonstrating positive workplace models.
All outputs will be designed to be practical, scalable, and inclusive, ensuring relevance for practices of all sizes, geographies, and business models.
