RIAS Calls For Support For Scottish Architecture Sector

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has called for increased support for the Scottish architecture sector to address the challenges arising from the UK's departure from the European Union.

In evidence submitted to the Scottish Parliament's Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, the RIAS highlighted the difficulties faced by architects due to Brexit, including increased barriers to trade and professional recognition within the EU.

Ben Addy, Managing Director of Moxon Architects, presented the RIAS's evidence to the Committee on 5th December as part of their inquiry into the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

The RIAS emphasised the need for targeted support to mitigate the negative impacts of Brexit on the Scottish architecture sector and ensure its continued success in both domestic and international markets.

Addy said: "As one of only a few Scottish architecture studios competing for work in Europe, it is clear that we are disadvantaged compared to our peers in the EU.

"Firstly, there is still no mutual recognition agreement in place for UK architects wishing to work in the EU. At Moxon we have a niche where we can work under the wing of EU domiciled consultancies, but for many of our peers, this does not apply. For a profession that thrives on the interchange of ideas and technologies this is detrimental, both commercially and culturally.


"Secondly, Scotland has a misdirected approach to public procurement, whereby, for the sake of small, short-term savings, local talent is often excluded rather than promoted. This results in a diminished domestic architecture scene, overly dependent upon private clients for commissioning good quality architecture. Practices from comparable EU countries invariably have a far greater breadth of good quality public work in their portfolios, offering them greater opportunities.

"There is no shortage of talent when it comes to Scottish architecture, but we need to get behind this talent, enable it at home and actively promote what it can offer to the world."

RIAS President Karen Anderson PRIAS commented: "Brexit has made life more difficult for Scottish architects, who no longer have parity of recognition in EU member states. This has been very disruptive and means Scottish practices are reliant on EU partners in a subcontracting relationship. We urge the UK Government to revisit the botched negotiations on mutual recognition and accelerate the work of the Architects Registration Board and the Council of European Architects to find a solution.

"However, recognition is just one of many post-Brexit issues including visa barriers to working abroad, and recruiting and retaining EU nationals, including those graduating from Scottish architecture schools. But the biggest barrier is a collapse in work and fees, which diminishes the scope to invest in foreign ventures. Other symptoms include delays and unreliability in supply chains which are slowing down construction projects and disrupting forward work planning.

"Ultimately however, Scotland needs to get its own architecture policy and sector in order. This means procurement reform that learns from Europe by valuing good design and designers. Architecture firms will also need support with developing European partners and learning about design competitions. Post Brexit, it's vital that Scottish architecture does not become peripheral and isolated through lack of contact with EU markets and potential partners."