Is architecture in crisis?
Martyn Evans in an article published in Building Design writes “There is a growing sense among younger architects that the profession they trained so hard to join may not offer a viable long-term career. Institutions like RIBA must step forward to challenge the norms that have led us here”.
He points out that architects are often asked to redraw, rework and rethink schemes multiple times as funding assumptions by developers shift or costs rise. However, fees rarely stay at the same level as the original job.
Single Construction Regulator
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report recommended a single regulator that draws together functions relating to the construction industry.
There is a Government consultation on a Single Construction Regulator until 20th March 2026.
Survey of UK investors
Investec published in November its 2025 Future Living report. It highlights the investment sector’s resilience when facing problems of regulation and economic policy hampering near-term prospects. Those include the impact of the Building Safety Act and the Renters’ Right Act on investment decisions.
The survey was of 50 global institutional investors in UK real estate representing £300 billion assets under management. The results highlight the asset classes most affected and the ways in which investors and developers are adapting.
Hounslow Council’s £240m gamble
A Conservative Councillor in LB Hounslow has challenged its Cabinet on the way in which the Council’s wholly owned company, the Lampton Group, has made £15 million in losses and has been loaned hundreds of millions by the local authority. He says it is leaving taxpayers exposed to mounting financial risk.
Councillor Jack Emsley’s report on this subject was published in a blog in The Chiswick Calendar website
Construction Adviser appointed
A new interim Chief Construction Adviser, Thouria Istephan, was appointed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 30th September 2025.
MHCLG states that “Thouria will play a central role helping to shape the future of the built environment sector, ensuring that safety, delivery and accountability are central to decision-making, with residents’ voices at heart.”
Details are here.
Building fire safety
Following the report on the Grenfell Tower fire, a Building Control Independent Panel was established to consider the recommendations. It has issued an update on problems identified and its future work.
For dealing with unsafe cladding, the Government has published a Remediation Acceleration Action Plan update. For social housing, there is a new deadline.
Fires have occurred in buildings at the New Providence Wharf, as reported by ‘TheLondoner’.
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More social housing
Planning Fees consultation response
The Queen Elizabeth II Garden
Architects should rejoice that Britain’s latest new towns aren’t new towns at all
By Ben Derbyshire, chair at HTA Design, former RIBA president, and President of the London Forum.
I don’t generally play for laughs, but [more…]
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Planning, Environment and Transport committee meeting
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