The Architecture and Construction News Roundup
The latest news and data from the architecture and construction industry
In Data:
Architecture and Construction News in Numbers
20%
The increase in staff numbers among UK-based chartered architecture practices since 2012, according to The RIBA Business Benchmarking 2018 report. Staff at UK practices now total 41,000. The report also found chartered practice revenue has doubled over the same period, now totalling £3.2bn.
$4,000
The amount each house in a 3D-printed housing development in Austin, Texas, will cost to produce. Each house by developer ICON will be up to 800 sq ft and will be printed in Portland cement. Construction of each unit will take just a day complete
2.5%
The lowest current bid fees being reported in the UK, prompting the Architects' Journal to warn of a return to the "era of super-low bid fees". This practice was last seen following the 2008 recession, as companies struggled to survive.
24%
The percentage fall in apprenticeship starts over the past academic year in the UK, which has raised concerns in the construction industry due to the ongoing skills shortage.
********
£5,659
The amount a man in Manchester has been ordered to pay for illegally using the title architect. The man, Nicholas Rothe, traded as an architect despite not being registered, in contravention of the Architects Act 1997.
Top Stories:
The Key Architecture News This Month
Patrik Schumacher sues over Zaha hadid estate control
Patrik Schumacher has launched a legal challenge to become the sole executor of Zaha Hadid's $85m estate, removing three others as executors. The move has seen Schumacher accused of acting for personal financial gain, although he has refuted this, saying he intends to replace the current executors with profesionals.
Source: Dezeen
RIBA names House of the year 2018
The RIBA has named the 2018 House of the Year as Lochside House, designed by HaysomWardMiller Architects. Located in the West Highlands, the design was praised for its use of local materials and integration into the surrounding area, as well of its use of technologies to function entirely off-grid.
Source: RIBA
2019 AIA Gold Medal won by richard Rogers
Richard Rogers has been awarded the American Institute of Architects' AIA Gold Medal. The award has been given to the world-renowned architect and founding principal of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners “for his influence on the built environment [that] has redefined an architect’s responsibilities to society.”
Source: Archdaily
Mergers and Moves:
Industry happenings from around the globe
Acanthus Architects LW acquired by Scott Brownrigg
Acanthus Architects LW, a rail infrastructure specialist based in London, has been acquired by rising architectural star Scott Brownrigg. The purchase is part of the practice's wider growth plans, which aim to increase Scott Brownrigg's presence both internationally and across different verticals.
Source: Architects' Journal
AUTODESK SIGNS AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE PLANGrid
Archtectural software leader Autodesk has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to buy construction productivity software PlanGrid for $875m. The move will allow Autodesk to increase its construction offerings and add additional cloud-based capabilties.
Source: Architect Magazine
Winy Maas named editor-in-chief of domus
Winy Maas, co-founder of Dutch architectural practice MVRDV has been named Editor-In-Chief of Domus' 2019 10x10x10. Taking the form of 10 publications over 10 months, the title is designed to shake up Domus' editorial offering, while providing new approaches to contemporary architectural theory and practice.
Source: Archdaily
MAKE announces layoffs over Brexit fears
Make Architects has announced that it laying off around 12 staff due to a slowdown in its work. The practice, which is based in London, has seen a number of projects stall over concerns surrounding Brexit, leading to a 12% fall in turnover between 2017 and 2018.
Source: Architects' Journal
go to top
Share this article
