Beale & Co Hosts Architects’ Roundtable Discussion
Fiona Mckay
Photo by Michael Lischer
Chapter sponsor, Beale & Co Solicitors, held their annual architects’ roundtable on the 10 of July. The AIA UK was invited to attend and was represented by Michael Lischer. Over 20 representatives from many of the larger practices in London and the RIBA participated. Beale lawyers led a lively discussion on three very topical subjects that impact the design profession. These were:
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Architects
Building Safety Act (BSA) – market approach, appointments and RIBA guidance
UK construction market post-election – what might the future hold?
The use of AI – This topic stimulated a good discussion. The key points included:
40% of UK architects are already using AI. This will grow to 60% in two years.
The UK government is advocating the use of AI for public sector work.
In 10 years, the use of AI by architects will be the “new norm”.
However, AI will be used to optimize what we are already doing, like creating room and door schedules. It will not be a paradigm shift.
There will be intellectual property issues. Who owns the output of the world wide web?
Big firms will have an advantage as they have many projects in their files to gain information from.
Use of AI will speed up many design processes. Will clients insist on paying smaller fees?
The Building Safety Act – The secondary legislation came into effect last November. There is not much guidance available from the government for design professionals. To provide this, the RIBA has just released new documents that provide guidance and tools to help minimize the risks. Points discussed include:
Generally, the profession appears to be “getting up to speed” with the new regulations.
The RIBA guidance is trying to prevent a “race to the bottom” in terms of services to be provided by architects.
The BSA does not lend itself to design-build procurement contracts.
There is a massive regulatory backlog and planning departments are struggling to cope with the additional demands.
Design contracts must insist on the client’s competence in fulfilling their requirements.
Architects are taking on more scope. This should be reflected in higher fees.
The UK construction market post-election – The main topic of discussion was the government’s promise to build more homes. The labour manifesto states 1.5 million new homes will be built in 5 years. Is it possible to build 300,000 dwellings per year? The roundtable thought it doubtful! Points discussed included:
The amount of construction labour currently available is not adequate.
It is doubtful planning departments will be able to cope with the added workload.
This should be a boon to modular construction contractors. Unfortunately, several large ones have already gone bust, and others are struggling.
This needs a “new town” vision similar to the last century when new towns were built on the fringe of large cities.
The government will have to fund much of the construction as the private sector will be unable to raise the money. Think, council housing!
The main issues distil down to; who’s the client, where is the funding, and where is the labour.
The roundtable concluded with a drinks reception and further discussion!
Written by Michael Lischer, FAIA
Photo by Michael Lischer
