With the UK government promising 300,000 new homes per year, the big question I keep coming back to is: can the country’s architecture and planning industries keep pace?
While excitement around solving the housing crisis is relatively high, turning these ambitious goals into reality presents a major challenge, especially with concerns about capacity and workforce shortages.
A recent Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) report highlights a critical shortage of architects, particularly in smaller architectural practices struggling to recruit skilled staff. If the government’s plans even come close to hitting the target, the sector could face a significant architectural talent gap.
Similarly, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has raised concerns about a shortage of town planners, with many local planning authorities already stretched thin. Their Resourcing Public Planning report warns of increased planning approval bottlenecks that could delay construction further, undermining the housing drive. This rings true to my experience. In recent conversations I’ve had with Planning and Architecture practices, leadership are reporting waiting times of over 9+ months for relatively straightforward planning applications.
So, what’s the solution? Architectural firms and planning authorities are increasingly looking to the Commonwealth for talent. Many Commonwealth countries produce highly skilled architects and planners familiar with standards and methods similar to those used in the UK. However, the current process for certifying foreign qualifications is slow and costly. Streamlining visa procedures and supporting applicants with certification costs could fast-track much-needed talent into the workforce, alleviating the housing shortage.
At GKR International - Real Estate Talent Specialists, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of clients considering overseas talent, leveraging our network to access global architecture and planning markets. Some are exploring schemes that include support for certification fees, contingent on the applicant passing probation, which could be a game-changer for attracting foreign talent.
What else can the industry do to tackle the architectural talent shortage and spur the UK housing market? We’d love to discuss further with property developers, employers, and key stakeholders in the market.
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