The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published a new report calling for city architects to be introduced in the UK, beginning with a three‑year pilot scheme funding city architect roles across England’s combined authorities.
Making the case for city architects encompasses several case studies and suggests these personnel could significantly improve the quality and sustainability of the built environment, speed up delivery and unlock wider benefits for public health and the economy.
What is a city architect?
RIBA defines a city architect “a chartered architect who plays a strategic role in shaping the built environment within the region they cover. Their role is to guide and oversee the architectural and urban quality of developments, with a focus on quality, sustainability and the creation of places that contribute positively to the lives of current and future generations.”
The report continues, “While we are using the term ‘city architect’ … the role does not necessarily have to cover a city and we envisage similar benefits to result from similar roles in different geographical contexts.”
The need for city architects
RIBA identifies the need for these roles primarily because of shortcomings in planning.
It notes that UK planning departments have experienced some of the deepest cuts in local government, with spending falling by 40% since 2010/11. As a result, 31% of local authorities report skills shortages in architecture and urban design, while 80% of architectural practices report planning-related delays.
The report states: “Many planning departments currently lack the capacity and in-house expertise to proactively engage with and scrutinise planning applications.”
What would a city architect do?
RIBA sees the role centring on strategic oversight within local government, ensuring development is high‑quality, sustainable and accessible.
Key functions are envisaged as:
Call for RIBA pilot
RIBA proposes a three‑year pilot scheme funding city architect roles across England’s combined authorities.
Each planning department would also receive funding for two additional architects (minimum five years’ experience) to embed design expertise and build long‑term capacity.
This model aims to restore design leadership, accelerate planning processes and improve development outcomes.
RSUA background on City and Council Architects
In January 2025, RSUA Council agreed that the top priority in its four-year plan to 2028 would be to launch a co-ordinated campaign to establish a City and Council Architect role in Northern Ireland to help place architecture back at the heart of local government thinking.
RSUA took its first step in November, sharing a dedicated position paper with the Department for Communities (DfC) advocating for the reintroduction of this role.
In March 2026, RSUA Council reviewed and approved a comprehensive action plan which established a phased programme of work focused on securing political recognition for the City and Council Architect, building cross-sector support and developing a practical model for their introduction.
Further engagement
RIBA’s full report can be accessed here.
If you have any questions or comments about this update, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
