Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right Now
Summary
Stephen Drew speaks with Jay Morton about why architects have so little power in the UK built environment, what RIBA needs to change, and how the profession can build a stronger public and commercial voice.Why do architects have so little power in the UK built environment, even when their work shapes housing, public space, procurement and the way cities function?
Stephen Drew speaks with Jay Morton, Director at Bell Phillips Architects, housing campaigner and RIBA presidential candidate, about what is holding the architecture profession back and what needs to change.
The conversation covers:
- Why architects are often absent from commercial and political decision-making
- How housing delivery, procurement and public policy affect architectural influence
- What RIBA needs to do if it wants to be more useful to members and the wider built environment
- Why architects need a clearer public, commercial and leadership voice
This episode was recorded during the 2026 RIBA presidential election period.
Jay Morton: linkedin.com/in/jaymorton
Jay Morton campaign: jaymorton.co.uk
Bell Phillips Architects: bellphillips.com
Read the episode on Architecture Social: Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right Now
Watch on YouTube: Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right Now
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Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and RIBA election context
- 02:53 Why Jay Morton is running for RIBA President
- 04:34 Jay's background and approach
- 05:39 Why architects are invisible in government
- 07:54 Pressure on architecture practices
- 12:09 Fees and the race to the bottom
- 15:29 Student debt and the cost of studying architecture
- 17:39 Are architects just service providers?
- 18:29 Architects as the doctors of buildings
- 21:14 Why small practices are the backbone of the profession
- 28:27 Why tendering is broken
- 30:08 Public perception versus professional reality
- 32:11 Architecture education and the bubble problem
- 34:18 Apprenticeship funding and access
- 40:37 Where to begin tackling the problem
- 42:40 Advice for Part 1s and Part 2s
- 44:14 AI and the future of the profession
- 46:37 Why Jay does not want fast food buildings
- 48:25 Why she wants to be RIBA President
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We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects.
Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership.
Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership.
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Architecture Social
Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social.
Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club.
____
Affiliate learning partner
We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects.
Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership.
Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.
Creators and Guests
Host
Stephen Drew
Hello! I’m Stephen Drew, Founder of the Architecture Social—an online community and resource hub dedicated to helping professionals in Architecture, Design, Development, and Real Estate advance their careers. I’m here to connect you with insights, tools, and opportunities that lead to meaningful growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take that next big step.