Practice viability and turning a profit are everyday concerns for many in the profession. But what are the longer-term opportunities and challenges for architects? How might AI disrupt the profession? How might architect’s work change in the face of rapid environmental and social change? Where will future work come from? Through our Future Business of Architecture programme, we will explore these issues and create a platform for knowledge and idea sharing to inform your business planning and strategy. Sponsored by Autodesk. Future Business of Architecture Global Online Conference What might the profession look like in a decade? This RIBA online conference will feature discussions among global-leading experts and share findings from the Future Business of Architecture research programme. It will give actionable, expert lead, evidence-based, insight into future practice. We explore crucial questions and themes to support architects identify opportunities and maximise business success. Key themes • How to win work and optimise practice management • Adopting new technologies and integrating AI • Future sources of work • The environmental challenges – work emerging from climate mitigation and adaptation By the end of the conference, you will be able to • Gain an understanding of longstanding opportunities and challenges for architects globally • Explore emerging global trends around business sustainability for architectural practices and wider design and construction industries • Exchange knowledge and ideas to support business planning and strategy • Engage with the findings of RIBA’s Future Business of Architecture programme The conference day is organised into four regional, standalone 2-hour sessions, each taking its focus from one of the research strands of the programme. It is ideal for all practices wishing to explore shared challenges and opportunities for the profession while offering regional insights from on the ground. Hong Kong & Asia: New work types Introduction: Dennis Ho, Founder, Design Curate Place; Chair, RIBA Hong Kong Chapter Keynote: Peter Brannan, Head of Asia & MENA, Arquitectonica Presentations from: • Andrew Mead, Founder & Architect, Meada Design, Formerly Head of Architecture, MTR • Pearl Chee, Director, WOHA • Florence Chan, Principal, KPF • Dr Chuan Wang & Dr Yinan Dong, School of Architecture, Southeast University The Gulf: Towards a Sustainable Environment Introduction: Andy Shaw, Managing Partner, AMA; Chair, RIBA Gulf Chapter Keynote: Dr Sumayah Al-Solaiman, Architecture and Design Commission, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Presentations from: • Nasser Alsayegh, Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning, Sultanate of Oman • Keith Brewis, Partner, Grimshaw • Simon Gathercole, Partner, Allies and Morrison • Jonathan Ashmore, Founding Principal, Anarchitect UK & Europe: Winning Work Today & Tomorrow Introduction: Waldemar Koehler, Project Director, CBRE Global Workplace Solutions; Chair, RIBA Europe Chapter Keynote: Jan Knikker, Partner and Director of Strategy, MVRDV Presentations from: • Jo McCafferty, Director, Levitt Bernstein • Su Stringfellow, Director, Harrison Stringfellow • Lianne Knotts, Director, Medical Architecture North America: Applying Technology to differentiate your practice Introduction: Adrian Malleson, Head of Research, RIBA Keynote: Phillip Bernstein, Yale University Presentations from: • Philip Allsopp, CEO, ORBIS Dynamics • Martha Tsigkari, Senior Partner, Head of Applied R&D group, Foster + Partners • John Locke, Architect, AEC Manager, and Senior Principal Research Scientist at Autodesk To close each session, we will have a facilitated interactive session to encourage attendees to share questions, views and insights. Conference facilitator: Tracy Forsyth, Founder, Fast Track to Fearless Please note Each recording will expire 12 months after enrolling onto the event This course was recorded on 8 October 2025 For more information on this course, or if there are no places available, please email us, or call +44 (0)20 7307 5355 to talk to a member of the team. Please view the Terms and Conditions for more information. Sponsored by Autodesk