18 Jun

Why Architects Have Zero Power in the UK Right Now

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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Architecture Social

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Affiliate learning partner

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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.

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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.

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