Leading British architecture firm McAslan + Partners has announced plans to open a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the company reports another year of significant profit increases. The expansion into the Middle Eastern market represents a major strategic move for the firm as it continues to capitalize on growing international opportunities.
In related architectural news, the Trump administration has announced that the White House ballroom renovation will feature designs by McCrery Architects, marking a significant commission for the firm. The project represents one of the most high-profile government design contracts of the year.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has released its shortlist for the 2025 Client of the Year award, recognizing outstanding clients who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to architectural excellence and innovation in their projects.
Meanwhile, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) is currently developing plans for an ambitious 35-story co-living tower located adjacent to the Old Street roundabout in London. The project represents a significant addition to the area's rapidly evolving skyline and addresses the growing demand for innovative residential solutions in central London.
In airport infrastructure developments, multiple architectural teams are competing for the massive Heathrow airport expansion project. Scott Brownrigg's £25 billion proposal has gained attention for its innovative approach, which includes plans for a shortened runway design that could potentially reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
Studio Egret West has submitted comprehensive plans for a substantial residential development in Croydon, featuring 676 homes. The scheme represents a major housing initiative that could significantly impact the local community and provide much-needed residential units in the South London area.
In educational architecture, AHMM's student residential block at Elephant & Castle has received official approval, moving forward with construction plans that will provide modern accommodation for students in one of London's key development areas.
Corstorphine & Wright has been officially appointed to deliver an extension to a City block originally designed by Foggo Associates, demonstrating the collaborative nature of large-scale urban development projects.
Industry experts are emphasizing that reinstating Level 7 apprenticeship funding is crucial for the future of architecture education and professional development. This funding mechanism has been identified as essential for maintaining the pipeline of skilled architectural professionals needed to meet growing demand.
As the construction and design industries face increasingly extreme weather conditions due to climate change, there is a growing call for developers, design engineers, architects, and policymakers to take leadership roles in addressing these challenges. The industry is being urged to develop more resilient and sustainable approaches to building design and construction that can withstand the impacts of severe weather events while contributing to broader climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
