Warning for architects as Russia sanctions come into force

Architecture firms have been warned that new restrictions on working for Russian clients based in their home nation – or those ordinarily resident there – have come into effect in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

UK firms are now banned from offering architectural-design services, pre-design services, and urban-planning and landscape services to clients in Russia under regulations that expand the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

The rules, which went live on Friday, also cover combined architectural-design and contract-administration services, and urban planning services.

Engineering services are covered as well, prohibiting firms from a raft of work including advisory and consultative services, design services for the construction of foundations and building structures, and M&E design.

The regulations specify a person to be “connected with Russia” if they or their associates are ordinarily resident there; if they are located there; or if they or their business are incorporated under Russian law.

RIBA president Simon Allford said the sanctions had been signalled in September – and stressed that architects who chose to flout the new regulations would be breaking the institute’s rules as well as the law.

“All RIBA members and chartered practices, who have not chosen to do so already, must now adhere to the new restrictions,” he said.

“This is a legal obligation and failure to comply will result in serious consequences, including being in breach of RIBA codes. Members are encouraged to seek legal advice if necessary.

“We will continue to work with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy to assess how the sanctions will impact the sector. Our Ukraine crisis hub will be updated with the latest information and guidance.”

The full list of architectural and engineering services covered by the regulations can be seen here.