The Royal Institute of British Architects has unveiled a new visual and verbal identity by Johnson Banks, which marks the institute’s 200th anniversary and kicks off the next chapter of its House of Architecture programme.
F or the first time in over 25 years the new brand, created in collaboration with London-based studio Johnson Banks, aims to modernise the RIBA’s image and strengthen its voice as it approaches its 200th birthday in 2034.
The rebranding is part of the RIBA House of Architecture initiative – a once-in-a-generation investment that includes upgrading digital platforms, opening up access to world-class architectural collections and restoring the historic headquarters at Portland Place.
Alongside the upcoming launch of a revamped riba.org, the new brand aims to make the institute more accessible, more outward-facing and more relevant to the global architecture community.
RIBA president Chris Williamson described the move as a “powerful statement of intent”. He says: “The rebrand will be more than just a new look; it will be a powerful statement of our intent as an outward-looking, purposeful cultural institute.”
“RIBA must remain relevant and essential to architects and practices across the globe, grow its membership among those early in their careers, and advocate on behalf of its members.”
Johnson Banks, known for his work on the revitalisation of institutions such as the Science Museum, Virgin Atlantic and Teach First, led the RIBA through months of consultation and discussion with its members to define what the organisation stands for today.
The resulting visual identity strikes a balance between paying homage to the RIBA’s legacy and daring to look to the future.
At its heart is a bold new typographic logo inspired by the spatial play of architecture, which indicates the relationships between walls, rooms and openings.
The design returns to the historic RIBA red as the primary color, while the familiar crest is retained in a more refined, simplified form as a subtle sign rather than a dominant emblem. This approach combines modern clarity with a subtle nod to tradition.
For Michael Johnson, creative director and founder of Johnson Banks, it was a delicate act of evolution rather than revolution. He says: “Rebranding an esteemed organization such as RIBA has to be done with great care, ensuring it remains relevant and resonant in a changing world, while also acknowledging and respecting its history.
“That’s why we’ve brought key assets – like its famous red – to the forefront and retained the historic crest. But it needed a more modern brand, and clearer voice – and that’s expressed in its new narrative and a bold new logotype that puts the RIBA name front and centre.”
RIBA’s chair of the board, Jack Pringle, calls it “bold, creative and in-step with the digital world”. He adds: “It’s been over a quarter of a century since RIBA last considered its brand – with its 200th birthday approaching, it’s the perfect time to position our brand for the future.
“It’s vital that we modernize and adapt to the ever-evolving digital world and be fit for the 21st century.”
After all, few institutions reach two centuries without learning to balance past and future. The RIBA’s new look proves that it will still be designing for the next hundred years.
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