Architect beat off competition from Moxon Architects, Ben Adams, Piercy & Company, Shed KM and Spacelab

The RIBA has chosen Theis & Khan as the architect for its new offices at 76 Portland Place.

The practice was picked from a shortlist of six that also featured Moxon Architects, Ben Adams, Piercy & Company, Shed KM and Spacelab.

More than 30 entries were received for the contest which provoked fury from RIBA members when it emerged that the rules prevented practices with a turnover below £344,000 from entering.

Critics accused the RIBA of ignoring its own procurement campaign which was initiated by former president Angela Brady.

But new president Stephen Hodder responded to the outcry by removing the turnover threshold and changing the jury line-up to include another architect, Denise Bennetts.

Announcing the winner today, Hodder said: “The selection panel was greatly impressed by all the shortlisted teams’ initial thoughts, approach to the project and their experience and ability to deliver within a constrained timeframe. 

“Theis & Khan gave an exceptionally considered approach and clearly demonstrated how they aim to meet our aspirations. We were particularly inspired by the team’s consideration of the relationship between our new premises and our main RIBA headquarters building, and how they had successfully delivered projects with such synergies in the past.”   

Soraya Khan and Patrick Theis said they were thrilled by the “enormous privilege”

“We look forward to delivering a high-quality sustainable design that both meets the RIBA’s aspirations for its new building and reflects the integrity of 66 Portland Place,” they said.

“We were intrigued by the potential synergies between the two buildings and look forward to developing these further with the RIBA.”

The RIBA has taken a 43-year lease on 76 Portland Place, currently home to the Institute of Physics.

Construction work is due to begin next March ahead of the RIBA moving in 180 staff from its offices at 66 and 77 Portland Street at the end of 2014 along with those from its Bonhill Street office.

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