Leading architect tells Building a Brexit would be “catastrophic” for construction and the economy

Richard Rogers

Leading architecture practice Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners has told Building leaving the EU would be a “catastrophic error in judgment”, damaging construction and the economy.

The firm, whose founder is Richard Rogers (pictured), has become the latest signatory to “Building Says IN”, Building’s campaign in support of remaining in the EU ahead of the referendum.

Other new signatories to Building’s campaign include Paul Flatt, group chairman and CEO of Hurley Palmer Flatt, and Chris Lacey, chief executive of the William Lacey Group, who have both signed up as individuals.

Supporters of the campaign include the EMEA division of the world’s fourth biggest architect, Perkins + Will, as well as big name contractors Carillion, Mace, Willmott Dixon and ISG.

In a statement to Building, the firm said: “More than 40% of the staff at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners are non-British EU citizens.

“These individuals stimulate and enrich our practice through the diversity of perspectives they bring to our work, their extraordinary talent and dynamism. A significant proportion of the practice’s work is currently situated within the EU and many of our greatest projects have been built in Europe.

“As a practice we think that leaving the European Union would represent a catastrophic error of judgement in its impact on our economy, not least within the construction sector.

“Importantly, it would also leave us culturally, socially and environmentally impoverished. We are convinced that we are better and stronger together than apart.”