The engagement combines hands-on delivery with coaching, helping RIBA develop a modern digital service while building skills and working practices the team can apply across its wider technology estate.
The partnership supports an initiative within the transformed digital experience strand of RIBA’s wider House of Architecture programme. RIBA’s House of Architecture programme opens up architecture to all, bringing together digital transformation, the revitalisation of its London headquarters at 66 Portland Place and a new home for its world-class architectural collection.
RIBA’s internal engineering team supports a broad range of digital services and legacy technology. Maintaining those systems has often left limited time to introduce new tools or improve delivery practices.
Modernising the member directory provides an opportunity to address both challenges. Red Badger is working alongside the team to understand the existing application, develop its replacement and introduce AI into the product development process.
The approach starts with sound engineering practices, clear documentation and human oversight. AI is being used to support activities from understanding the legacy application to exploring designs and developing software, with coaching tailored to the team’s needs.
This will leave RIBA with both a modern service and the capability to continue improving its digital estate, reducing reliance on knowledge held by individuals and creating a foundation for more sustainable delivery.
As the work progresses, the focus is on helping RIBA’s team build confidence, improve shared understanding of its services and establish repeatable practices for AI-assisted development.
The partnership illustrates how organisations with small technology teams can use a focused modernisation project to develop the capabilities needed for longer-term change.