Colander has run a comprehensive, annual benchmarking survey for architects since 1999. Building on this experience, in 2007 our survey became the backbone of the benchmarking survey offered free of charge by the RIBA to all Chartered Practices.

Topics addressed in the survey include: financial management, day-to-day management, business development, human resources and skills. Each participating practice receives an emailed report, running to over 25 pages, which show how it compares against all practices in the database, all practices of a similar size and all practices in its RIBA Region.

Colander provides a number of exclusive services to complement the basic benchmark report that is provided by the RIBA:

Interpreting the results of the RIBA benchmark survey
The raw results in the reports that the RIBA provides can be quite daunting, especially for those practices that are new to benchmarking. Drawing on our experience of 7 years benchmarking of the profession, we offer a half-day review service where we come to your office and help you to interpret and then act on your survey report.

Inter firm comparison reports
We have exclusive access to the raw data that is collected through the Chartered Practice benchmarking initiative.

We are therefore able to offer inter firm comparison reports that compare the data from a self-selecting group of practices, or that compare individual practices to their nine closest practices by size. These reports maintain each practice’s anonymity and include detailed commentary and words of advice. Please contact us for further information.

Annual benchmarking reports
In addition, Colander will be creating an annual Benchmarking Report for the RIBA, which will be available in RIBA Bookshops.

To take part in the RIBA benchmarking survey, please contact benchmarking@inst.riba.org