An architects’ guide to working in Ukraine

November sees this years ‘Rebuild Ukraine’ conference taking place in Poland, a year on from the trip which inspired the recently published report, 'Designing solidarity: An Architects’ Guide to Working in Ukraine'.

Oberlanders collaboration with three other leading Scottish architectural practices, followed their attendance at 2025’s ‘ReBuild Ukraine’ conference held in Warsaw, which they attended together as part of the RIAS delegation.

The report explores how Scottish architects, practices and allied professionals can meaningfully contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction. Funded by the Scottish Government, it is intended as a practical briefing document for those wishing to support  the rebuilding effort, and in doing so, the work of Ukrainian practices as fellow members of a global architectural community.

The authors explore the challenges beyond just the scale, urgency and cost of the reconstruction, and present the case for understanding place, governance and how participation must remain grounded in Ukrainian culture, priorities, systems and leadership.

What is clear, is that for international architects, reconstruction must begin with cultural understanding and knowledge of Ukraine’s complex, highly regulated and multi-layered legal, regulatory, funding and delivery systems, rather than simply importing solutions into a profoundly complex situation. The real opportunity for Scotland lies in disciplined partnership, targeted expertise and long-term credibility working in support of Ukrainian professionals.

Central to this ambition is ensuring that Ukraine retains agency over the rebuilding of its cities, communities and institutions, while accessing additional skills, building capacity and fostering international partnerships through professional solidarity, enabling a meaningful step towards a more sustainable, resilient and climate-safe future.

The research and report have been undertaken as a collaboration between the RIAS and the four practices, funded and generously supported by the Scottish Government. The insights gathered and presented has been assembled from multiple sources across Ukraine, the United Kingdom and international institutions.

Read the full report here.