Employees of the Danish-founded practice Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) held a protest outside the firm’s London office this week after the studio unveiled plans for significant job cuts following the loss of a major contract. The demonstrations came amid rising anger from staff and union organizers over how redundancies have been handled.
Redundancy Plans Following Project Cancellation
BIG confirmed that a major London studio project was terminated in November 2025 due to circumstances beyond its control, and the team was informed immediately.
Early figures from union campaigners suggested the firm planned cuts that could affect up to around 140 roles. According to Bjarke Ingels Group, the London office has a workforce of 203 employees, with around 72 positions potentially affected by the proposed changes.
Workers say that the redundancy process has been rushed and poorly communicated. One employee quoted by the union said that partners and senior staff did not take pay cuts, while junior staff were told they could face layoffs, and that consultations were held during lunch breaks with limited transparency.
Protest Organised With Union Backing
Around 80 employees and supporters gathered outside the Broadgate office in the City of London, with chants and placards highlighting frustration at the firm’s handling of the situation. The protest was organized in large part by the Section of Architectural Workers (SAW) branch of the major British union Unite. The union has described the redundancy plans as “disgusting” and criticized management for what it says is a lack of genuine consultation.
Unite-SAW has called on BIG to engage more openly with staff affected by the cuts, to provide clearer data on the financial situation, and to ensure fair treatment for all employees regardless of seniority.
Broader Reactions from the Architecture Community
The dispute at BIG has resonated across the architecture sector, where rising project cancellations and economic pressures have already strained firms globally. While some industry voices acknowledge that layoffs can be an unfortunate part of business adaptation when major contracts end, union groups argue that the way redundancies are managed matters to workplace morale and long-term industry culture.
Other professional bodies and former industry leaders have reportedly weighed in on the situation, urging both fair negotiation and caution against at-will redundancies without robust consultation.
BIG had not issued a detailed public statement responding directly to the protest and the union’s calls for improved transparency. Staff organizing groups say they intend to continue pressure until they reach what they consider a fair outcome for affected employees.
The dispute marks a high-profile moment for labor organizing within the architecture industry, a sector that is traditionally less unionized than other professional fields. It highlights ongoing tensions around job security, workplace equity, and how large creative firms balance economic realities with employee welfare.
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