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RIBAJ

Transforming RIBAJ into a modern digital publication

A traditional wooden sailboat with black sails displayed in a modern, white architectural gallery beneath a large skylight dome.

Cantarus helped RIBA modernise RIBAJ by replatforming the publication onto Umbraco Cloud as part of its wider digital transformation programme. The new platform introduced unified authentication, improved cross-site discoverability, and preserved a 10,000+ article archive while creating a scalable foundation for future digital publishing.

Background

RIBAJ needed to modernise its digital publishing platform as part of RIBA’s wider House of Architecture transformation programme. The RIBAJ and RIBA brands felt disconnected online, readers experienced fragmented journeys with separate authentication systems, and search functionality and discoverability were constrained. Legacy technology also limited flexibility for visual storytelling and modern publishing formats.

A desktop monitor displaying the RIBA Journal website featuring an article about an Edwardian house extension.

Solution

Cantarus replatformed RIBAJ onto Umbraco Cloud alongside the wider RIBA ecosystem.

The solution included Umbraco CMS with Workflow capabilities, integrated authentication aligned with RIBA membership systems, Google Ad Manager integration, and a shared content structure and taxonomy across RIBA.org and RIBAJ.com.

Automated migration processes were developed to transfer more than 10,000 articles from the legacy CMS while preserving RIBAJ’s editorial archive.

A person holding a smartphone showing an article and a search results page on the RIBA Journal website.

Impact

The relaunch transformed RIBAJ into an integrated component of RIBA’s digital ecosystem.

Key outcomes included a cohesive relationship between the RIBA and RIBAJ brands online, seamless member access through unified authentication, preservation of a 10,000+ article archive, improved SEO posture through reduced duplication and cross-site discoverability, and faster performance and greater platform reliability.

“RIBAJ is an important part of how we communicate with and support the architectural profession. Modernising the platform was essential to ensure it reflects the quality of the publication and integrates fully with our wider digital ecosystem. Cantarus have provided a strong foundation for its future.”

- Aaron Woods, Interim Technology Director, RIBA

A tablet displaying technical project details, credits, and floor plans on the RIBA Journal website.
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