Arup's story
Since 1946, Arup has paired design and engineering ambition with social purpose.
Today, we harness our deep technical expertise, partnering with our clients to build a better future for all.
Learn more about the life and work of Ove Arup
In 1970, Ove Arup delivered his ‘Key Speech’, setting out the company’s aims and the principles for achieving them.
Six values have guided all Arup members since they were set out by Ove Arup more than 60 years ago. Our members explain what these values mean today.
A social conscience, a wish to do socially useful work, and to join hands with others fighting for the same values. Our pursuit of quality should in itself be useful.
Social usefulness
An organisation which is human and friendly despite being large and efficient. Where every member is treated not only as a link in a chain of command, or as a wheel in a bureaucratic machine, but as a human being whose happiness is the concern of all.
Humane organisation
We should act honourably in our dealings with our own and other people. We should justify the trust of our clients by giving their interest first priority. We should eschew nepotism or discrimination.
Straight and honourable dealings
Most people would say that this is our main aim, this is why we are in business. But it would be wrong to look at it as our main aim. We should rather look at it as an essential prerequisite for even the partial fulfilment of any of our aims.
Reasonable prosperity
Our work should be interesting and rewarding. Only a job done well, as well as we can do it – and as well as it can be done – is that. We must therefore strive for quality in what we do, and never be satisfied with the second-rate.
Quality of work
‘Total Architecture’ implies that all relevant design decisions have been considered together and have been integrated into a whole by a well organised team empowered to fix priorities.
Total Architecture
Contributing to sustainable development lies at the heart of our approach to business.
Our efforts to ensure that our business is environmentally responsible and as sustainable as possible began many years ago, and these efforts continue and intensify. Our strategic corporate commitments include our global decarbonisation strategy, designed to ensure we achieve net zero by 2030.
Our experts, plan, design and engineer solutions that deliver multiple benefits. We look for opportunities to strengthen communities, build resilience and advance climate action through our work for clients.
Learn more about our approach to city development
