Architects’ expectations of future work rose sharply last month despite consistent pressures on sector
Architects’ optimism about future workloads has jumped to the highest level in three years, according to the latest RIBA Future Trends survey.
Expectations of workload growth over the next three months rose to an index figure of +11 last month, up from +2 in April. Any number above zero indicates practices on average expect their near-term pipelines to grow.
The figures reflect increasing confidence in the architecture sector as it adjusts to higher taxes announced in last year’s autumn Budget, although average practice workloads remain 6% lower than this time last year.
The survey’s staffing index also rose by one index point to +5, indicating practices on balance expect to hire more staff over the next three months, although average practice staff levels are reported to be around 4% lower than twelve months ago.
RIBA’s head of economic research and analysis Adrian Malleson said the data shows the profession is “more optimistic about future work than it has been for some time”.
“Nevertheless, despite this overall optimism, the profession continues to face significant challenges.
“The increase in employer National Insurance has added to practice costs, and delays in the planning process continue to frustrate project progress.”
Malleson also flagged the impact of ongoing gateway 2 delays at the building safety regulator, delays in client payment, fee undercutting, and continuing economic uncertainty on practices.
The data shows positive sentiment about future workloads in all surveyed regions, practice sizes and sectors, with the public sector recording the most positive results in three years.
Workload expectations for public sector work jumped by nine points in May to +4, the first time the sector’s index figure has been positive since 2022.
Private housing is again the most confident sector, rising ten points to +16 after dropping below the commercial sector in April. The commercial sector edged up by three points to +10, while the community sector rose to +7 from -5.
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