Despite volatile times, architects are the most optimistic they’ve been about prospects for the year ahead since the post-covid bounce of 2022. Although optimism on growth dropped sharply back in 2023, this has steadily increased each year to almost match that of 2019. This is reflected in the number of architects employed by the world’s 100 biggest practices, which grew by 8.2% over the year. As in previous years, the expansion of the top 10 firms was proportionately greater than the rest as their numbers increased by 35% over 2025. All the signs are that this trend will continue in the year ahead, as our recruitment survey shows 40% of firms expect to hire 11-30 architects this year and 20% to hire more than 50 architects. 

A closer look at the data shows a more mixed picture of some sectors and regions performing strongly and others less so. Arcadis dropped from second to third place in the rankings, thanks to a fall of over 100 architects, the biggest reduction among the top 10 firms. Arcadis has been affected by a slowdown in the North American residential market, whereas firms operating in sectors such as technology, healthcare and aviation have done well. Second-placed HDR, which displaced Arcadis into third place, reports that growth in demand for healthcare facilities, a sector in which it specialises, has been particularly strong. 

…