In the findings of an industry-wide survey conducted recently by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), a picture of an improving business environment for landscape architects is emerging.
The ASLA's Business Quarterly survey has taken the temperature of the Landscape Architecture profession and found optimism amid continued apprehension. In comparison to the same quarter a year ago, the survey found a general uptick in new business inquiries and billable hours.
The jobs prognosis for the coming quarter is looking better as well, especially among larger firms, with 42.4 percent of all firms with 10 or more employees indicating they plan to hire in the fourth quarter of this year.
"Though it is still very difficult out there, we are pleased to have an improving
employment picture going into the next quarter," says Nancy Somerville, Hon.
ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. "Many firms are deeply
concerned about the economy, but these data really show how resilient our
profession can be."
The improved outlook is nevertheless built on a shaky foundation. "Even with the apparent progress in employment, the economy continues to
negatively affect landscape architecture firms. An additional question, 'How
concerned is your firm about the economy?' revealed that a staggering 95.6
percent of firms are concerned or very concerned about the economy. Even with
this apprehension, 64.9 percent of respondents predict an improved business
outlook for the next year."
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