In the past four years, the real estate and housing downturn has drastically cut billings at architecture firms. However, the Architecture Billings Index shows improvement for a fourth consecutive month and the highest reading since November 2007.
The number of working architects dropped from 214,000 in 2007 to 153,000 in 2011. The sustained increase in billings is expected to help reverse this unemployment trend, as firms begin hiring designers to meet increased demand. "Rising billings also are viewed as a gauge of future construction activity because real-estate developers tend to break ground on new projects 9 to 12 months after they hire design firms," adds Robbie Whelan. "Construction generates large numbers of jobs for engineers, contractors and tradesmen." This could indicate not only an improving real estate and housing market, but also a broader economic recovery.
Architects are finding work with public-sector and non-profit organizations, including medical centers, colleges, and other institutions. "I think higher education has probably been the most-active market in the last year or two," said Alan Bombick, a principal with Legat. His firm is building a hotel for a mixed-use development coordinated by the University of Chicago. Neil Denari, a Los Angeles architect, said, "We're going to be putting more energy into pursuing educational projects, because that's where a lot of the work is."
FULL STORY: Demand for Architects Builds Momentum
Outlook for Architects Looking Up
With the AIA's Architecture Billings Index at its highest level since November 2007, the future is promising for a profession that's been battered for five solid years. Can the construction industry be far behind? Matt Chaban digs into the numbers.
The Pandemic Baby Bust
The economic uncertainty of the pandemic has added to already declining birth rates in a troubling sign for the future of the American economy.
Architecture Billings Are Still Declining, But Slower Than Earlier in the Pandemic
A critical economic bellwether is showing tentative signs of recovery.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie