2012

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RIBA Future Trends Survey results for October 2012

Date:

27 November 2012

Press office contact:

Howard Crosskey
T: +44 (0)20 7307 3761
E: howard.crosskey@riba.org

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the latest results of its monthly Future Trends Survey which offers an insight into the health of the architecture profession.

The RIBA Future Trends Workloads Index for October 2012 is +7, a significant improvement from -3 in September 2012.

Commenting on this month’s results, RIBA Director of Practice Adrian Dobson said:

'Although this month’s Workloads Index is a very positive finding it would be imprudent to forecast a sustained improvement on a single month’s figure.  The market for architects’ services does at least appear to be more stable at present with 53% of respondents expecting no change in workloads over the next quarter.'

London (balance figure +17) continues to appear to be generally more positive than other parts of the United Kingdom and medium sized practices (11 – 50 staff) are currently the most optimistic about future workloads.

The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index increased to -1 in October 2012, up from -6 in September 2012 but not yet entering positive territory.

According to the quarterly reporting data from practices, the current permanent staffing levels are at 99% (compared to 12 months ago). This suggests that although practices are not yet hiring new staff in significant numbers the overall employment market for architects is at least stable.

It is also very positive to note that practices are overall employing 5% more students (year-out and post part 2) than they were 12 months ago.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

  • For further press information contact Howard Crosskey in the RIBA Press Office: 020 7307 3761 howard.crosskey@riba.org
  • The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members
  • Completed by a mix of small, medium and large firms based on a geographically representative sample, the RIBA Future Trends Survey was launched in January 2009 to monitor business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession
  • The Future Trends Survey is carried out by the RIBA in partnership with the Fees Bureau. Results of the survey, including a full graphical analysis, are published each month at: http://www.architecture.com/FindOutAbout/FutureTrendsSurvey/FutureTrendsSurvey.aspx- the survey will be available from 27 November 2012
  • To participate in the RIBA Future Trends Survey, please contact the RIBA Practice Department on 020 7307 3749 or email practice@riba.org.  The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete each month, and all returns are independently processed in strict confidence
  • The definition for the workload balance figure is the difference between those expecting more work and those expecting less. A negative figure means more respondents expect less work than those expecting more work.  This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index, which for October 2012 is +7
  • The definition for the staffing balance figure is the difference between those expecting to employ more permanent staff in the next three months and those expecting to employ fewer. A negative figure means more respondents expect to employ fewer permanent staff.  This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index, which for October 2012 is -1  

 

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