August 2023
The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index fell slightly to -11 in August, a negative figure that indicates architects expect their workload to fall in the coming three months, on balance.
This pessimism is being driven by rapidly shrinking confidence in the housing sector, affecting smaller practices the most, as interest rates rise and consumer budgets tighten.
RIBA Future Workload Index
To see the three graphs of the main findings, please click on the left and right arrows in the bar above.
- the RIBA Future Workload Index graph shows the difference between those expecting more work in the next three months, and those expecting less
- the RIBA Staffing Index graph shows the difference between those expecting to employ more permanent staff in the next three months and those expecting to employ fewer
- the Sectors graph shows the difference between those expecting more work in the next three months, and those expecting less, in each of the four main work sectors
About RIBA Future Trends
Launched as part of a suite of economy focused initiatives, the survey is completed monthly by a sample representing a cross section of members. The survey is focused on areas in which members may face potential difficulties, including workload, staff levels and work in specific sectors.
Monthly results are independently analysed to identify the employment and business trends affecting the profession and to help to identify implications for the profession and inform further RIBA activities.
The Future Trends survey was devised by the RIBA Research and Development and Practice departments and launched in January 2009. It is run in collaboration with The Fees Bureau, which conducts the surveys and analyses the data.
The reports for 2023 are available at the bottom of this page.
You can also view the 2022 Future Trends survey results.
