After dropping to an historic low of -82 in April, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index rose to -49 this month. And while 62% of architects expect their workload to decrease in the next three months, 13% now anticipate an increase, up from just 2% in April.
The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index also increased marginally by seven points, with 70% of practices saying they expect the level of permanent staff to remain the same over the next three months, 26% saying they expect levels to decrease and 3% saying they expect to increase.
The findings from this month’s survey also show:
Current workloads remain at significantly reduced levels – down 33% compared to May 2019.
- 73% of respondents expect profits to fall over the next 12 months – within that, 8% consider that their practice is unlikely to remain viable.
- 22% of architectural staff have been furloughed – an increase of 8% from April.
- 1% of architectural staff have been made redundant; 1% have been released from a ‘zero hours’, temporary or fixed-term contract.
- 38% of projects had been put on hold since the start of March.
- 23% of projects which remain active are at stages 5 or 6 of the RIBA Plan of Work.
RIBA Executive Director Professional Services, Adrian Dobson, said:
“The current pandemic and economic uncertainty are clearly continuing to impact both architects’ current workloads and their confidence about the future, with the majority expecting their workloads to decrease in coming months.
But while many participants continued to point to the serious recession ahead, some also began to reference glimmers of hope in the form of new enquiries and new commissions.
In these uncertain times, we are on hand, and will continue to support members and practices by helping them map routes to recovery and build resilience for future challenges.”
Members with concerns or queries are encouraged to email info@riba.org.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further press information contact Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org.
2. 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.
3. The 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 here.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. To participate in the RIBA Future Trends Survey, please email practice@riba.org. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete each month, and all returns are independently processed in strict confidence.
7. Visit the RIBA COVID-19 hub for guidance on the crisis.
8. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
