After plummeting to -10 in October 2019, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index jumped 13 points in November to +3; one of the largest increases in workload predictions the monthly RIBA survey has seen.
Most regions showed an increase in optimism during the month; participating practices in Wales & the West returned a +10 balance (up from -25), while the North of England returned a figure of +16 (up from +6). Practices in London and the South of England both had a zero-balance figure, up from -13 and -21 respectively. Only the Midlands & East Anglia region was less positive, returning a balance figure of -6 in November.
In terms of practice size, small practices (1-10 staff) showed a 16-point increase since October to +1, while medium-sized practices soared to +42 (from +31), and large practices remained consistent at +25.
Whilst remaining in negative territory, sentiment improved across all sectors in November. The community sector, the commercial sector and the private housing sector were all at -4, and the public sector rose to -3.
The Future Trends Staffing Index, which measures expectations of the number of permanent staff over the next three months, increased three points in November, to +2.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis, Adrian Malleson, said:
“The November 2019 workload predictions suggest a moment of recovery for the architectural community, with some pre-election optimism about increases in enquires and an expectation of a rise in work.
Nevertheless, the architectural market remains fragile and uncertainty persists with practices continuing to report projects failing to move beyond planning, client caution and downward pressure on fees. We can expect further fluctuations in the index over the coming months, as architects respond and adapt to the changing landscape.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further press information contact: Emily.Stallard@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3813
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 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 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. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends staffing index.
6. 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.
7. 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.
