As the U.S. construction industry continues to rebound from the downturn in the past economic cycle, "The Business of Architecture: 2014 AIA Firm Survey Report" shows that design activity at architecture firms has recovered to pre-recession levels.
Most firms have seen revenue levels at least stabilize, if not finally begin to grow with gross billings at architecture firms increasing by 20% from 2011.
Key findings include:
- With losses during the economic downturn, architecture firms have become smaller and younger with 43% having been founded since the year 2000, with one-third of those firms founded just since 2010.
- Renovations of existing facilities account for a larger share of design activity than during the last construction boom.
- Nearly two-thirds of large firms worked on international projects in 2013.
- Over a third of architecture firms nationally—and virtually all larger firms—were using some form of BIM for billable projects.
- Twelve percent of firms are using energy modeling software for billable projects.
- Twenty-one percent of firms have worked on one or more projects that incorporate resilient design strategies.
- Even with most of the institutional building category remaining in recession in 2013, this sector generated half of the billings at architecture firms.
- Within the institutional category, education facilities accounted for 21% of overall billings.
The full survey is available for purchase here.
Related Stories
| Sep 26, 2016
RELIGIOUS FACILITY GIANTS: A ranking of the nation’s top religious sector design and construction firms
Gensler, Leo A Daly, Brasfield & Gorrie, Layton Construction, and AECOM top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest religious facility AEC firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
Architects | Sep 26, 2016
Explore the world through architectural adventures
A new travel program offers design enthusiast travelers 10 global destinations.
Architects | Sep 21, 2016
DLR Group broadens its practice range and market penetration with addition of Westlake Reed Leskosky
The merger, say company officials, creates “a global design leader” in a consolidating industry.
Architects | Sep 21, 2016
Design for the transition from thinking to creating
While heads-down work continues, the changing nature of learning and work has resulted in a shift toward frequent and spontaneous exchanges.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions
Cultural Facilities | Sep 19, 2016
International competition recognizes insect-inspired design for Moscow Circus School
The proposal would make the school’s activities more transparent to the public.
Architects | Sep 19, 2016
A workplace designed for the innovation economy
Over the past 100 years, how we work has changed dramatically, and these changes have impacted workplace design.
Architects | Sep 16, 2016
Former architect now builds architectural wonders out of LEGO blocks
Adam Reed Tucker’s creations are currently on display at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Architects | Sep 15, 2016
Implicit bias: How the unconscious mind drives business decisions
Companies are tapping into the latest research in psychology and sociology to advance their diversity and inclusion efforts when it comes to hiring, promoting, compensation, and high-performance teaming, writes BD+C's David Barista.
Museums | Sep 14, 2016
Architectural model museum opens in Japan
The museum includes models from Japanese architects including Shingeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, and Riken Yamamoto.
