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
Building Team | May 8, 2015
Surety bond forms specifically for design-build projects now available
The documents are the first of their kind to be coauthored by designers and builders.
High-rise Construction | May 6, 2015
Parks in the sky? Subterranean bike paths? Meet the livable city, designed in 3D
Today’s great cities must be resilient—and open—to many things, including the influx of humanity, writes Gensler co-CEO Andy Cohen.
Architects | May 5, 2015
How to build 'smart' teams
In today's complex world, there are no simple answers—solutions to our most pressing problems aren't offered in 140 characters. Instead, it takes teams of people to rise to a challenge, resolve issues, and execute on strategy, writes Paladino's Julie Honeywell.
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2015
Trade groups extend campaign to promote apartment living
The groups claim that there are more than 37 million Americans—12% of the population—living in just under 20 million apartment units nationwide. Apartments and their residents contribute $1.3 trillion annually to the economy.
Contractors | May 1, 2015
Nonresidential fixed investments fall in latest Construction Economic Update
This is the first time that nonresidential fixed investment declined since the first quarter of 2011, ABC reported. Nonresidential fixed investment had been rising by more than 4% on an annualized basis during five of the previous six quarters.
Architects | Apr 30, 2015
Safdie Architects accepting applications for 2015 Research Fellowship
The program, which features a theme of “dense urbanism,” encourages participants to tackle the challenges associated with contemporary urban landscapes using new tools and solutions to create a better functioning and humane city.
Museums | Apr 27, 2015
Finalists’ designs for Guggenheim Helsinki competition released
A custom-developed App engages an international public in the selection process.
Wood | Apr 26, 2015
Building wood towers: How high is up for timber structures?
The recent push for larger and taller wood structures may seem like an architectural fad. But Building Teams around the world are starting to use more large-scale structural wood systems.
Museums | Apr 23, 2015
Moshe Safdie unveils pentagonal scheme for National Medal of Honor Museum
The new museum near Charleston, S.C., will archive the history of the nation's highest military honorees.
Green | Apr 23, 2015
3 sustainable projects take top prize in 2015 Global Holcim Awards
Projects from Colombia, Sri Lanka, and the U.S. were chosen by the Holcim Foundation for the impact the projects have on their local communities.