Nearly half of architects expect work to fall-off

Despite nearly half of architects expecting the amount of work to decrease further, a small majority forecast work levels will increase or remain the same during 2012.

The survey carried out by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) found 15% of firms expect to see an increase and 38% expect activity to remain the same as last year.

However of the 242 practices that participated in the online survey, 47% expect to experience a further decrease in work over the coming year.

The biggest fall remains in the broader housing sector with an expected 44% decrease in services.

The RIAI said this figure may decrease slightly when firms begin to experience the impact of the Department of Education’s plan, to build and open dozens of new schools in urban areas by 2017.

Nearly 58% of practices said they have expanded their services as a direct response to the downturn, with many citing an increase in people seeking services on green issues.

The survey found that architectural practices have re-focussed on sustainability and conservation with nearly half of practices saying they expect 2012 to see an increase in work activities in these areas.

Director of the RIAI, John Graby said although firms are expecting further decreases in the housing sector, a lot of firms will experience increases in other areas.

“The green issue has become very important, also an increase of 27% is forecast in domestic renovations and extensions. Although many architects complain about being under-employed, only 14% are receiving social welfare which is in line with the national average,” said Mr Graby.

The survey found that 80% of firms do not expect staffing levels to change, which could suggest stabilisation.

John Graby said this type of survey of architect practices is a very important lead indicator for economic commentators reviewing construction activity in the economy. “In an industry that has been absolutely decimated we are taking some small comfort in that a small majority, but a majority all the same, are saying that things don’t look like they’re going to get worse for them. The institute intends to carry out similar surveys on a quarterly basis which should help the authorities find key areas to help kick start the construction sector.”