A new report today from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reveals the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on architecture firms in the U.S.
A recent AIA survey found that 50% of architecture firms reported fewer new design projects for March—as of the March 23 survey date—as compared to their expectations entering the month. In terms of work on active projects, the overwhelming majority of architecture firms (83%) are anticipating a decline in revenue for March relative to their expectations heading into the month, with over a third of firms estimating that their revenue will be at least 10% below expectations. This situation is anticipated to worsen in April, with 94% of firms expecting revenue declines, and over half of firms (57%) anticipating that the revenue falloff will exceed 10%.
“Like most other businesses, U.S. architecture firms are heading into uncharted waters regarding what the economy holds in store for them as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out globally.,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Different businesses are feeling the impact of the slowdown differently.”
Beyond billing activity, just under half of firms (48%) indicated that all, or almost all, of their staff are now working remotely, while 31% reported that some of their staff are working remotely. Few firms reported a major impact to their staff due to family/personal reasons, but 15% of firms said that at least some of their staff are currently unable to work at all.
Visit AIA’s website to access the full report.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Sep 28, 2020
Cities to boost spending on green initiatives after the pandemic
More bikeways, car restrictions, mass transit, climate resilience are on tap.
Coronavirus | Sep 28, 2020
Evaluating and investing resources to navigate past the COVID-19 pandemic
As AEC firm leaders consider worst-case scenarios and explore possible solutions to surmount them, they learn to become nimble, quick, and ready to pivot as circumstances demand.
Coronavirus | Sep 24, 2020
The Weekly show: Building optimization tech, the future of smart cities, and storm shelter design
The September 24 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Sep 10, 2020
Mobile ordering is a centerpiece of Burger King’s new design
Its reimagined restaurants are 60% smaller, with several pickup options.
Coronavirus | Sep 9, 2020
Prefab: Construction’s secret weapon against COVID-19
How to know if offsite production is right for your project.
Coronavirus | Sep 3, 2020
The Weekly show: JLL's construction outlook for 2020, and COVID-19's impact on sustainability
The September 3 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Sep 1, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 1, 2020
Co-working developers pivot to survive the pandemic, and the rise of inquiry-based learning in K-12 communities.
Coronavirus | Aug 28, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 28, 2020
Hotel occupancy likely to dip by 29%, and pandemic helps cannabis industry gain firmer footing.
Coronavirus | Aug 27, 2020
8 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 27, 2020
Extended-stay hotels are the lodging sector's safest bet, and industrial real estate faces short-term decline.
Coronavirus | Aug 25, 2020
Co-living firm Common issues RFP for the future home office and work hub
Common, the U.S.’s largest co-living company, recently released an RFP for a “Remote Work Hub” to blend work and life from the ground up.
