The Royal
Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Future Trends Workload Index made a
strong recovery in the final month of 2017, rising from -1 in November 2017
back into positive territory at +8 in December.
In terms
of geographical analysis, the picture remained mixed. Practices in the North of
England were the most upbeat in December (balance figure +22), closely followed
by the Midlands and East Anglia (balance figure +18).
Practices
in London continue to be more pessimistic about future workloads, although the
balance figures for London of -5 was somewhat better than in recent previous
months, rising from -15 in November 2017, the lowest figure for London
practices seen last year. Workloads seem to be fairly steady regardless
of practice size.
In terms
of different work sectors, all the sector forecasts moved upwards, reversing
November’s downward movement. The private housing sector workload forecast
remained the most positive, bouncing back up to +9 in December 2017.
The
commercial sector workload forecast had a balance figure of +8 in December
2017, up from -3 in November. These continue to be the two work sectors that
are primarily driving demand for architectural services.
The
community sector workload forecast (balance figure -4) and the public sector
workload forecast (balance figure -1) both saw gains but remain the weakest
sector forecasts.
The RIBA
Future Trends Staffing Index also bounced back this month, standing at +5 in
December 2017 compared with -4 in November, climbing back out of negative
territory.
When asked
whether a lack of work over the last month had led to them personally being
underemployed, just 13% said yes, suggesting that there is not an excessive
amount of slack in the architectural labour market at present and that
employment prospects for salaried architects remain fairly stable.
RIBA Executive
Director Members, Adrian Dobson, said: “December’s commentary provides a more
positive picture, with many practices forecasting an increase in future
workloads.
"The private
housing refurbishment and extension market remains generally brisk for many,
however a number of larger practices continue to report that Brexit uncertainty
is putting a brake on development investment. Low price competition from non-architect
purveyors of architectural services also continues to be a talking point for a
number of correspondents.”
