Architects have been battling the blues for the last few months, with Brexit nerves finally setting in. With a quarter of its workforce drawn from overseas, hesitant investors and an election on the horizon, it’s hardly surprising that architects are worried about their future workloads.
RIBA reports that architects’ workload predictions fell for the second consecutive month in October 2019, falling from six points to -10. This is the first time since 2012 that the RIBA’s Workload Balance Index has remained in negative territory for two months running.
RIBA Executive Director Professional Services, Adrian Dobson, said: “The commentary from practices in October indicated ongoing concern about Brexit, with reports of fewer enquiries progressing to appointment. It would be reasonable to expect continued concern in November’s figures, following the calling of the General Election.
“It is clear that clients remain apprehensive about committing to investment, and architects are reporting slowing workloads and increasing levels of personal underemployment.
We encourage RIBA members and chartered practices to make use of the range of RIBA tools and guidance. We offer practical advice on Brexit preparedness and how to manage business in times of economic uncertainty.”
Participating practices in Wales and the west of England saw the biggest drop in optimism this month, with workload predictions falling from 0 to -25. Whereas practices elsewhere returned fairly consistent results compared to September, London (-13) and the south of England (-21) both remained in negative territory.
In terms of practice size, smaller practices with fewer than ten staff predicted their workload to decrease over the following three months, dropping seven points to -15. However, the confidence of medium-sized practices (11-50 staff) increased to +31 and large practices (51+ staff) to +25.
In October, the community sector (-8) and public sector (-5) showed slight improvement, while the private housing sector fell two points (-6) and the commercial sector remained at -7.
The Future Trends Staffing Index, which measures expectations of the number of permanent staff over the next three months, fell four points to -1 in October.
RIBA has urged the next government to step up with critical investment, leadership and regulation. In its election manifesto, it implores the government to tackle the housing crisis; building safer, greener, high-quality new homes; and ensure local authorities are empowered and resourced to champion a high-quality built environment.
It has also demanded that architecture is kept global, including maintaining cultural and economic links with Europe; supporting international growth; and creating an immigration system which allows domestic and international talent to thrive.
RIBA President, Alan Jones, said: “The drama in Westminster has delayed any action on some of the UK’s most pressing issues for far too long. From housing to climate change, we are in a state of emergency.
“The Grenfell tragedy and subsequent fires have shown that some buildings, materials, regulations and procurement methods once assumed safe simply aren’t. Their deficiencies have been exposed through the most tragic of circumstances. Fundamental cultural reform is needed from all parts of the industry, but vitally we also need urgent government regulatory action to ensure that the lessons of Grenfell are acted upon.
“The next government must bring together the crucial and immediate regulation and the best expertise to tackle the huge challenges our country faces. This manifesto outlines how architects are ready and willing to help politicians to ensure that the built environment is sustainable, safe and fit for the future.”
