Architect workload still well below 2022 level 

Firms are slightly more positive about the outlook for new orders and sales this fall. Architectural firms' average work supply rose to 4.9 months, but is still well below the spring 2022 level of 5.9 months. New construction remains under pressure, while transformations and renovations are on the rise. That's according to the BNA Autumn 2023 Economic Survey.

Less new construction, more transformations and renovations

Despite increased work supply, agencies expect less work in new construction projects this fall. Nearly 34% expect a declining importance of these. In contrast, 55% of agencies expect transformations and renovations to increase.

Multiple barriers to production

Of all architectural firms, 63% experience production obstacles, which is similar to the last two measurements. Barriers have shifted slightly, with most stemming from insufficient commissions, slow decision making and permitting, especially with municipal governments. Compared to last spring, insufficient orders are seen slightly less often as a barrier, but this remains a major bottleneck for 43% of the agencies.

Significant differences between agencies

Nearly 41% of agencies expect a decline in assignments and 38% expect a decline in revenue. In 16% to 23% of cases, agencies expect an increase in the number of new assignments and their revenue. Of all agencies, 21% expect a decrease and 10% expect an increase in terms of headcount for all of 2023. In doing so, 34% expects an increase in their rates, while 10% actually expects their rates to decrease.

High degree of complexity

Solving the current housing demand is very complex. The housing shortage is great, and at the same time we must also be careful with the space we have in the Netherlands. Architects, like no other, are able to work on solutions in an integral way. They can accelerate the realization of projects, while at the same time coming up with sustainable solutions, whereby scarce budgets are carefully deployed.