Monday, January 30 10:24:38

The first in a series of surveys of members of the Royal
Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) shows that a majority
(52.8pc) say they are expecting work levels to increase or
remain the same during 2012.

Architects are considered lead indicators for the construction
sector as they are involved in the drawing up of plans and
applying for planning permissions before the commencement of
construction.

The Q1 2012 survey of RIAI practices, which was carried out by
the RIAI in the 2nd week of January 2012, was answered by 242
practices across the country - around half of all practices.
15.2pc of practices are expecting an increase in work. 37.6pc
are expecting activity to remain the same - an aggregate of
52.8pc - while 47.2pc are expecting a decrease in work.

The biggest increase in work is expected in domestic
renovations and extensions (27.3pc) while the biggest fall is
forecast to be in broader housing (43.9pc). Many architectural
practices have re-focussed on sustainability and conservation
and 46.5pc of practices that answered the anonymous online
survey said they expect to see an increase in work in these
areas during the coming year. This increase in advice on
'green' issues is reflected in the responses given when asked
whether 'practices have changed or expanded their services in
response to the current climate in the construction industry'.
57pc of practices say they have expanded their services as a
direct response to the downturn.

Commenting on the results John Graby, Director of the RIAI,
said, "This is the first such survey that we have carried out.
In other jurisdictions, particularly in the US, this type of
survey of architect practices has become 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 and
just over 15pc say things are on the up. This will be a key
figure to watch in future surveys.

 

See more here:
Chink of light for embattled architects

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January 30, 2012 at 4:51 pm by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Architects