The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published October 2012 results of its Future Trends Survey. The RIBA Future Trends Workloads Index for October 2012 is +7, a significant improvement from -3 in September 2012.
"Although this month's Workloads Index is a very positive finding it would be imprudent to forecast a sustained improvement on a single month's figure," commented Adrian Dobson, RIBA Director of Practice. "The market for architects' services does at least appear to be more stable at present with 53% of respondents expecting no change in workloads over the next quarter."
London (balance figure +17) continues to appear to be generally more positive than other parts of the United Kingdom and medium sized practices (11 - 50 staff) are currently the most optimistic about future workloads.
The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index increased to -1 in October 2012, up from -6 in September 2012 but not yet entering positive territory.
According to the quarterly reporting data from practices, the current permanent staffing levels are at 99% (compared to 12 months ago). This suggests that although practices are not yet hiring new staff in significant numbers the overall employment market for architects is at least stable. Practices are overall employing 5% more students (year-out and post part 2) than they were 12 months ago.