Survey
A Global Overview
The Mortal Case Of An Architect
International Architects Sweden conducted a brief survey among architects worldwide to gain insight into the industry.
The collected data indicates that the economic crisis has impacted certain European countries, and there are challenges in other regions due to various ongoing issues.
Collage created by International Architects Sweden. Sources: Grete Stern Self-portrait 1943, and Imperial War Museum/Oxford Journals.
The construction industry in Sweden has noticeably slowed down in the past two years. This has resulted from many factors such as Sweden's overall economy slowing down since 2023, the high interest rates imposed on housing schemes, and inflation.
The unemployment rate amongst architects in Sweden has been the highest since the '90s recession, however, the market is expected to improve by 2026.
One of the risks the profession faces is architects leaving the industry, leading to a skills shortage when the market recovers.
International Architects Sweden conducted a brief survey among architects worldwide to gain insight into the industry elsewhere.
The collected data indicates that certain European countries have been impacted, and there are challenges in other regions due to various ongoing issues.
The survey results may not be fully conclusive due to the small sample size. However, the main topic of global discussion is sustainable architecture and the professional challenges faced by architects, including the negative impact of a commercially driven market on the quality of their work.
While the profession is booming in some parts of the world with a shortage of skills reported, there is a slowdown in other parts due to factors such as inflation, cost of materials, government policies, poor economy, and the aftermath of COVID-19.
Collected Data
May-August 2024
Platform
Google Form
Number of Participants
52
Gender
Female (36%), Male (40%), Unknown (24%)
Participants' Profession
Architect
Number of Countries
32
Countries
Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Tunisia, Vietnam, UAE, UK, USA
Continents
Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Europe/Asia, Middle East, North America, Oceania, South America
Disclaimer: The collected data and comments are based on the participants' perspectives and opinions. It does not represent the majority’s opinion, nor an organisation, and is not strictly conclusive about the current situation in each country or continent.
Countries Participated
Continents
Number of Participants
Africa 5
Asia 4
Southeast Asia 4
Europe 22
Europe/Asia 3
Middle East 2
North America 6
Oceania 3
South America 1
Has the construction industry slowed down in your country of residence since 2023?
Reasons Behind The Slowdown
Which sectors are currently booming?
Top 4 Booming Sectors
Which sectors are currently struggling?
Top 4 Struggling Sectors
Have Architects Been Made Redundant During The Last Two Years?
What Is The Unemployment Rate Amongst Architects
1 = Low Unemployment Rate
5 = High Unemployment Rate
Trending Topics Of Discussions
Additional Thoughts
The participants were asked to give further comments and share insights into what they found relevant to the issues currently faced in the industry. Below are some of their responses.
Diversity is becoming much more pushed in practice as young aspiring architects from underrepresented backgrounds are now pursuing architecture more than ever.
UK
In this part of the world, architects face the challenge of scope creep and low fees.
Singapore
The profession has to find ways to give upcoming architects hope to believe in the profession and what it has to offer to their future. Hence there is a need to redefine paradigms.
Nigeria
Lots of architects have recently been made redundant due to workload jumping up and down. It’s hard to manage staff and projects.
Australia
My experience is limited to Bavaria which is always doing better than other counties in Germany.
Germnay
Architects should think about sustainability. Although it is a client-oriented market people demand luxury here, which can be a negative aspect of architecture.
Pakistan
Currently, we can notice the profession booming, especially in the transport and hospital sectors. Despite a strong demand, the housing sector is facing some problems due to a lack of planning and finance.
Senegal
It is hard for young, minority ethnic graduates not speaking Danish to find jobs. Many leave after some months.
Denmark
Architects need to add more services to their portfolio, especially ESG, sustainability and energy.
Germany
The Indian context is unique as there are a lot of opportunities.
India
Accept freshers.
India
Most architects are moving abroad rather than working in Lebanon.
Lebonan
I am based in San Francisco which is heavily impacted by the changes occurring in the Tech industry, so may not be reflective of the national picture.
USA
We are part of the solution to climate change but forced to work in a market-driven environment, often hindered rather than helped by government policies. The EU green deal brings hope, the ongoing war in Ukraine makes life hard. To put it simply :)
Netherlands
Further Insignts
To better understand global issues affecting the profession, IAS has interviewed architects from different countries and continents. These professionals offer unique perspectives and valuable insights into the industry in their local contexts and regions, and in relation to the global scale. Read more.
North America
United States
New York
Architect,FAIA,NOMA,LEED AP
CEO
Adjaye Associates
Southeast Asia
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
Architects
Founders
Tran Thi Ngu Ngon & Nguyen Hai Long
