AIA Reports on COVID-19's Impact on U.S. Architecture Firms

Washington, DC, March 31, 2020-A new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reveals the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on architecture firms in the U.S.

A recent AIA survey found that 50% of architecture firms reported fewer new design projects for March-as of the March 23 survey date-as compared to their expectations entering the month. In terms of work on active projects, the overwhelming majority of architecture firms (83%) are anticipating a decline in revenue for March relative to their expectations heading into the month, with over a third of firms estimating that their revenue will be at least 10% below expectations. This situation is anticipated to worsen in April, with 94% of firms expecting revenue declines, and over half of firms (57%) anticipating that the revenue falloff will exceed 10%.

“Like most other businesses, U.S. architecture firms are heading into uncharted waters regarding what the economy holds in store for them as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out globally,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, PhD. “Different businesses are feeling the impact of the slowdown differently.”

Beyond billing activity, just under half of firms (48%) indicated that all, or almost all, of their staff are now working remotely, while 31% reported that some of their staff are working remotely. Few firms reported a major impact to their staff due to family/personal reasons, but 15% of firms said that at least some of their staff are currently unable to work at all.

Visit AIA’s website to access the full report.

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