Two-thirds of architecture firms report slowing or stoppage of projects due to COVID-19, according to a survey by the American Institute of Architects.
A March 27 report from the American Institute of Architects reveals the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on architecture firms in the United States.
An AIA survey found that 50 percent 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 percent) anticipated 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 percent below expectations. This situation is anticipated to worsen in April, with 94 percent of firms expecting revenue declines, and over half of firms (57 percent) anticipating that the revenue falloff will exceed 10 percent.
“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, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. “Different businesses are feeling the impact of the slowdown differently.”