Are we finally turning a corner?
1. Market Update
There are some encouraging signs that the architectural market may finally be moving beyond the worst of the downturn, although the recovery remains fragile and inconsistent.
The latest RIBA Future Trends Survey (September 2026) suggests the market is stabilising, with the Workload Index remaining at +1. Some 24% of practices expect workloads to increase over the next three months, 53% anticipate no change and 23% expect a reduction.
London has seen a notable improvement in confidence, with its Workload Index rising from -10 to +9, while the Midlands and East Anglia have also strengthened. However, the South of England remains particularly challenging, falling to -17.
Recruitment expectations have improved slightly, with the Permanent Staffing Index returning to positive territory at +3, although staffing levels remain 5% below those of a year ago.
Our conversations with practices reflect a similarly mixed picture. Most firms still appear to be busy, but projects remain incredibly stop-start, with programmes continually being stretched and clients delaying decisions. Fee competition is exceptionally fierce, making it difficult for practices to plan ahead and commit to recruitment.
We're continuing to see demand for experienced technical architects, architectural technologists, BIM specialists and project architects.
AI is also beginning to influence recruitment, particularly at junior levels, as practices explore how technology can undertake tasks traditionally carried out by less experienced staff. This raises interesting questions about future recruitment and the development of the next generation of architects.
Overall, while the market is far from buoyant, there is a growing feeling that we may have passed the worst and are beginning to see the early stages of recovery.
2. 9B Careers Architectural Salary Survey – Closing Soon!
The early feedback from our ongoing Architectural Salary Survey is also very mixed, although there are some more positive signs emerging.
We're keen to gather as many responses as possible before the survey closes in the next couple of weeks, helping us build a clearer picture of salaries, recruitment trends and confidence across the profession.
If you'd like to receive a copy of our forthcoming salary report, please complete the survey before it closes.
Complete the 9B Careers Salary Survey:
https://9bcareers.typeform.com/SalarySurvey
We'd really appreciate your contribution, and the more responses we receive, the more valuable the final report will be.
3. Our Latest Architectural Opportunities
Despite the challenging market, we're currently recruiting for a range of positions across architecture, technical design, BIM and interiors.
Architecture & Technical
BIM & Design Technology
Specialist Architecture & Interiors
If you'd like to discuss any of these opportunities, or simply have a confidential conversation about the current architectural recruitment market, please get in touch.
Are you seeing signs of improvement in the architectural market, or are projects still proving difficult to get moving?
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