Recruitment Insights in the Architecture and Interior Design Sectors - September 2024
As we transition into autumn, the UK architecture industry began to demonstrate signs of recovery. We explore the key opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we look towards the future.
In this edition, we feature an exclusive interview with Shaleen Von Albedyhll, a Recruitment Consultant for Interior Design, who offered valuable career advice for professionals in the field.
Additionally, we highlight findings from our 2024 Architecture Salary Survey, revealing the evolving priorities of architects in today’s market.
We also welcome Xavier Perkiss to the FRAME team. His enthusiasm and expertise will significantly enhance our recruitment efforts.
Read on...
Signs of Recovery and Optimism in the Architecture Sector
As we move through September 2024, the UK economy showed positive signs of recovery. Following a mild recession last year, the first quarter of 2024 recorded a growth rate of 0.7%. The Bank of England predicted continued growth through to 2027, offering reassurance to both studios and candidates in the architecture industry.
Key Growth Areas
Repair & Maintenance (R&M): The housing R&M sector grew by 8.6%, while non-housing R&M saw a 9.5% increase from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024.
Public Non-Housing Projects: Sectors such as schools and hospitals performed well, with a growth rate of 3.9%.
Areas of Concern
Not all sectors experienced growth:
Private Industrial: Declined by 11.7%.
Infrastructure: Dropped by 6.4%.
Private Housing: Decreased by 12.1%.
Despite these challenges, the construction industry was expected to grow steadily, with Glenigan forecasting a 3% industry-wide increase in 2024, and growth accelerating in the years to come.
The Architecture Industry: Cautious Optimism
For architecture specifically, there were signs of a positive turnaround. The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index rose to +4 in June 2024, indicating growing confidence among architects. Additionally, the Permanent Staffing Index reached +6, the highest since early 2022, suggesting that firms were preparing for long-term growth by hiring more permanent staff.
Challenges Ahead
However, challenges remained:
Planning Delays: The planning system continued to cause delays and increase costs.
Cash Flow & Payments: Cash-flow issues, late payments from clients, and fee competition from outside the profession were still significant concerns.
Looking Forward
In summary, while the architecture sector faced ongoing challenges, the signs of recovery were encouraging. Increasing workloads and staffing levels suggested a more optimistic future for the industry.
Sources:
Book a call with Jonty Cooke, Director of FRAME, to discuss long-term recruitment plans:
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Meet Shaleen Von Albedyhll, Recruitment Consultant for Interior Design at FRAME Recruitment
Shaleen Von Albedyhll is dedicated to connecting talented interior design professionals with some of the most exciting opportunities in the industry.
Whether you’re a Senior Concept Designer, Midweight Interior Architect, Midweight FF&E Designer, Project Lead, Midweight Interior Designer, or any other Interior Design candidate, Shaleen is always up-to-date with the latest job opportunities.
With her industry insights and passion for design, Shaleen is committed to helping you find your next career move in the vibrant world of interior design.
What types of roles are currently in high demand in the London interior design market, and what trends are driving this demand?
"Currently, there is strong demand for Midweight Interior Designers and FF&E Designers, particularly in the high-end residential and hospitality sectors. This demand is driven by a few key trends:
Luxury Residential Projects: With more clients investing in bespoke, high-end residential spaces, there’s a growing need for designers who can create unique, luxurious interiors.
Hospitality Growth: The luxury hospitality market is booming, leading to an increased need for designers who specialise in high-end hotels and upscale dining establishments.
Sustainability: There’s a rising emphasis on sustainable design practices, influencing the types of projects and skills that are in demand.
These trends are driving the need for talented designers who can meet the evolving demands of the market."
What are your top three tips for a great portfolio?
"It’s crucial to keep your portfolio up-to-date and reflective of your skills and capabilities. Here are my top three tips for a standout portfolio:
Diverse Work: Showcase a variety of projects to highlight your versatility. Include different styles and scales to demonstrate your ability to handle various design challenges and settings.
Design Process: Go beyond the final images. Include sketches, mood boards, and snapshots of your project milestones to offer insight into your creative process and problem-solving approach.
Personal Touch: Add a personal touch by including stories or reflections on your projects. This could be about specific design challenges you faced, innovative solutions you implemented, or how you collaborated with clients. It helps potential employers connect with your work on a deeper level."
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Given the variety of software skills required by your clients, how do you assess a candidate’s proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit during the recruitment process?
"To assess a candidate’s software skills, I like to dive into their experience through specific project discussions. During the interview, I ask candidates to describe a project from their portfolio and detail the software they used at each stage. I might ask them to walk me through how they used AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit for different aspects of the project—such as initial sketches, detailed designs, and final presentations. This approach not only reveals their technical proficiency but also provides insight into their problem-solving abilities and how they integrate various tools into their workflow."
How do you help candidates prepare for interviews with high-end clients? Are there particular skills or experiences you encourage them to highlight?
"I typically conduct a thorough preparation session via Microsoft Teams. During this session, we delve into the specifics of the role and the client’s expectations. I provide tailored tips on how to effectively showcase their skills and relevant projects to align with the studio's needs and the open role.
We also address any questions the candidate might have, ensuring they feel fully prepared. My approach is that thorough preparation boosts confidence, which in turn helps candidates present their best selves and highlight their skills effectively during the interview."
Please tell me something fun or interesting about yourself that others may not know.
"I’m a huge country music fan, and I don’t shy away from hard work. If I weren’t living in the UK, you’d probably find me on a ranch somewhere in America. I’m captivated by the storytelling and emotions conveyed through country music. So, if there’s a country music event or concert in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ll spot me there, enjoying the tunes and good vibes."
For any Interior Design Recruitment Inquiries, Get In Touch With Shaleen Today:
Architecture Salary Survey 2024 - Key Stats from the Survey
Our Architecture Salary Survey 2024 tells an important story about the changing landscape of the architecture profession.
As 61% of architects consider new job opportunities in the coming year, the desire for better salaries, improved work-life balance, and career progression emerges as a driving force.
Many are working unpaid overtime, feeling the strain of benefits that don’t meet their needs, and watching salaries struggle to keep pace with the cost of living.
These key stats reflect a workforce eager for change and a more sustainable future in the industry:
61% of architects said they were planning to look for a new job in the next 12 months (Up from 48% YOY)
Top Job-Seeking Motivations: 1) Better Salary & Benefits, 2) Better Work-Life Balance, 3) Career Progression
74% of architects are working at least 1-3 hours of overtime (79% are not paid for it)
72% of architects said they think AI will have a positive impact on Architecture
87% of architects believe the architecture industry should be doing more to promote sustainability
Top Employee Benefits In-Demand: 1) Bonus, 2) Working from home, 3) Flexible hours
73% of architects do not think their employer offers enough benefits
86% of architects have had a pay rise (over one-third received one in the last six months)
44% of architects who got a pay rise said it was under 5%
93% of architects do not believe salaries are keeping up with the cost of living
66% of architects would turn down a job offer if it did not offer at least one day per week of remote working
62% of architects would turn down a job offer if it did not offer flexible hours
The survey highlights a clear call for employers to adapt to evolving expectations, from offering competitive pay and flexible working arrangements to embracing sustainability.
Understanding and addressing these priorities will be crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.
Welcome to the team Xavier Perkiss
We were thrilled to welcome Xavier Perkiss to the FRAME Recruitment team.
Xavier brings a passion for doing things brilliantly that aligns perfectly with our values.
His expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our projects and clients.
We can’t wait to see the incredible contributions Xavier will make as he embarks on this new journey with us.
Please Contact Xavier Perkiss To Discuss Architecture Recruitment Today:
Until next time, thank you for reading
We are people specialists in the Architecture and Interior Design sectors.
Thank you for taking the time to read the September edition of our LinkedIn Newsletter.
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