RIAI finds “over half of architects optimistic”

logo_riaiA survey by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has found that just over 15 percent of architecture practices believe they will see an increase in work this year while almost 38 percent expect their activity to remain the same, with the remainder expecting another fall-off in work this year.

According to John Graby, director of the RIAI, architects were considered to be “lead indicators” for the construction sector overall as they were involved in the
early stages. “In an industry that has been absolutely decimated we are taking some small comfort in that small majority, but majority all the same, are saying that things don’t look like they’re going to get worse for them and just over 15pc say things are on the up. This will be key figure to watch in future surveys”

The biggest increase in work is expected to come from domestic renovations and extensions as homeowners stay put and improve their houses rather than trying to sell. The survey was carried out in January and was answered by 242 around half of practices around the country.