Today is World Architecture Day. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Next Generation to Participate in Urban Design,” shines a spotlight on critical issues in urban development, including energy efficiency, sustainable materials, waste management, and enhanced mobility, as emphasized by the Union of International Architects.
Deltek has looked back at its Clarity 2024 report to draw out some of the findings about architects. To identify any trends to support World Architecture Day. While cybersecurity has been a significant concern for AEC firms, architecture firms also see meeting ESG deadlines as a key business risk for 2024.
70% plan to increase their commitment to ESG goals. It demonstrates forward thinking and a commitment to ESG goals. Architecture firms are embracing sustainability schemes.
There are now more than 2.33 million BREEAM-registered buildings across 102 countries, with 610,000 having received certification to date. Other leading schemes such as LEED, WELL, and DGNB are also recognised across many countries and gaining traction. In investing in their workforce, architects are ensuring their teams are better able to meet these emerging schemes across all design areas.
As a backdrop, the report also identified that 56% of architecture firms are looking to hire more staff this year. Firms are also willing to invest in these new as well as their existing workforce. Amongst AEC firms, Architectural practices are most likely (32%) to prioritize upskilling and training their workforce. That is 12% higher than engineering firms and 8% higher than consultants.
Architects are also most likely to invest in new technologies, such as AI (36%). Architecture firms are also more likely to feel that AI can improve their organisationโs internal communication.
Retention and recruitment are always a concern for architecture firms. Research from KPMG UK indicates that aligning company values and employee expectations is positive. The younger workforce is also seeking employers that have a strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Research by the University of Washington for the American Institute of Architects Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee also identified three areas that will promote employee engagement: Meaningful work, A supportive workplace and effective leadership. Firms with a strong commitment to ESG that offer further training are more likely to attract and retain their future workforce.
Neil Davidson, Group Vice President, Deltek, comments, โWorld Architecture Dayโs 2024 theme, โEmpowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design,โ is an inspiring theme that encourages this next generation of architects to take ownership of their communities and drive forward-thinking urban development in exciting new directions.
โArchitectural firms are ambitious about workforce growth and the potential for diverse perspectives to shape new and sustainable developments. Our research reveals a golden opportunity for firms to enhance their talent strategies and accelerate their ESG progress with the enthusiasm and active participation of the next generation.
โTo continue in their upward trajectory, firms must focus on creating opportunities for up-and-coming architects to drive meaningful change. With the rise of smart cities and technological transformation, young minds will be essential to creating sustainable and resilient urban environments and empowering the workforce of the future.โ
Deltek provides software that can assist architects. With 28% looking to attract talent in the next year, firms need modern cloud-based, mobile-enabled technology that meets the needs of the digital-first generation of recruits.
With the right technology and the right culture firms are more likely to have greater success. DesignInc, a Deltek customer, is one example of an architecture firm investing in the next generation to drive sustainable urban environments. It also launched its first Sustainability Action Plans and achieved carbon neutrality across its offices in Melbourne and Sydney, it aims to achieve carbon neutrality during 2024.
It has a clear focus on how to improve its culture. Scott Huston, Head of Knowledge, Systems and Compliance at DesignInc, commented, โWe support emerging talent with scholarships and educational opportunities that enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation within architecture and design generally.
โThe programme provides support and mentorship while enriching diversity in architectural discussions reflective of the communities they serve. This helps nurture the next generation of architects, whichโin turnโhelps both our industry and our business.โ
Deltek is investing in AI to deliver greater automation for Architects, reducing the amount of manual work and enabling workers to spend more time on human-centric tasks such as design. As World Architecture Day unfolds, initiatives such as those by DesignInc should become more commonplace.
For Deltek, while the Clarity report did not offer a huge amount of detailed insights around architects, there are some interesting bullet points, and the wider research has significant value.
Source: enterprisetimes.co.uk
