The Sector Study is a biennial survey commissioned by the Architects\u2019 Council of Europe (ACE) and co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, that collects and analyses statistical, sociological and economic data on European architects, the architectural market and architectural practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drawing on responses from 28,000 architects across 29 European countries, the 2024 edition of the Study has been expanded with new research areas, making it the most comprehensive analysis of the architectural profession in Europe. It serves as an indispensable reference for anyone interested in architecture and the built environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This edition sets a new record, with 29 countries from ACE Member Organisations participating\u2014the largest number ever. Additionally, the Sector Study incorporates this year’s national surveys conducted in Germany by BAK and in the UK by the RIBA, further enriching its scope. The 2024 Sector Study shows that, there are now 580\u2009000 architects across 30 European countries, marking an 8% increase over the past decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The profession is approaching gender parity, women now represent 45% of professionals. Most architects work full-time, and a significant portion, 46%, are practice owners or principals, many operating as small, independent firms. More work as Principals now compared with 10 years ago. The European construction market is valued at \u20ac2\u2009600 billion and architect practices have a 1 per cent share of this, generating total practice turnover of \u20ac26 billion. Private housing dominates this sector, representing over half of architectural work. However, rising uncertainty has dampened outlooks, with 37% of architects expecting decreased workloads in the coming year, against 19% anticipating more work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Architectural practices remain small; nearly 70% are solo operations. Despite challenges, average turnover for all practice sizes is recovering from the pandemic slump although inflation has eroded rises recorded over the last two years. Practices increasingly offer post-occupancy evaluations to gauge building performance, and more architects now engage in sustainable design, with 54% frequently incorporating low-energy design principles. Architects\u2019 earnings have reached an average of \u20ac43\u2009500. The rise over the last two years matches inflation. A persistent gender pay gap remains, with male architects earning, on average, 22% more than their female counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArchitecture is no longer just about building structures – it\u2019s about shaping the future. Sustainability is no longer a trend, but a baseline expectation. More than 54% of architects regularly integrate low-energy design, and post-occupancy evaluations are becoming more standard in the industry. The mission is clear: architects must lead in the fight for a built environment that is resilient, responsible and ready for the challenges ahead. And through it all, one fact stands firm: this profession is built to endure. In a time of economic shifts and global uncertainty, architects continue to innovate, create and inspire – designing spaces that are not only sustainable and inclusive but built to stand the test of time”<\/em> stated Ruth Schagemann<\/strong>, ACE President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re extremely grateful to over 28,000 architects who participated in this year\u2019s survey. This year\u2019s is the ninth biennial survey we have conducted for ACE and participation has reached a new high. The data provided by respondents shows a profession made up of very small practices; nearly half of architects run their own businesses. But a profession of small practices can still be significant; architects contribute a massive 26 billion Euros to Europe\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/em> stated one of the report\u2019s authors, Aziz Mirza.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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