Contract - September 2011 - (Page 18)

industry news Architects’ Salaries Stagnate and Billings Drop The sluggish economy continues to impact the architecture and design professions and related industries, as indicated by data released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The data reveals that the average salaries of architects and designers have been stagnant over the past three years, and that the AIA’s Architecture Billings Index declined for the fifth straight month with the largest drop since early 2010. The average increase in total compensation for staff architecture positions was a meager $1,600 between 2008 and 2011, according to the 2011 AIA Compensation Survey. “In addition to reducing benefits offered to employees, architecture firms have been faced with devastating conditions and had to make difficult reductions in expenses,” says AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Ph.D, Hon. AIA. “Salary freezes or reductions, scaled back hours, the conversion of fulltime to part-time or contract positions, and mandatory furloughs have all taken a toll on the compensation of architects.” The average salary of senior design/project management staff decreased from $98,800 in 2008 to $94,900 in 2011 after it had risen from $85,500 in 2005. The average salary of architects/designers had increased from 2005 to 2008 from $57,700 to $71,600, but has since stagnated and remains at $71,600 in 2011. The intern position was one of the few that has continued to have increases, although modest in recent years. Interns earn on average $47,000 in 2011 after averaging $45,400 in 2008 and $38,800 in 2005. Drop in billings The AIA announced in August that its Architecture Billings Index, a leading economic indicator of construction activity and demand for design services, fell in July to 45.1 from 46.3 in June. This was the steepest one-month decline in billings since February 2010. The Architecture Billings Index reflects the approximate nineto 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending, and any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. The new projects inquiry index was 53.7 in July, down from 58.1 in June. —John Czarnecki The solution to your power struggles. Connectrac’s revolutionary new wireway system is now only . 75” high and incorporates wider and lower- sloping side ramps made of earth-friendly, moisture-resistant MDF. This floor-mounted cabling access system provides connections for power and communications . wiring anywhere on the floor. For more information visit connectrac.com or call 877- 480-5637 Connectivity with flexibility Visit www.contractdesign.com for updates to the AIA monthly billings data. www.contractdesign.com Select No. 22 at ContractDesign.com/readerservice http://www.connectrac.com http://www.connectrac.com http://www.contractdesign.com http://www.contractdesign.com http://www.ContractDesign.com/readerservice

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - September 2011

Contract - September 2011
Contents
Editorial
Industry News
Product Briefs: Sustainable
Product Focus: Here Comes the Sun
Product Focus: Cream of the Crop
Memory Museum
Triple Threat
Mission Sustainable
Model of Sustainability
Desert Oasis
LEED by Example
Cooking Light
Trends: The Resilient Workplace
Ideas: Chair History
Designers Select: Boardroom Furnishings
Sources
Ad Index
Perspectives: Steven M. Davis, Faia, Aedas

Contract - September 2011