Hays Architecture - April 2007

Hotspots

Queensland:

Project architects are currently in most demand in Queensland, as a number of projects emerge from the initial concept phase and thus require experienced project architects to manage the process. Also in demand are:

• CAD technicians, particularly those with experience in technical industries, including pharmaceutical and health - a number of health projects are about to commence and an overall shortage of these skills is heating demand.
• Registered architects with three to five years' experience - this demand remains due to the ongoing severe shortage of these skills. These all-round candidates are valued for their ability to take control of a project and see it through to completion.
• Interior designers - candidates with over eight years experience, an ability to liaise with clients and good knowledge of local products are in most demand.
• Senior interior designers - high levels of overseas projects are attracting senior candidates who view them as more exciting and financially rewarding. This is leaving a shortfall of candidates for the local corporate sector.
• Urban designers - this niche market is continually evolving. Following the movement of landscape architects and town planners into urban roles several years ago and the minimal levels of graduates in urban design to replace them, there is a gap in the candidate market of those with three to five years' experience.
• Documenters - demand for both architectural and interiors requirements are high.

New South Wales:

Quality candidates at an intermediate level are in high demand, particularly those with five years experience. There are positive levels of graduate and entry-level candidates available, while senior candidates are equally present and currently employed. However there is a shortage of candidates at the intermediate level, as overseas travel and moving interstate are realistic options and many candidates have left the state with no noticeable influx of skills back into NSW to compensate.

The coming quarter

Queensland's activity will be focused on the recruitment of permanent project architects, while temporary activity should be high for CAD technicians who remain in great demand. In particular, those with commercial or large-scale documentation experience are required. Residential project work has slowed, so this will not be an area of new job growth.

In New South Wales permanent vacancy activity will remain steady, but temporary requirements are expected to increase with many new projects on the horizon creating a surge in workloads.

Executive recruitment

Strong demand for executives in Queensland's architecture market exists. Demand is across the board for all facets of architecture, with a number of key roles required at associate and senior levels. This should continue over the whole of the quarter, as companies are keen to hire the right person rather than the first person that becomes available. However in NSW the architectural industry is very top-heavy and hence demand for executives is minimal.

Salaries

Salaries are expected to remain stable, with a slight increase at the beginning of the new financial year when firms formally review salaries.

Candidate trends

In a positive trend there has been an increase in candidates in general, particularly at the senior level in Queensland, as increasing numbers of senior vacancy advertisements create very strong interest. On the other hand candidates have become very secure regarding the prospects within the market and are increasingly considering temporary work as an alternative to permanent jobs. A solid source of contract candidates has been overseas visitors in Australia on a working holiday visa.

Other trends

Practices seeking to retain their best staff will need to place more emphasis on training and offering career progression. A majority of those people looking to move cite these as major reasons for leaving. Therefore it will be of benefit to practices to implement structured training and career paths in order to attract and retain the best candidates.