Hays Architecture - October 2007

Hotspots

In an unusual trend for the architectural industry, drafters rather than qualified architects are in most demand at present. With architects typically focusing on design and client liaison, solid documentation candidates can secure roles in respected design firms and are receiving strong salaries.

Less surprising is the increased demand for graduate architects with three to four years experience. In addition to their architectural skills, these candidates are valued for their eagerness to assist with all stages of the project as they seek the experience required for registration and career progression.

Interior designers for corporate offices and retail designers have also become hotspots since workloads remain high and the scarcity of experienced permanent candidates impact the market.

The coming quarter

In general Australia's architecture industry is very buoyant with hiring intentions equally positive. Firms have indicated their need to secure candidates and in many cases are willing to employ a suitable candidate, regardless of experience level. As a result, graduates are in a better position than ever to secure their first role.

In Melbourne a number of firms have announced local and international mixed-use projects of immense sizes and so candidates with a background in large scale commercial or health will be particularly sought over the quarter.

Given the high workload for design firms, demand for quality candidates will remain over the quarter. Yet the scarcity of permanent candidates means contract recruitment is expected to be high as employers fill a vacancy with a temporary candidate to ensure workloads are completed until a permanent employee is sourced.

Executive recruitment

The requirement for senior architectural candidates remains low. Many employers are unwilling to offer salaries above $100,000, regardless of a candidate's experience. Long-term and high performing employees are often tracked for director and associate positions but with the current market dictating a general decrease in the average tenure of employment, managers are beginning to more readily explore the recruitment of executive staff.

Salaries

Salaries continue to climb, reflecting the two-fold nature of salary pressures. On one hand the shortage of suitable staff is impacting salaries, while on the other candidates themselves have recognised their skills are in demand and are seeking financial benefit as a result.

Last quarter we were still witnessing employer resistance to higher salary requests from candidates, however with little change in the supply and demand ratio these employers are now prepared to increase their salary offer to secure a candidate with significant experience.

Other trends

With architectural professionals in such demand and workloads high, many businesses will employ a suitable candidate as soon as one is identified, rather than wait until they have a specific vacancy that needs filling. While this is a definite change for employers, it is a successful strategy for ensuring a business has the suitable architectural staff required for their ongoing work.