Hays Architecture - April 2008

Hotspots

Architects with high-rise or large-scale commercial experience are required in light of the number of commercial projects underway or in the pipeline. Mid-level graduate architects with four to six years solid experience are also needed.

Design architects with between three and seven years experience are in demand, with employers looking for candidates to work with experienced architects as the design power house within the firm. These candidates can complete detailed documentation with minimum supervision and small to medium firms view these candidates as future leaders within the practice, anticipating they will remain with the company long-term.

The coming quarter

Workload activities will remain steady for most employers and will rise towards the end of the quarter as several major projects commence. Queensland felt recent drop in movement as the majority of companies held off recruiting in March until after the election, and in light of the closure of two major construction companies. Despite this, the market is not a cause for concern, with vacancies expected to pick up again over the coming quarter.

Executive recruitment

Solid levels of demand for senior candidates at the associate level will remain. Rather than at the principal level, the hotspot is at the level below, with candidates recruited with a view to become a principal in two to four years time.

Salaries

We do not anticipate any significant changes to salaries over the next quarter, with architectural salaries instead increasing steadily. This is the case across the board, even in the hotspot areas of demand.

Candidate trends

Candidates are typically seeking work on high-profile projects or looking to progress into positions with higher levels of responsibility and higher associated salaries. Candidates have started to change roles for social reasons, such as a lack of a social team environment and personality clashes within their existing team.