Autumn hiring surge or a dome of caution? My latest market appraisal

Written by

James Jackson

Director

Headlines..

Overall, the UK labour market is cooling considerably, Architecturally speaking it’s remaining resilient and robust, but vacancy numbers overall are materially lower year on year.

Those hiring are doing so cautiously and selectively, while some candidates who don’t need to move are hesitant to do so. As a result, the market for seasoned hires has grown somewhat stagnant.

Despite market challenges – the skills shortage for experienced Architects / Technologist / project leadership roles remains a huge challenge for the industry.

Hiring Impact

Hiring impact signings - Project runners who combine technical depth with client facing and PM skills – know your worth, you are very much in demand!

Graduate roles – It’s been a tough year for entry level opportunities, there are opportunities out there but it’s a highly competitive market for Junior candidates, employers have choice. Graduates need to be prepared and we can help get you battle ready!

Pay & Benefits – Modest uplifts in the lower / median pay ranges over the last 12 months, with the majority of Architectural employers focussed on retention. Hybrid / flexible working remains the key benefit most people want!

Maximising market value – It’s not just employers who are feeling inflationary hiring pressures, the cost of living crisis remains and family budgets are being squeezed, employees are eager to know they are achieving their current market & salary value.

Salary guide – Our 2025 version is being used a valuable benchmarking tool for our clients and candidates, if you haven’t downloaded a copy, you can do here – https://www.conradconsulting.com/content/blog/architecture_salary_survey_2025/

Economic volatility – Sluggish economic growth is causing constraints and headwinds in hiring confidence, employer inflationary pressures, specifically the rise in ENIC are fuelling employer caution and no doubt affecting entry level hiring.

Planning delays and the added compliance requirements of the Building Safety Act are slowing project progress. Combined with uncertainty around timelines and revenue flow, this is leading to closer scrutiny and slower approval of new hires.

Opportunities

The route into Design Management remains a desirable path but with a cooling market, competition for these high ticket roles is fierce.

We are also seeing increased demand and movement for Architects / Technologists going down the Principal Designer route. Higher salaries and role diversification are the driving force for interest.

Outlook

Looking ahead to Christmas and into 2026, everything indicates the Architectural jobs market is likely to remain in a delicate balance between demand and caution.

• Hiring pace: Expect a continuation of selective hiring, with fewer speculative or volume hires. Employers will focus on business-critical roles, particularly those tied to projects already secured, strategic planned hires will lead the way!
• Skills shortage pressure: The gap for experienced Architects, Technologists, and project leaders will remain acute. As a result, these candidates will continue to command strong interest, even if overall vacancy numbers continue to soften.
• Graduate market: Entry-level prospects may remain limited through to spring 2026, as Practices watch economic indicators before committing to trainee hires. Competition for graduate roles will stay intense.
• Retention focus: With economic headwinds and employer cost pressures, expect firms to prioritise holding onto their best talent rather than pursuing aggressive expansion. If consolidation replaces growth, salary adjustments may remain modest, but benefits such as hybrid working and career development support will be used as differentiators.
• External influences: Sluggish GDP growth, ongoing cost of living pressures, and employer contributions (ENIC) will continue to weigh on hiring appetite. However, any signs of stabilisation in the wider economy could unlock pent-up hiring demand towards mid-2025.

The good news

Despite these challenges, the architecture sector remains robust. For the majority of decision-makers we speak to, the default mindset is to press on, get on with business and drive projects forwards!

On we go ???