Landscape architecture firms have reported modest decreases in work in the US and increases in hiring compared to the previous quarter, according to the latest American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Business Quarterly Survey for the fourth quarter 2009.
Less than half (45.5 per cent) of firm leaders reported average or above billings compared to the third quarter 2009, a decrease from 51.3 per cent last quarter. Levels of average or above inquiries also decreased from 55.4 per cent previously to 53.7 per cent.
Though a modest decline, the levels of work are significantly higher than this time last year, when average or above levels of billings and inquiries were 31 per cent and 21.5 per cent, respectively.
While work levels showed a small decline, hiring increased modestly, with 16.4 per cent of firms planning to hire in the first quarter 2010, up from 11.8 per cent last quarter and 12.8 per cent this time last year. In addition, 22.3 per cent of firms reported work directly from stimulus funds, slightly up from 20.2 per cent last quarter.
"Public work continues to allow some firms to weather the financial storm, but financing remains a major stumbling block for commercial and residential projects," says ASLA executive vice president and CEO Nancy Somerville. "The industry has made significant economic gains compared to a year ago. However, today’s mixed report indicates that landscape architects still face major challenges moving into 2010."
The survey also asked about client demand and design alternatives for traditional turf grass. Overall, 35.2 per cent of firms reported increased demand for turf grass alternatives.
The top reasons clients request alternatives include saving money on utility/maintenance costs (42.7 per cent), meeting green design benchmarks (39.6 per cent), lowered upkeep time and effort (39.3 per cent), reducing environmental harm (28.8 per cent) and meeting a government ordinance or code (24.8 per cent).
The top design alternatives were regionally appropriate vegetation (57.7 per cent), incorporating water harvesting elements (41.4 per cent), using native grass (37.0 per cent) and incorporating hardscapes/permeable surfaces (35.5 per cent).
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