August 2025
Architecture Market Trends in 2025
The architecture sector is at a turning point. Client expectations are evolving, technology is advancing, and the demand for sustainable design is growing - all amid ongoing uncertainty in the commercial real estate landscape. As firms reevaluate priorities, they’re looking for architects who are agile, digitally fluent, and ready to lead in a rapidly transforming environment.
Emma Nedeau, Vice President of Architecture & Interior Design at LVI Associates, is seeing these trends play out firsthand. Backed by deep market expertise across architecture and interior design, she shares how innovation, economic headwinds, and evolving project priorities are shaping hiring across the built environment.
Emerging opportunities
The architecture job market is shifting toward public-sector contracts, as rising interest rates have made privately funded developments more challenging. This pivot means increased demand for architects experienced in healthcare, education, and civic infrastructure - areas less affected by private flux and more reliant on public funding and long-term planning.
Key market challenges
With many organizations reducing their physical footprints, firms that traditionally relied on commercial real estate projects are feeling the pressure. This shift is driving demand away from large-scale office developments and toward more flexible, adaptive use spaces.
As tenants delay leasing decisions or downsize, architectural firms must rethink the types of projects they pursue. There is greater emphasis now on mixed-use developments, renovations, and designs that can accommodate evolving occupancy trends.
Uncertainty around interest rates and inflation is limiting private sector development, particularly in commercial and luxury residential markets. This has pushed many firms to pursue publicly funded infrastructure work to maintain consistent pipelines and avoid project delays.
These pressures are forcing firms to rethink project types, delivery models, and role requirements. Design teams must now be flexible, technologically savvy, and adaptable.
Why the sector remains resilient
Even amid uncertainty, Emma believes architecture is positioned for long-term transformation. As public infrastructure becomes a hiring priority, professionals with sustainability expertise, digital fluency, and experience in institutional sectors will find strong demand. Firms that can merge these strengths into their practice are more likely to thrive.
What this means for you
- Hiring managers: Look for candidates well-versed in sustainable design standards (e.g., net-zero certification), BIM workflows, and experience on public-sector or civic projects.
- Professionals: Upskill in sustainability, digital tools (like BIM and data modeling), and consider targeting healthcare or educational infrastructure roles.
- Both sides: Value adaptability - teams that can pivot between project types and collaborate in hybrid or digitized environments will be increasingly sought-after.
The architecture market is evolving rapidly. With Emma's insights, it’s clear that sustainable practices, technological adaptation, and public project experience are now the most powerful differentiators in hiring and career development.
Stay ahead of the curve
LVI Associates partners with leading firms across the architecture and design landscape, helping them identify and secure the talent driving innovation in sustainability, public infrastructure, and digital transformation.
Submit a vacancy or request a call back to discover how you can drive your future growth.
