We now are at the point where we are designing and hosting clients' Websites. One issue that has many design firms worried is the emphasis on project speed to completion. He notes that professional liability insurance rates are on the rise for the first time in years and he fears that some design firms are getting in trouble by being too willing to go along with impossible schedules. The biggest concern among design firms is the economy. But attitudes seem to be split based on market.
Firms working in the infrastructure markets remain confident.
But firms working in the process, manufacturing and general building markets are holding their breath. The buzz about the market is puzzling to Packard. Otherwise, the market seems to be holding its own. One area where many architects are seeing opportunities is in urban design. Part of this is the increasing willingness of cities to streamline their permitting process to encourage revitalization.