Landscape Architectural Services
Industry Profile Report
Dive Deep into the industry with a 25+ page industry report (pdf format) including the following chapters
Industry Overview Current Conditions, Industry Structure, How Firms Operate, Industry Trends, Credit Underwriting & Risks, and Industry Forecast.
Call Preparation Call Prep Questions, Industry Terms, and Weblinks.
Financial Insights Working Capital, Capital Financing, Business Valuation, and Financial Benchmarks.
Industry Profile Excerpts
Industry Overview
The 4,900 landscape architectural services in the US plan and design the development of land areas related to private homes, businesses, recreational facilities, campuses, parks, recreational facilities, and other open spaces. Firms may also offer urban planning, residential landscaping, project site master planning, and other consulting services.
Dependence on Construction Market and Economy
Demand for landscape architectural services is dependent on construction activity, which is cyclical and influenced by economic conditions.
Mitigating Climate Change
Public and private sector clients are demanding landscape architecture solutions that address climate change.
Industry size & Structure
The average landscape architectural service provider operates out of a single location, employs about 7 workers, and generates about $1.2 million annually.
- The landscape architectural services industry consists of about 4,800 firms that employ 33,000 workers and generate $5.8 billion annually.
- The industry is fragmented; the top 50 companies account for 20% of industry revenue. More than half of firms generate less than $1 million annually.
- Stantec is one of the largest architectural firms in the US and offers landscape architectural services. The biggest landscape architectural services companies typically have offices in multiple major metropolitan areas in the US, but none are truly national in scope.
- The largest client groups are private homeowners, architects, and cities/municipalities, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The largest client group for firms with four employees or fewer is private homeowners. Large firms typically serve commercial and government clients.
Industry Forecast
Landscape Architectural Services Industry Growth
Recent Developments
Nov 5, 2024 - Architecture Billings Remain Weak
- Demand for building design services remained soft in September, according to an October report by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The AIA’s Architecture Billing Index (ABI) was flat at 45.7 in September. Any reading of 50 or more indicates growth in architectural billings. September was the twentieth consecutive month to see a downward trend in billings. The score for new project inquiries dropped to 51.6 in September compared to 52.4 in August, but the index for new design contracts increased from 47.3 to 48.3. The AIA’s Chief Economist, Kermit Baker said, “Despite recent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, many clients remain on the sidelines with regard to proceeding on planned projects. And while new project opportunities also emerge, clients are cautious about which to pursue. Fortunately, architecture firms report backlogs of 6.4 months on average, which remain above pre-pandemic levels and are an indication that there is existing work in the pipeline.”
- North American construction and engineering spending in 2024 is expected to grow by about 5%, according to FMI’s fourth-quarter 2024 North American Engineering and Construction Outlook. With growth of 29%, public safety will lead 2024 nonresidential building construction, followed by manufacturing (21%), amusement and recreation (10%), transportation (5%), educational (4%), and religious (2%). Commercial construction spending is expected to decline 8% in 2024 amid weaker demand for warehousing space. Lodging construction spending is forecast to drop 6%, and stubbornly high office vacancies will continue to weigh on new office construction, which is projected to see spending rise by 1% in 2024. Despite favorable demographic trends, project delays for some private hospital developments will cap healthcare construction spending growth at 1% in 2024. Amid moderating interest rates, single-family construction spending is forecast to rise 5% in 2024 as new home affordability remains competitive with existing home prices. Multifamily spending is expected to decline by 4% in 2024 amid a recent wave of fresh inventory. The rise in available apartment units has contributed to flat or falling rents in some metros, prompting developers to pause new projects.
- The total value of US construction put in place rose 0.1% in September 2023 compared to the prior month, according to the US Census Bureau. Residential spending grew 0.2% and nonresidential spending increased 0.1%. In the nonresidential buildings segment, growth was led by transportation, which saw growth of 0.8%. Lodging and educational spending each rose 0.3%, while spending on commercial projects increased 0.2%. Public safety, office, and amusement and recreation each saw spending decline 0.1% in September, and healthcare spending was off 0.6%. Communication spending declined 0.3% in September.
- Sales of existing US homes decreased by 1% in September from August and were down 3.5% year-over-year, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The median existing home price rose 3% in September to $404,500 compared to September 2023. NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said, “Home sales have been essentially stuck at around a four-million-unit pace for the past 12 months, but factors usually associated with higher home sales are developing. There are more inventory choices for consumers, lower mortgage rates than a year ago and continued job additions to the economy.” Existing home sales are a demand driver for landscape architecture as homeowners often update their exterior spaces before putting homes on the market to improve curb appeal.
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