by Shane Henson — August 8, 2011—Three in four landscape architecture firm leaders reported steady or improving billable hours and inquiries in the Q2 2011 American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Business Quarterly survey. Representatives from ASLA say the survey findings reflect continuing optimism for recovery in a key sector of the design and construction industry.
Overall, 73.8% of firm leaders reported stable or above billable hours in the second quarter of 2011—the strongest number in more than three years. In addition, 75.7% reported stable or above inquires for new work. The increase in work has yet to fully translate into jobs, with one in four of respondents planning to hire in the upcoming quarter.
The ASLA Business Quarterly survey also asked about the aging population during the past five years. Project types with the most growth include healthcare design (41.7%), assisted living facilities (36.5%), active adult/retirement communities (35.9%), therapeutic gardens (32%), and aging-in-place design (29.2%).
