Architectural Services in the US: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The Architectural Services in the US industry comprises professionals designing buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure, with demand tied to construction activity. The sector generated $47.1 billion in revenue in 2022, according to the latest available official data from the U.S. Census Bureau, though growth has been uneven post-pandemic. Industry performance is closely linked to commercial and residential construction spending, with emerging focus on sustainable design and digital technologies.

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Historical & forecast

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What does the Architectural Services in the US industry cover?

Architectural services encompass the design, planning, and technical documentation for buildings and physical spaces. The industry includes firms providing specialized design services such as sustainable architecture, historic preservation, and accessibility compliance. Professional architects typically require state licensure and adherence to building codes and regulations.

• •The industry provides services throughout the building lifecycle from initial concept to construction documentation
• •Architects must be licensed in all 50 states, with requirements varying by jurisdiction
• •Specialized services include healthcare facility design, educational architecture, and urban planning

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The architectural services market is predominantly composed of small-to-midsize firms, with many operating as sole proprietorships or partnerships. Larger firms may offer multidisciplinary services including engineering, interior design, and planning. The industry employs approximately 135,000 professionals, with architecture graduates joining the workforce at a steady rate.

• •According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, architectural services employed 135,300 professionals in 2022
• •Small firms (1-9 employees) comprise approximately 75% of architectural establishments
• •Average annual wage for architects was $87,500 in 2022, per BLS data

What drives demand in the industry?

Demand for architectural services is primarily driven by construction activity, public infrastructure investment, and renovation projects. Commercial construction, particularly in healthcare and education sectors, creates significant demand for specialized design expertise. Residential construction activity also influences demand for single-family and multi-family housing design services.

• •The American Institute of Architects reported a 5.8% increase in architecture billings in Q1 2023
• •Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $1.2 trillion for public works through 2026
• •Green building certifications like LEED drive demand for sustainable design expertise

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The competitive landscape features both specialized architectural firms and large multidisciplinary design organizations. Major international design firms maintain significant U.S. operations alongside prominent domestic practices. While most firms remain privately held or employee-owned, several architectural firms operate as subsidiaries of larger construction or engineering companies.

• •Gensler is one of the world's largest architecture firms with over 5,000 employees globally
• •Perkins&Will operates across 24 countries with major U.S. offices in major metropolitan areas
• •AECOM provides architectural services as part of its global design and engineering portfolio
• •Jacobs Engineering offers architectural services through its buildings segment

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry is experiencing rapid digital transformation with adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and parametric design tools. Sustainability has become a central focus with increasing client demand for energy-efficient and resilient designs. Post-pandemic work patterns continue influencing design priorities for office spaces and mixed-use developments.

• •BIM adoption rates reached 82% of firms in 2022, per National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
• •The AIA reported that 60% of firms are now pursuing net-zero design certification
• •Remote work trends have driven increased demand for home office designs

How is the industry regulated?

Architectural services are subject to rigorous regulatory requirements at federal, state, and local levels. Licensing boards in each state set standards for education, experience, and examination. Building codes and accessibility regulations significantly influence design requirements and documentation processes.

• •The International Building Code (IBC) serves as the basis for state building regulations
• •The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets accessibility requirements for most buildings
• •State licensing boards require continuing education for license renewal

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census 2022 ·
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022 ·
• American Institute of Architects, Business of Architecture Survey 2023 ·
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 2022 ·
• U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Industry Accounts 2022