Architects are optimistic about Tampa Bay's development pipeline, even in Covid's wake

Tampa Bay architects don't expect the region's construction boom to slow anytime soon, even in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The regional chapter of the American Institute of Architects conducted its third annual survey to gauge the development pipeline and found that the majority of 104 respondents — 70 percent — expect demand for their services to increase in the year. Slightly more, 71 percent, anticipate that the development-related economy will be "excellent" or "good." No one predicted that it will be "poor" or "very poor"; the remaining 29 percent predicted it would be "fair."

Architects first engage with major construction projects several years before they break ground. If architects are feeling optimistic about the development pipeline, the real estate and construction industries are likely teed up for another two to three years of robust growth.

Hancock Whitney Bank sponsored the survey. Eighty-five percent of respondents were either principals or managers.

“Most architects will be extremely busy this year, which points to significant construction-related growth well into 2022,” Peter Hauerstein, president of the board of directors for AIA Tampa Bay and an architect at Sol Design, said in a statement. “The economy in the Tampa Bay area is proving to be much more resilient than in many other cities, and this is a great place to be an architect right now.”

In fact, many respondents said they struggle with recruiting: Two-thirds of respondents said they struggle to hire skilled workers.

Health care, aviation and office space were among the sectors most impacted by the pandemic, according to respondents.

Here are some other key findings of AIA Tampa Bay's survey: