Archigraphy 2024 | Key Trends in the Architecture Profession

Every two years, Archigraphy provides a detailed portrait of the architecture profession in France. As a software provider specializing in architecture, we closely monitor the profession's evolution. The 2024–2026 edition offers an unprecedented look at ongoing changes in the sector. Based on data from over 2,000 active architects, enriched by statistics from the Mutuelle des Architectes Français (MAF) and CIPAV, this report sheds light on the significant transformations impacting daily agency management. These insights reaffirm our mission to support architects in tackling contemporary challenges. OOTI breaks down the key trends shaping the profession.

Feminization of Architecture | 2023, A Historic Turning Point

The year 2023 marked a major milestone in the history of architecture in France. For the first time, the number of women newly registered with the Order of Architects (644) surpassed that of men (605). This evolution reflects a broader trend: today, over half of architects under 35 are women. This progression is underscored by initiatives like the 2024 Women Architects Award, celebrating female excellence.

This gradual feminization stems from architectural studies, where women have comprised nearly 60% of students since 2013. However, Archigraphy forecasts that gender parity across the profession will not be achieved until 2040, signaling steady but slow progress.

Persistent challenges remain in achieving professional equality:

• Income disparities are significant, especially in the upper quartile.
• Parenthood impacts women disproportionately: in 2024, 18% of female architects, compared to only 6% of their male counterparts, temporarily interrupted their careers to care for children.
• Registration rates with the Order after obtaining the HMONP are lower for women (26%) than for men (40%).

Construction Crisis | Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Amid the multiple shocks to the construction sector — the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and surging material costs — architects have demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Archigraphy 2024–2026 highlights this resilience: the decline in architectural activity is less severe than in the broader construction sector.

A strategic shift is evident in professional practices:

• Renovation now accounts for 62% of declared projects, a 7-point increase since 2012.
• Housing dominates this segment, representing 58.5% of renovation operations.
• These projects account for 38% of total expenditures.

Regional analysis reveals a strong urban concentration of activity:

• Paris leads with €3.2 billion in projects.
• Lyon follows with €1.8 billion, then Lille and Bordeaux with €1.6 billion each.
• Marseille-Aix and Toulouse complete the list with €1.4 billion each.

Emerging opportunities are also evident in dynamic rural areas, particularly along coastlines and in mountainous tourist regions, where architectural activity remains robust despite economic challenges.

Management and Technology | The New Pillars of Architectural Performance

The study also highlights a profound transformation in architectural agency organization. Workplace well-being has become a major concern, with 82% of architects citing workload intensity and time pressure as key daily challenges.

The digital transformation is gradually taking shape:

• 19% of agencies now use artificial intelligence tools.
• AI applications focus on:
  • Information research (81%).
  • Writing (80%).
  • Image generation (61%).

This trend parallels the increasing use of data in construction.

The nature of professional practice has shifted significantly since 2000: the number of partners has tripled, from 5,322 to 15,266 in 2023. This growth has come at the expense of the traditional freelance model. Additionally, there are 764 salaried employees (excluding partners) and 863 civil servants.

Continuing education reveals distinct preferences:

• 39% prioritize training in sustainable development (RE2020, reuse).
• 22% focus on working with existing structures.
• Mixed formats (in-person/remote) are favored by 39% of professionals.

This organizational transformation reflects a profession modernizing to meet contemporary challenges.

2025 and Beyond | Preparing Your Architecture Firm for Future Challenges

Archigraphy 2024–2026 outlines a profession undergoing profound change. Climate issues and the evolving role of architects in project management are the two main concerns cited by 78% and 70% of respondents, respectively.

This profound transformation calls for a rethinking of architectural firm management. As projects become more complex, digitalization advances, and employee expectations evolve, effective management is more critical than ever to:

• Optimize project profitability.
• Improve team well-being.
• Meet regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate ecological transitions.

To address these challenges, OOTI offers a comprehensive agency management solution tailored to architects. Our software supports your business transformation with tools for financial tracking, project management, team leadership, and automated invoicing.

Schedule a demo today and discover how OOTI can help you tackle tomorrow's challenges.

Source: Archigraphy 2024-26 Full Report