Global Salary Guide 2018 Global Salary Guide 2018 | 1
Contents 1 2 3 4 5
London Sydney Melbourne New York LA/San Francisco
Coverage London Europe the Middle East, Africa Sydney & Melbourne Asia Pacific New York & Los Angeles North America & Canada bespokecareers.com | Šbespoke careers 2018
Hello from Lindsay
Lindsay Urquhart, CEO & Founder, Bespoke Careers
2018 seems to have got off to a very busy start in every region we cover. Despite Brexit in the UK and the political uncertainty in the US under the Trump administration, the architecture and design job market remains relatively buoyant. Within the UK, Brexit continues to dominate the political and economic agenda and despite a cautious approach by many firms, active hiring continues to take place. Whilst Brexit has resulted in a noticeable reduction in those coming to the UK for work, it has also created opportunities for some firms. The weak pound has created a mini boom in tourism and also meant those bidding for overseas work have become more competitively priced. Infrastructure and housing continue to be busy areas of hiring, as are hotels and hospitality. Australia has continued to enjoy a robust economy throughout 2017 and into 2018, with many studios growing as a result - consequently the architecture and design market has remained buoyant. Education, housing and transport all remain busy sectors, with a number of significant projects driving demand for architecture candidates in both Sydney and Melbourne. Workplace interiors is still experiencing shortages of candidates and Revit continues to be the most widely used software.
In the US, hiring markets remained especially strong in New York City, LA and San Francisco. This was driven largely by transportation and megaprojects, housing shortages across all cities, and the awarding of the 2028 Olympics to Los Angeles. Interior hospitality and workspace candidates remain in high demand, as are workplace designers. The talent shortage has become most apparent at the 7-8 years’ experience mark – a legacy of the global financial crisis when many professionals sought career changes and never returned to the industry. Wherever firms are hiring in the world, sourcing the best candidates is likely to be the hot topic of 2018. Many studios are already realising that effective recruitment and retention strategies need to be at the top of their agendas. In candidate-short areas, the very best people are regularly receiving multiple interviews and job offers, meaning practices will need to move fast to secure top talent.
Global Salary Guide 2018 | 3
1. London
Interior Design Per annum
Salary Guide Architecture Per annum
Part I
£ Low
19,000
£ Average
21,000
£ High
23,000
£ Low
£ Average
£ High
Graduate
18,000
20,000
21,000
Junior Interior Designer
23,000
25,000
26,000
Midweight Interior Designer
27,000
33,000
35,000
Senior Interior Designer
38,000
42,000
50,000
Associate
50,000
54,000
60,000
Design Director
55,000
65,000
75,000
Junior Technician
22,000
26,000
30,000
Technician
30,000
34,000
37,000
Senior Technician
37,000
40,000
45,000
FF&E Designer
26,000
28,000
32,000
Part II (0-3 years)
24,000
27,000
29,000
Senior FF&E Designer
35,000
38,000
50,000
Part II (3-4 years)
30,000
32,000
35,000+
Junior Interior Architect
23,000
25,000
26,000
Architect (0-5 years)
33,000
38,000
42,000
Interior Architect
27,000
33,000
35,000
Senior Interior Architect
38,000
42,000
50,000
Architect (5+ years)
38,000
45,000
50,000+
Associate
45,000
50,000
55,000
Urban Design & Landscape
Associate Director
55,000
60,000
65,000+
Director
65,000
75,000
90,000+
Junior Urban Designer
21,000
23,000
25,000
Partner
100,000
120,000
140,000
Urban Designer
25,000
28,000
34,000
Technician
25,000
28,000
36,000
Senior Urban Designer
35,000
40,000
45,000
Senior Technician
35,000
39,000
42,000
Urban Design Associate
45,000
50,000
55,000
Visualiser
22,000
26,000
30,000
Urban Design Director
60,000
70,000
80,000
Senior Visualiser
32,000
37,000
50,000+
Junior Landscape Architect
21,000
23,000
25,000
BIM/CAD/IT
Landscape Architect
25,000
28,000
34,000
Senior Landscape Architect
35,000
40,000
45,000
Landscape Architect Associate
35,000
40,000
45,000
Landscape Architect Director
45,000
55,000
65,000
BIM Modeller
25,000
30,000
35,000
BIM Champion
35,000
40,000
45,000
BIM Coordinator
35,000
40,000
45,000
BIM Coordinator/Architect
40,000
45,000
50,000
BIM Manager
45,000
55,000
75,000
CAD/BIM/IT Manager
45,000
50,000
65,000
Project Coordinator
20,000
25,000
32,000
BIM Consultant/Trainer
45,000
50,000
65,000
Project Manager
37,000
45,000
60,000+
BIM Director/Lead
60,000
70,000
80,000+
Sales Support
18,000
22,000
26,000
CAD Manager
45,000
50,000
55,000
Sales Consultant
20,000
25,000
30,000
Computational Designer
35,000
40,000
45,000
Senior Sales Consultant
30,000
35,000
40,000+
Computational Specialist
45,000
55,000
65,000
Sales Manager
50,000
55,000
60,000+
IT Technician
25,000
30,000
35,000
Account Manager
25,000
30,000
40,000+
IT Manager
45,000
50,000
55,000
Key Account Manager
30,000
40,000
50,000+
Business Support
Architectural & Interior Products Showroom Assistant
20,000
24,000
28,000
Showroom Manager
28,000
30,000
35,000
Graphics & CGI
Receptionist
20,000
24,000
28,000
Office Administrator
24,000
25,000
28,000
Project Administrator
26,000
29,000
32,000
Studio Manager
30,000
35,000
40,000+
Practice Manager
35,000
40,000
50,000+
Personal Assistant
26,000
32,000
40,000+
Marketing Coordinator
25,000
30,000
35,000
Marketing Manager
32,000
40,000
50,000+
Business Dev. Manager
35,000
45,000
65,000+
Document Controller
25,000
29,000
35,000+
Bid Coordinator
28,000
32,000
35,000+
HR Manager
35,000
45,000
55,000+
Finance Assistant
22,000
25,000
30,000
Finance Manager
35,000
60,000
100,000
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Junior Visualiser
20,000
22,000
26,000
Visualiser
25,000
32,000
40,000
Senior Visualiser
35,000
50,000
65,000+
Junior Graphic Designer
18,000
22,000
25,000
Graphic Designer
25,000
30,000
35,000
Senior Graphic Designer
35,000
40,000
55,000+
Junior Wayfinding Designer
20,000
24,000
28,000
Wayfinding Designer
25,000
32,000
38,000
Senior Wayfinding Designer
35,000
45,000
55,000+
Digital Designer
30,000
50,000
65,000+
Creative Director
55,000
70,000
85,000+
Market Update Summary With Brexit still very much at the forefront of the political and economic agenda in 2017, we continued to see the effects of this on the pool of candidates for the architecture and design market in London. Since the 2016 referendum, there has been a significant drop in the number of non-UK EU nationals registering for work in London, who brought certain technical skillsets with them to the UK. In addition to this, there has also been a reduction in Antipodean candidates making the move to the UK, having a buoyant market, a strong currency and plenty of work opportunities at home. The combined effect of this has created a noticeable, chronic candidate shortage. On a positive note, the drop in the value of the pound has increased opportunities for practices which do business overseas, as bids tendered have become more attractive to global investors. The weak pound has also driven a mini-boom in tourism, resulting in increased demand for interiors and architecture candidates with hotels and hospitality experience. More generally, candidates with strong Revit skills are highly desired across all sectors, especially in workplace interiors, housing and transport. UK Plc continues to invest heavily in ongoing infrastructure projects, with upgrades to existing mainline rail services and stations and upcoming work on new high-speed connections with the North of England (HS2) and the Heathrow Airport expansion. Masterplans connected to new transport hubs such as Old Oak Common are set to provide work for multiple medium to large practices from mid-2018 onwards. The housing sector remains strong due to the ongoing nationwide shortage of housing stock and whilst the consensus is that the high-end market is stagnating, the majority of practices are hiring for large scale projects and private rental schemes (PRS). With housing being more affordable outside of London/SE England,
candidates are being attracted by a better quality of life and competitive salaries in the northern cities such as Manchester and Leeds. The number of people leaving London to reside in other UK locations was the highest during 2016 for 13 years. Not surprisingly, many practices are finding it more and more challenging to hire in the current climate. Where previously some practices have done their own recruitment in-house, increasingly they are approaching us to assist as they struggle to find the best talent in a shrinking pool of candidates. It really is a candidate’s market at the moment – this means that practices need to prioritise retaining and developing their staff more than ever. Many practices are also taking in-house software training more seriously and upskilling their own workforces to fill skills gaps.
Those looking to hire need to act quickly when shortlisting for interview and making job offers if they want to secure the best people. The overarching and continuing theme for 2018 is of cautious optimism. There is plenty of work in London and strong candidates with good software skills are in high demand, regularly securing a number of interviews and receiving offers from multiple practices. Despite assurances from the Government that settled EU citizens will be protected, until there is absolute certainty, we’re likely to continue to see a decline in these professionals working in London. A soft Brexit in 2019 appears to be the best-case scenario and a ‘business as usual’ approach is what we have found with most of our clients.
Global Salary Guide 2018 | 5
2. Sydney Salary Guide Architecture Per annum
Business Support A$ Low
A$ Average
A$ High
Per annum
A$ Low
A$ Average
A$ High
Student
38,000
40,000
45,000
Receptionist
45,000
50,000
60,000
Grad of Architecture (1-3 yrs)
51,020
55,000
65,000
Office Administrator
50,000
55,000
70,000
Grad of Architecture (3-6 yrs)
60,000
70,000
85,000
Project Administrator
55,000
60,000
75,000
Grad of Architecture (6-10 yrs)
70,000
85,000
100,000
Document Controller
50,000
70,000
90,000
Registered Architect (3-6 yrs)
65,000
75,000
90,000
Studio Manager
70,000
80,000
90,000
Registered Architect (6-10 yrs)
75,000
90,000
110,000
Practice Manager
90,000
100,000
120,000+
Senior Architect/Associate
95,000
120,000
140,000+
Personal Assistant/EA
60,000
75,000
90,000
Project Director
120,000
140,000
160,000+
Marketing Assistant
50,000
60,000
70,000
Director /Principal
130,000
170,000
250,000+
Marketing Manager
70,000
85,000
100,000+
Technician (1-3 yrs)
50,000
60,000
70,000
Submission Coordinator
60,000
75,000
90,000
Technician (3-6 yrs)
60,000
70,000
80,000
Bid Manager
70,000
85,000
100,000+
Technician (6-10 yrs)
70,000
85,000
110,000
Graphic Designer
60,000
70,000
90,000
BIM Modeller
70,000
95,000
115,000
Senior Graphic Designer
70,000
80,000
100,000
BIM Manager
90,000
130,000
160,000
UX/UI Designer
60,000
80,000
100,000+
Visualiser
65,000
85,000
110,000
Creative Director
80,000
95,000
110,000+
Senior Visualiser
100,000
120,000
150,000
Business Dev Manager
80,000
100,000
120,000+
HR Manager
75,000
95,000
120,000
Bookkeeper
60,000
70,000
80,000
Finance Manager
70,000
85,000
100,000+
IT Manager
70,000
85,000
100,000+
Urban Design & Landscape Student
35,093
38,000
40,000
Graduate Urban Designer
48,000
52,000
55,000
Urban Designer (1-3 yrs)
60,000
65,000
75,000
Urban Designer (3-6 yrs)
70,000
85,000
100,000
Urban Designer (6-10 yrs)
100,000
115,000
130,000
Assoc/Sen Urban Designer
120,000
140,000
160,000
Urban Design Director
150,000
180,000
250,000+
Graduate Landscape Designer
50,000
55,000
60,000
Landscape Architect (1-3 yrs)
55,000
60,000
70,000
Landscape Architect (3-6 yrs)
65,000
75,000
85,000
Landscape Architect (6-10 yrs)
75,000
85,000
95,000
Assoc/Sen Landscape Architect
80,000
95,000
110,000
Landscape Architect Director
100,000
130,000
150,000
Interior Design Graduate Interior Designer
40,000
45,000
50,000
Interior Designer (1-3 yrs)
45,000
55,000
70,000
Interior Designer (3-6 yrs)
65,000
70,000
80,000
Interior Designer (6-10 yrs)
75,000
85,000
110,000
Associate
100,000
120,000
130,000
Design Director
130,000
165,000
200,000
Technician (1-3 yrs)
50,000
55,000
60,000
Technician (3-6 yrs)
60,000
65,000
75,000
Technician (6-10 yrs)
75,000
80,000
85,000
Stylist/Decorator
65,000
75,000
90,000
Retail Design Manager
80,000
110,000
120,000
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Architectural & Interior Products Showroom Assistant
50,000
60,000
75,000
Showroom Manager
65,000
80,000
95,000
Marketing Coordinator
50,000
60,000
70,000
Marketing Manager
70,000
85,000
100,000+
Sales Support
50,000
58,000
65,000
Estimator
60,000
75,000
90,000
Project Manager
70,000
80,000
100,000
Product Designer
60,000
75,000
95,000
Sales Representative
65,000
80,000
95,000
State Sales Manager
90,000
100,000
120,000
National Sales Manager
130,000
150,000
170,000
Dealer Manager
90,000
105,000
120,000
Installer
55.000
60,000
65,000
Logistics Manager
60,000
65,000
72,000
Warehouse Manager
65,000
80,000
100,000
Operations Manager
80,000
100,000
125,000
General Manager
120,000
150,000
180,000
The figures detailed above are exclusive of superannuation. As of 20 June 2018, and in accordance with the Architects Awards 2010 [MA000079], a fulltime Graduate of Architecture* (entry level) must be paid a minimum of $51,020 per annum and a full-time Registered Architect** (entry level) or Experienced Graduate of Architecture must be paid a minimum of $58,986 per annum on a full-time salary Australian national minimum wage is $37,398.84 per annum. This information should be used as a guide only. Current rates of pay and award standards can be found on the Fair Work Commission website www.fairwork.gov.au
Market Update Summary The demand for architects and designers in Sydney remains strong with serious candidate shortages in certain sectors. The buoyant multi-residential sector has cooled slightly compared to early 2017, however, we are still experiencing demand for candidates in this area as most mid-to-large practices remain busy with live projects. This demand has also created a shortage of talented architects in the private residential sectors. The smaller firms typically working on high-end houses have lost staff to the higher salaries and career progression that larger firms can often offer. The private residential sector is very busy as a result of Sydney’s strong economic growth over the past three years along with demand for people in this area, and salaries have grown as a result. The underlying housing shortage in Sydney and strong economy should see the residential market remain strong for the next couple of years. The education sector is also particularly busy. Population growth has almost created a crisis in school accommodation and the government and private sectors are building new schools, and expanding existing ones–this is creating a lot of interesting work including some really innovative high-rise school solutions.
The unprecedented growth in education projects has outstripped the market and we have seen huge demand for architects with education and networks experience to assist in winning work in this sector.
On the interior design side, we are experiencing ongoing shortages in large-scale workplace design and workplace strategists. Also, hospitality and residential designers remain in demand. Another interesting area of demand is practice management. As so many firms have grown (and often had to move studios) this has placed pressure on internal management and leadership. Good practice managers are highly sought-after, particularly those with an architectural background. Likewise, submissions writers are also in particularly high demand. Last year we saw a drop in the number of firms prepared to sponsor international candidates, caused by changes in the rules around visas and sponsorship rules. For outstanding design skills or specialist experience such as transport design, BIM managers and outstanding designers with international experience, we are still witnessing high demand for overseas architects, particularly from the UK or northern Europe. Design and leadership skills are usually the most desirable skills in the architecture market and this remains true in the current market. We are seeing strong demand for talented architects with around 10-15 years’ experience. On the documentation and delivery side, Revit is the main driver and the most widely used software, followed by ArchiCAD–for documentation roles either one of these is essential. We expect a busy year ahead in 2018.
Transport, particularly rail, remains fairly busy and those with specialist skills in this area are highly sought-after. Demand for urban designers and landscape architects has also remained an ongoing pinch-point in Sydney, as there is a strong preference for local experience in these roles and not enough experienced candidates in the local market.
Global Salary Guide 2018 | 7
3. Melbourne Salary Guide Architecture Per annum
Business Support A$ Low
A$ Average
A$ High
Per annum
A$ Low
A$ Average
A$ High
Student
35,000
40,000
45,000
Receptionist
45,000
50,000
55,000
Grad of Architecture (1-3 yrs)
51,020
55,000
60,000
Office Administrator
50,000
55,000
65,000
Grad of Architecture (3-6 yrs)
58,986
65,000
75,000
Project Administrator
55,000
60,000
70,000
Grad of Architecture (6-10 yrs)
65,000
75,000
90,000
Document Controller
50,000
70,000
90,000
Registered Architect (3-6 yrs)
58,986
68,000
78,000
Studio Manager
70,000
80,000
90,000
Registered Architect (6-10 yrs)
68,000
80,000
95,000
Practice Manager
80,000
90,000
120,000+
Senior Architect/Associate
90,000
110,000
120,000
Personal Assistant
60,000
70,000
85,000
Project Director
110,000
135,000
150,000
Executive Assistant
70,000
75,000
95,000
Director /Principal
130,000
170,000
220,000+
Marketing Assistant
55,000
65,000
75,000
Technician (1-3 yrs)
50,000
55,000
60,000
Marketing Manager
70,000
85,000
100,000+
Technician (3-6 yrs)
55,000
60,000
65,000
Submission Coordinator
70,000
80,000
90,000
Technician (6-10 yrs)
65,000
75,000
90,000
Bid Manager
80,000
90,000
100,000
BIM Modeller
55,000
65,000
75,000
Graphic Designer
45,000
50,000
55,000
BIM Manager
85,000
110,000
130,000
Senior Graphic Designer
65,000
75,000
90,000
Visualiser
60,000
85,000
110,000
UX/UI Designer
75,000
90,000
100,000+
Senior Visualiser
90,000
110,000
130,000
Creative Director
80,000
95,000
110,000+
Business Dev Manager
80,000
100,000
120,000+
HR Manager
80,000
95,000
120,000+
Bookkeeper
60,000
70,000
80,000
Finance Manager
80,000
90,000
100,000+
IT Manager
80,000
90,000
100,000
Urban Design & Landscape Graduate Urban Designer
45,000
48,000
52,000
Urban Designer (1-3 yrs)
60,000
65,000
75,000
Urban Designer (3-6 yrs)
65,000
70,000
80,000
Urban Designer (6-10 yrs)
80,000
100,000
120,000+
Graduate Landscape Architect
48,000
55,000
60,000
Architectural & Interior Products
Landscape Architect (1-3 yrs)
50,000
57,000
60,000
Showroom Assistant*
55,000
60,000
70,000
Landscape Architect (3-6 yrs)
55,000
65,000
70,000
Showroom Manager
65,000
80,000
90,000
Landscape Architect (6-10 yrs)
65,000
75,000
90,000
Marketing Coordinator
50,000
65,000
72,000
80,000
95,000
110,000
50,000
55,000
65,000
Assoc/Sen Landscape Architect
80,000
90,000
100,000
Marketing Manager
Landscape Architect Director
95,000
130,000
150,000
Sales Support
Interior Design Graduate Interior Designer
42,000
45,000
Estimator
70,000
80,000
90,000
Project Manager
80,000
90,000
100,000+
Product Designer
60,000
75,000
95,000
50,000
Sales Representative*
65,000
80,000
100,000+
State Sales Manager
100,000
110,000
120,000
Interior Designer (1-3 yrs)
48,000
55,000
65,000
Interior Designer (3-6 yrs)
55,000
60,000
75,000
National Sales Manager
130,000
150,000
170,000
Interior Designer (6-10 yrs)
65,000
85,000
120,000
Dealer Manager
90,000
105,000
120,000
Associate
110,000
120,000
130,000
Installer
55,000
60,000
65,000
Design Director
130,000
165,000
200,000
Logistics Manager
65,000
75,000
85,000
Warehouse Manager
65,000
80,000
100,000
Technician (1-3 yrs)
50,000
55,000
60,000
Technician (3-6 yrs)
60,000
65,000
75,000
Operations Manager
80,000
100,000
125,000
Technician (6-10 yrs)
75,000
85,000
110,000
General Manager
120,000
150,000
180,000
Stylist/Decorator
55,000
75,000
95,000
Retail Design Manager
110,000
130,000
150,000+
*These roles typically have commission on top of the outlined base salary
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The figures detailed above are exclusive of superannuation. As of 20 June 2018, and in accordance with the Architects Awards 2010 [MA000079], a fulltime Graduate of Architecture* (entry level) must be paid a minimum of $51,020 per annum and a full-time Registered Architect** (entry level) or Experienced Graduate of Architecture must be paid a minimum of $58,986 per annum on a full-time salary Australian national minimum wage is $37,398.84 per annum. This information should be used as a guide only. Current rates of pay and award standards can be found on the Fair Work Commission website www.fairwork.gov.au
Market Update Summary The market for architects and interior designers in Melbourne continues to be strong.
Major transport projects such as the new Melbourne Metro, Skyrail and roll-out of grade separation projects have seen a huge demand for international talent with rail expertise at all In 2017, Victoria remained the clear leader for levels. These types of candidates are generally building approvals with the last six months of the only ones being considered for 457 visas the year seeing steady gains for apartment now and we’ve seen a general decline in and townhouse approvals. Despite industry sponsorship of others, largely due to the predictions for a slowing multi-residential sector, changes in legislation around sponsorship demand remains strong for architects with and visas. multi-residential and mixed-use experience across all project phases. Within interior design, we are still seeing a shortage of commercial workplace specialists, In addition, the private residential sector particularly at senior and director levels. We’ve remains busy and many practices have been also had a variety of specialist roles come online expanding to meet industry demands. Many of in the areas of workplace strategy and change the boutique residential practices we assisted management. on ‘one-off’ occasions in 2013/2014 are now operating on a commercial scale. Domenic Demand is still incredibly strong for Cerantonio of Cera Stribley says: “most media experienced ‘submissions’ candidates outlets have reported, or rather predicted, a slow-down in the multi-residential space, in support of pitches and presentations however, I think it’s more of a transition from across most sectors. investor-driven development to owner-occupier focused projects. We have seen quite a swing in a number of our projects where larger, better In 2017, we continued to see an uplift in hiring designed apartments are now the norm. I think from developers and builders as they sought this is an exciting time for the industry and this to increase their in-house teams of architects change can only result in improved built form and design managers, working across outcomes for our city.” residential, mixed-use, retail, education and infrastructure projects. The education sector also remains extremely buoyant with notable tertiary institutes delivering The product market remains busy, with plenty of new faculty buildings, as well as private and innovative products and exciting collaborations public secondary schools updating facilities. between designers and brands. Salaries have increased over the past 12 months and there are lots of new hires planned for the start of the year; however, this remains a candidate-short market, so firms will need to move fast to secure the best talent. Those with existing industry networks and experience in new business development are highly sought-after. Design and leaderships skills continue to be the most highly desirable skills in the architecture market and we are seeing strong demand for talented architects with around 8-15 years’ experience. Within documentation and delivery, Revit continues to be the most widely used software, followed by Archicad. For documentation roles, either one of these software skills is essential in the majority of cases. As we move into 2018, the market is predicted to remain busy across the board.
Global Salary Guide 2018 | 9
4. New York Salary Guide Architecture Per annum
Interior Design US$ Low
US$ Average
US$ High
Per annum
US$ Low
US$ Average
US$ High
CEO/President
106,000
170,000
200,000
Principal
140,000
180,000
210,000
Managing Principal
110,000
125,000
150,000
Director of Design
105,000
135,000
180,000
Senior Project Manager
110,000
125,000
135,000
Senior Project Designer
97,000
115,000
141,000
Project Manager
85,000
95,000
100,000
Project Designer
80,000
90,000
109,000
Senior Architect (10+ yrs)
90,000
105,000
120,000
Interior Designer (8-10+ yrs)
76,000
82,000
94,000
Architect (6-9 yrs)
80,000
85,000
99,000
Interior Designer (4-7 yrs)
62,000
75,000
79,000
Architect (3-6 yrs)
65,000
75,000
82,000
Interior Designer (0-3 yrs)
45,000
50,000
55,000
Architect (0-3 yrs)
58,000
64,000
70,000
Intern
31,000
33,000
38,000
Senior Visualiser
65,000
70,000
85,000
Interior Architect (8-10+ yrs)
76,000
81,000
99,000
Visualiser
55,000
63,000
70,000
Interior Architect (4-7 yrs)
58,000
66,000
74,000
BIM Specialist
75,000
90,000
95,000
Interior Architect (0-3 yrs)
45,000
52,000
60,000
Business Support
Architectural & Interior Products
Administrator
50,000
60,000
60,000
Showroom Manager
57,000
68,000
73,000
Front Office
45,000
52,500
60,000
Showroom Assistant
46,000
50,000
54,000
Studio/Office Manager
80,000
90,000
100,000
Project Manager
70,000
78,000
84,000
Personal Assistant
50,000
57,500
65,000
Project Coordinator
46,000
51,000
65,000
Executive Assistant
65,000
77,500
90,000
Sales Manager
80,000
95,000
115,000
Marketing Coordinator
55,000
60,000
65,000
Senior Sales Consultant
80,000
85,000
90,000
Marketing Director/Manager
70,000
107,500
145,000
Sales Consultant
62,000
69,000
82,000
PR Manager
70,000
80,000
90,000
Sales Support
40,000
48,000
53,000
Financial Controller
120,000
140,000
160,000+
Key Account Manager
85,000
92,000
98,000
Full-Charge Bookkeeper
80,000
85,000
90,000
Account Manager
74,000
87,000
95,000
Business Dev Manager
80,000
102,500
125,000
HR Coordinator
59,000
64,500
70,000
HR Manager
85,000
92,500
100,000
Graphic Designer
55,000
62,500
70,000
Account Manager
85,000
107,500
130,000
Regional Sales Director
70,000
87,500
105,000
bespokecareers.com | ©bespoke careers 2018
Market Update Summary The architecture and design job market continues to be strong in New York, if the omnipresent existence of scaffolding and construction zones are any indication. The end of 2017 had plenty of available architecture roles and 2018 promises increased vacancies in these sectors due to numerous factors in the city, including megaprojects and transit improvements. The potential megaprojects of 2018 include the construction of the West Rail yard platform which will lead to the growth of Hudson Yards, the opening of 3 World Trade Center, and the growth of the Market Line in Essex Crossing, as well as continued work on numerous housing sites around the city and on the waterfront. Continued and planned redevelopment of several of New York City’s transport infrastructure networks is likely to see increased demand for transport architects at all levels. The $836 million emergency action plan outlined by the MTA in 2017 will also be in effect throughout the year, disrupting services like the L Train. While buses and alternate transportation will be available, there is talk of increased bike traffic and improving bike infrastructure near the Williamsburg Bridge, as well as creation of protected bike lanes throughout the city. As the number of cyclists increases this year, architects who helped in the creation of protected bike lanes may follow in the path of their London counterparts and propose elevated cycle tracks for New York City.
Though 2017 saw reduced demand for high-end residential and retail candidates, it is expected to rise again in 2018 as new projects are commenced. Interior hospitality and workspace remain busy as contemporary designed work spaces and edgy hotels and bars are neverendingly essential in New York City. Within architecture, there continues to be a shortage of good people with around 7-8 years’ experience, possibly due to some candidates undertaking career changes following the financial crisis ten years ago and leaving the profession for good. This is across the board and includes architects, interior designers, and project managers – the legacy of the global financial crisis.
Despite the shortage of senior candidates, salaries have remained stable and continue to be in line with industry standards. In light of these megaprojects and transit improvements, many firms are anticipating numerous new projects and as a result, talented and experienced NYC architects and designers will continue to be sought-after. Demand for candidates in the architecture and design markets within the ever-bustling New York City continues to increase steadily and shows no sign of stopping. Provided there is no major political upheaval, we expect the market to remain busy in 2018.
Global Salary Guide 2018 | 11
5. LA/ San Francisco Salary Guide Architecture Los Angeles Per annum
US$ Low
San Francisco US$ Average
US$ High
US$ Low
US$ Average
US$ High
CEO/President
105,000
150,000
200,000
130,000
180,000
250,000
Studio Director
90,000
105,000
115,000
113,000
131,000
144,000
Senior Project Manager
95,000
115,000
135,000
119,000
144,000
150,000+
Project Manager
75,000
85,000
94,000
94,000
106,000
118,000
Senior Project Designer
95,000
100,000
110,000
119,000
125,000
138,000
Project Designer
80,000
90,000
100,000
100,000
113,000
125,000
Architect 3 (10+ yrs)
80,000
97,000
107,000
90,000
98,000
110,000
Architect 2 (8-10 yrs)
65,000
78,000
90,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
Architect 1 (5-8 yrs)
56,000
65,000
75,000
60,000
70,000
75,000
Int Architectural Designer (2-5 yrs)
45,000
50,000
58,000
56,000
63,000
73,000
Jr. Architectural Designer (0-2 yrs)
40,000
42,000
48,000
50,000
53,000
60,000
Interior Design Principal
120,000
150,000
40,000
120,000
150,000
240,000
Director of Design
100,000
130,000
150,000
100,000
130,000
150,000
Interior Designer (5-10+ yrs)
70,000
75,000
90,000
70,000
75,000
90,000
Interior Designer (3-5 yrs)
58,000
66,000
70,000
58,000
66,000
70,000
Interior Designer (1-3 yrs)
40,000
45,000
52,000
40,000
45,000
52,000
Senior Project Designer
95,000
110,000
130,000
95,000
110,000
130,000
Project Designer
75,000
85,000
95,000
75,000
85,000
95,000
Senior FF&E Designer
70,000
80,000
90,000
75,000
80,000
90,000
FF&E Designer
50,000
60,000
70,000
60,000
65,000
70,000
Senior Interior Architect
75,000
80,000
95,000
75,000
80,000
95,000
Interior Architect
55,000
60,000
72,000
55,000
60,000
72,000
Business Support Receptionist
25,000
35,000
40,000
25,000
35,000
40,000
Office Manager
45,000
60,000
70,000
45,000
60,000
70,000
Personal Assistant
42,000
50,000
62,000
42,000
50,000
62,000
Marketing Manager
80,000
89,000
95,000
80,000
89,000
95,000
Marketing Coordinator
48,000
55,000
65,000
48,000
55,000
65,000
Office Administrator
42,000
48,000
52,000
42,000
48,000
52,000
Bookkeeper
50,000
65,000
72,000
50,000
65,000
72,000
Business Dev Manager
65,000
75,000
90,000+
65,000
75,000
90,000+
Operations Manager
65,000
80,000
92,000+
65,000
80,000
92,000+
Practice Manager
70,000
80,000
90,000+
70,000
80,000
90,000+
Project Manager
78,000
85,000
90,000+
78,000
85,000
90,000+
Account Manager
70,000
83,000
90,000
70,000
83,000
90,000
Project Administrator
45,000
50,000
53,000
45,000
50,000
53,000
Studio Manager
48,000
62,000
72,000
48,000
62,000
72,000
Document Controller
45,000
52,000
58,000
45,000
52,000
58,000
HR Manager
75,000
86,000
95,000+
75,000
86,000
95,000+
Graphic Designer
55,000
68,500
82,000
bespokecareers.com | Šbespoke careers 2018
Market Update Summary Following a buoyant 2017, we expect the architectural and interior design market to continue in this way for the year ahead, with Los Angeles and San Francisco seeing parallel demands and trends. led by the recent development of the Salesforce Transit Centre and Salesforce Park, expected to open in Spring 2018. Salesforce isn’t the only tech giant securing space in the city, as Dropbox recently took on the city’s largest ever lease, with Facebook, Uber and Airbnb predicted to follow. This has resulted in a growing demand for workplace designers in the San Francisco market. Similar to Los Angeles, San Francisco is seeing a shortage of stock in the housing market, with ULI experts saying more condos and micro-units are required to aid rising housing demands in the city, fuelling demand for candidates with housing experience. Housing demands will continue to drive the LA market during 2018. Industry experts cite a shortage of mid-priced single-family homes in the area, the expectancy of Generation Z to enter the housing market, and the implementation of Measure HHH (a ballot initiative allocating $1.2 million to fund the development of homeless housing in LA) to expand opportunities within the housing market. The focus on expanding the transit system in preparation for the 2028 Olympics will also continue to drive market growth, with December seeing the beginning of the expansion of the Gold Line in Montclair (to be finished in 2027) and with Purple Line construction in full force. An increased focus on revitalising the LA River, the development of new campuses for large tech companies (such as Google and Snapchat) and shopping centres completing major renovations, all translates to a continual growing need for workplace and retail/ restaurant design experience. The San Francisco market also continues to be healthy. Despite dropping to the 27th spot in ULI’s predicted hottest markets in 2018, the city is experiencing a surge of urban development,
The numerous natural disasters and unusual weather patterns witnessed across the state are prompting local architects to consider the rebuilding effort ahead and the need for sustainable and durable materials in upcoming projects.
All of this translates to a dynamic and thriving market where, as it did in 2017, the supply of outstanding candidates struggles to keep up with demand. Mid-level candidates with a good balance of design and technical skills are the most sought-after. Many firms are now working hard to market themselves more successfully to candidates and new clients, and as a result, focusing on hiring marketing, communications and business development associates to create 21st century branding and social media strategies. The West Coast continues to change, with new developments in the markets happening every day. It’s an exciting time for architects and designers, and we expect the market to remain busy this coming year.
Global Salary Guide 2018 | 13
Bespoke Careers About us We are a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to connecting jobseekers with employers in architecture and design. Set up by trained architects and designers with industry experience in practice – we really do understand our industry and care about the people who work within it. Established nearly 15 years ago, we recruit for high-profile design firms locally and internationally and have offices in London, Sydney, Melbourne, New York and Los Angeles.
We recruit across permanent and temporary assignments, from entry level appointments through to strategic/ leadership roles, across the following areas globally: Architecture Interior design Business support (including HR, marketing, IT, finance and admin)
A&D products and sales BIM specialists Strategic appointments Landscape & urban design Graphics & CGI
Ways to hire Permanent hires
Contract/temporary staffing
Retained search
Whether you are seeking to expand your current team or make a succession hire, we are best placed to help. With a global database of over 90,000 pre-screened candidates and an extensive network of top-tier contacts, Bespoke Careers can assist you with your search for the best professionals within the architecture and design industry – finding the right fit for your business.
If you need a temporary specialist, or require staff for a particular project, then Bespoke Careers can help. Our extensive network of pre-screened candidates is flexible and we’re confident that we can provide shortterm staffing solutions to meet those deadlines. We provide you with the temporary worker, handling all of the payroll and taxes etc, and you simply receive an invoice. We can also offer temp-to-perm solutions which gives you the flexibility to test new employees on the job and determine if they are the right fit for your business, minimising any risk before committing to a full-time hire.
Our retained search platform is designed for those highly sensitive strategic appointments which are harder to source and fill, such as principals, design leaders, technical directors, CFO, etc. Many people looking for their next strategic move will be doing so with the utmost discretion. We only work on a small number of retained searches at any one time – by paying a small retainer fee upfront, we will actively source people within our networks, identifying the most suitable candidates in the industry for your role.
bespokecareers.com | ©bespoke careers 2018
The Bespoke way Our clients benefit from a totally unique service for the following reasons: Our consultants are trained architects & designers. Our consultants have the advantage of having trained and worked in the industry they recruit for; this means they have an unrivalled passion for, and understanding of, our clients’ hiring needs and our candidates’ career aspirations. This experience allows us to assess strengths and weaknesses accurately when reviewing portfolios and to make informed judgements when matching candidates to our clients’ requirements.
Our candidate database is unrivalled. With over 90,000 pre-screened candidates on our global database and extensive networks from our time in industry, we really are best positioned to find you the highest quality talent for your roles. Every candidate we put forward has been interviewed and their portfolio reviewed – this means that when we introduce potential candidates to you we will have already met them and will have a solid understanding of their career to date and their aspirations moving forward. We never send out a CV without a candidate’s permission, meaning you only receive the best quality CVs from people who want to work for you.
We send our clients detailed interview notes. These include detailed notes about the applicant’s career aspirations, design ability and technical knowledge. These are then sent with the candidate’s CV and work samples, giving our clients a thorough understanding of the applicant’s expectations as well as their creative, technical and communication skills.
We have a dedicated video conferencing suite. We have a dedicated international interview suite fitted with webcam facilities where candidates can have a one-to-one interview with clients anywhere in the world, providing the client has a similar facility in their office.
Above and beyond just a recruiter. Along with finding great talent, we can give you advice including salary benchmarking, restructuring, market updates, international insights and how to come up with a great benefits package for your staff. Our passion for the design industry means we immerse ourselves in industry events and regularly provide CV and portfolio surgeries to support up-and-coming talent in our industry.
We can test applicants’ Revit/AutoCAD/ Microstation/ArchiCAD/Adobe skills. We have a long-standing contract with Knowledgesmart Ltd, the leading skills assessment software testing organisation, which allows us to assess candidates’ skills. Once we’ve interviewed candidates, they are directed to our in-house testing suite where they undertake an assessment. This allows us to provide our clients with a percentage result and a detailed report which outlines areas that could be improved with training.
Global Salary Guide 2018 | 15
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