Does that mean business conditions are good for architects doing commercial work?
The businesses we are working for are doing a brisk business. Office, mixed-use and retail are very strong. The majority of work we do uptown is interior upfits in existing office towers, and that work is constant even in slow times when clients are upsizing or downsizing. The suburban office markets are seeing a transition. Folks that normally have been in traditional office space are looking for more dynamic space with open ceilings and better lease rates. Low vacancy rates have created a good climate to build commercial properties now, and with material price increases possible, owners are inclined to push their projects on a fast track rather than wait on increases in steel or concrete. What are the strongest markets where your firm is working and what are the weak areas of demand for design services? It’s no secret that the residential market is going through a slowdown, but we are not in the residential market. Fortunately we are diversified. Midrise speculative office, commercia
