The UK Architecture and Design Market Report 2026
After a turbulent few years, seeing activity pick up across the UK market (more vacancies, more applications, and rising salaries) felt like momentum returning. But what stood out most was the sharp reversal in what candidates actually want. Salary has overtaken flexibility as the top priority for the first time.
Download now for the full picture of architecture and design in the UK in 2026.
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Is 2026
the Year of Momentum?
What’s driving moves in architecture and design in 2026?
Lucy Cahill, Jimmy Bent and Micah Davis-Rae of Bespoke Careers break down the findings from the report. Watch the video to get the inside scoop.
What's inside
?
Based on a global survey of over 1,905 architecture and design professionals, drawing from 100,000+ data points.
UK professionals remain passionate about their work, but satisfaction with pay and conditions has slipped. The UK trails Australia and the US and understanding why is the first step to closing the gap.
Salaries are rising, and the direction of travel is positive. But most professionals still feel the gap between what they earn and what's fair. The data points to where firms have room to move.
Most firms still offer hybrid, but required office days are edging up. The gap between employer expectations and staff preferences is small and firms that close it have a real advantage in hiring.
Salary has overtaken flexibility as the top priority for the first time. Candidates still want purpose and progression, but pay is now the opening move. Firms that get this right will win on hiring.
The UK trails Australia and the US on wellbeing, but the data shows exactly where the pressure points are. Mental health support and career progression are where firms have the most to gain.
The gap has widened, particularly at senior levels, where the UK sits behind both the US and Australia. The good news is the data is clear on where the disparity lives and what needs to change.
