The economic situation in the planning sector remains tense. This is shown by the comprehensive report on the 2026 nationwide economic survey conducted by the Federal Chamber of Architects, AHO, VBI and BIngK. Simplified planning and approval procedures, as well as new sources of funding such as the Infrastructure Special Fund, have not yet had any discernible impact on improving the economic situation of architectural and engineering practices. Declining order books, high material costs and delayed project timelines are currently putting a strain on the financial situation of many firms.

The BAK’s special analysis from June 2026 provides a more nuanced picture for the individual disciplines. More than 4,000 self-employed Chamber members took part, 8 per cent of whom were from the field of landscape architecture. According to the findings, landscape architecture has so far fared best in this challenging market environment. Its current economic situation and volume of commissions are above average. At the same time, however, expectations for the coming months are also becoming more subdued in this sector. The following findings can be noted from the perspective of landscape architecture:

• 62 per cent rate their economic situation as good or very good – compared with 45 per cent of architectural practices overall.
• Only 12 per cent rate their economic situation as poor or very poor – compared with an average of 22 per cent across all architectural practices.
• The order book stands at an average of 11.4 months, which is 1.4 months above the average for all architectural practices of 10.0 months.
• Only 3 per cent report numerous contract cancellations or suspensions of services – significant losses of work are therefore comparatively rare.
• However, 50 per cent report isolated contract cancellations or postponements of services.
• 42 per cent expect a decline in orders in the coming months, of whom 9 per cent anticipate a sharp decline and 33 per cent a moderate one.
• 18 per cent expect orders to rise, whilst 41 per cent anticipate that the situation will remain stable.
• Only 3 per cent consider it likely that they will have to cease trading in the short term, whilst 87 per cent consider this to be rather or very unlikely.
• Around 26 per cent regard inappropriate or insufficient remuneration as a very or rather significant economic obstacle.

The figures currently paint a picture of a sector that is still holding its own relatively well in a difficult economic climate. Existing order books have so far ensured stability and planning certainty. At the same time, it is becoming clear that the signs of an economic slowdown are also mounting for the landscape architecture sector. The firms’ expectations are significantly more cautious than their assessment of their current economic situation. Consequently, the general weakness in investment and economic activity could, with a time lag, come to affect landscape architecture more severely.

Over the next six to twelve months, the decisive factor will be whether the considerable planning needs – particularly in the areas of climate adaptation, green infrastructure, infrastructure planning and the heat-resilient development of towns and cities – actually translate into stable demand for planning services. However, this planning demand will only have an economic impact on firms once investments are secured, projects are specifically initiated and planning services are reliably commissioned. It is therefore essential to have continuous public investment, predictable project processes and framework conditions that swiftly translate existing planning needs into concrete contracts.

The full results of the surveys can be found here and here.

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