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Economics Working Group: Focus on digital cooperation models, procurement and the HOAI

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The bdla Economics Working Group held its first meeting of the year online on 12 March 2026. The focus was on current economic and professional policy developments in landscape architecture – ranging from digital collaboration models and tendering procedures to the HOAI.

A key topic was the presentation of the ARKO architectural co-operative by Franz Damm, Vice-President of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects. The concept is designed as a digital user tool for planning and construction and aims to establish a cooperatively organised pool of data and knowledge for planning offices. As ARKO is still in its start-up phase, the matter will be discussed further at one of the forthcoming meetings.

The 2026 Business Forum, attended by around 150 participants, attracted considerable interest, particularly with its focus on the HOAI, procurement and innovative working time models. Topics such as negotiation strategies, the legal framework for flexible working time models, tools for staff retention and cost control were listed for the Economic Forum to be held in Berlin in February 2027. With regard to the HOAI amendment, the guidance on appropriate remuneration for building design and land-use planning developed by the bdla is to be communicated more effectively to clients.

Procurement is also a recurring topic in the Competition Working Group. A clearer division of responsibilities was therefore discussed in order to make better use of synergies. Looking ahead, the possibility of joint meetings was also considered. Furthermore, current legislative developments, such as the Procurement Acceleration Act, were addressed.

Changes are also on the horizon at European level: a draft revision of the EU Public Procurement Directive is expected in the course of the year. The bdla is closely monitoring these processes in consultation with the Federal Chamber of Architects and is representing the professional interests of landscape architecture.

Source: bdla association journal “landschaftsarchitekt:innen” 2/2026