Architectural firms saw a big increase in project inquiries in the fourth quarter of 2024 with K-12 education leading all market sectors with 20% of active projects, according to the American Institute of Architects Iowa Chapter’s quarterly survey, released earlier this month.

The report is from survey responses from architecture firms across the state and looks at trends in project types, values, market sectors and business concerns.

“Despite economic headwinds and concerns about economy and labor prices, Iowa’s architecture firms saw a surge in project inquiries in the fourth quarter of 2024, suggesting a strong 2025 and 2026 for construction,” Jessica Reinert, AIA Iowa executive director, said in a news release. “This, coupled with a positive outlook on the Iowa market, indicates resilience and growth potential for the built environment.”

Other key findings from the report include:

• The economy and labor prices continue to be concerns among architecture firms.
• Despite challenges, firms remain optimistic about the future, with a mean market optimism score of 60%.
• Medium-sized projects, those between $1 million and $10 million, represent a majority of active projects for the first time in the survey’s history.
• Traditional design-bid-build project delivery methods have risen significantly in popularity.