14 October 2025
In July, we surveyed over 500 architects and designers to capture a broad perspective on industry sentiment. Funded by the BRANZ Building Research Levy, the report delves into both current attitudes and future expectations. The data highlights that architects and designers are navigating a challenging landscape, but are beginning to feel more optimistic about the future.
Key findings include:
- Sole practitioners and those based in Wellington and Auckland are feeling the slowdown more acutely
- 42% of architects and designers have had projects either significantly down-scaled or lapse
- 18% of practices are optimistic for the near future, and look to hire staff in the next 12 months
- The average forward workload is 6.4 months
We hope the data collected will help inform the wider industry and foster collaboration to face the challenges ahead.
WoodWorks Issue – 14 Oct 2025
Welcome
Greetings from your WoodWorks team. A July survey of over 500 architects and designers, funded by the BRANZ Building Research Levy, reveals that while the industry faces challenges, professionals are beginning to feel more optimistic about future prospects. Registrations are open for our national WoodWorks Conference, 4-5 November in Rotorua. See new options for site visits.
- BuildBIM managed coordination and construction modelling for the Bethlehem Shores project in Tauranga. They worked with Arvida during design and prefabrication, focusing on coordinating key interfaces like steel plates and CLT connections.
- The Sprint Canopy, Southeast Asia’s tallest single-span timber structure, stands 27 meters high, covering a 3,000 m² public plaza. It stores 952 tonnes of CO₂e and emitted only 67 tonnes CO₂e from harvest to installation.
- One for the glulam folks this time. From the UK a new building for an unusual tenant. Using building design and high performance materials the project delivers on its goal of achieving Passivhaus standards.
- See what Australian architects, engineers, and developers learned on a visit to Japan to study wooden architecture and explore a mass timber building with fireproof laminated wood, highlighting Japan’s wood-centric culture and advances in sustainable construction materials.
14 October 2025
EBOSS 2025 Architect Sentiment Report
In July, we surveyed over 500 architects and designers to capture a broad perspective on industry sentiment. Funded by the BRANZ Building Research Levy, the report delves into both current...
14 October 2025
Arvida Bethlehem Shores
BuildBIM provided BIM Management, Coordination, and Construction Modelling for the Bethlehem Shores Care and Apartments development in Tauranga. Engaged by Arvida, BuildBIM supported the project through detailed design and prefabrication stages,...
14 October 2025
When Engineering meets beautiful Architecture
Reaching 27m high and sat between two skyscrapers, Sprint Canopy is Southeast Asia’s tallest single-span timber structure. It uses 1,150 m3 of PEFC-certified spruce and spans a 3,000 m2 public...
14 October 2025
Glulam helps Unusual building achieve Passivhaus
Unusual Rigging’s new headquarters in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, is on the cutting-edge of building design and required high performance materials to deliver on its goal of achieving Passivhaus standards. The building...
14 October 2025
Fire proof wood
Australian architects, engineers, and developers visited Japan to explore wooden architecture, particularly focusing on the Ajinomoto National Stadium, which features a unique timber-and-concrete composite roof. This trip aimed to understand...
14 October 2025
And one to end on… Yes — it’s real
For the worm-lovers out there… Officials ensure fair play in worm charming competitions. Roles include the Worm Master, Official Cheat, Old Father Worm Charming, and the International Judge. Check it...