While architecture and engineering (A&E) sectors remain fundamentally strong, firms are operating in an environment characterised by intensifying competition for both talent and clients, rising costs squeezing profitability, evolving work patterns and accelerating digital transformation.

Corporate real estate (CRE) portfolios are becoming an increasingly important strategic lever for businesses. Location determines access to critical skills and specialist talent pools. Workplace quality influences collaboration, innovation and employee engagement. Portfolio structure underpins cost resilience, operational agility and long-term scalability.

This report explores how A&E occupiers are recalibrating their real estate strategies to strengthen competitiveness. We assess the factors shaping decision-making, benchmark the world’s leading A&E talent hubs and identify locations that combine depth of expertise with cost efficiency.

Our objective is to provide A&E leaders with clear, evidence-based insight to support confident, forward-looking location and portfolio decisions.

Read the articles within Spotlight on the architecture and engineering sector report below

Key Takeaways

• Talent access is the defining driver of location strategy, cited by 78% of respondents. Employment and real estate costs follow as critical considerations.
• Global talent hubs remain dominant. San Francisco and New York top Savills A&E Talent Index, with London, Zurich and Singapore also ranking strongly for depth and quality of expertise
• Cost-competitive alternatives are gaining appeal. Markets such as Dallas and Oslo offer access to specialist talent with lower overall employment and occupancy costs.
• Space requirements remain under review. 39% of firms are maintaining square footage, 35% are consolidating and 25% are expanding.

Further information

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