Architects become more mobile: attitudes to new technologies

An above average uptake of smartphones, more positive attitudes among older age groups and an overall preference for Windows-based PCs are just some of the surprise findings of a recent survey into attitudes towards new technologies among architects and other construction professionals.

The survey, conducted in October 2010 by RIBA Enterprises, used the term 'technology' primarily to describe office accessories such as computer hardware and software, and mobile technology. In total, 437 respondents completed an online questionnaire from among 6,500 approached via email, representing a 7 per cent response rate.

Unsurprisingly, 90 per cent of those who answered claimed to have a positive attitude towards the adoption of new technology within their office. That figure was slightly higher among architects at 94 per cent and NBS subscribers at 95 per cent. (NBS is of course used by a wide variety of construction professions, including architects, engineers and surveyors). Most intriguingly however, positive attitudes appeared to increase with age. Among the over-55's, 93 per cent expressed a positive view, compared with 90 per cent of 35-54 year-olds and 87 per cent of 18-34s. Ninety per cent of architects said that without their computer they would struggle to get work done, against 95 per cent of NBS subscribers and only 86 per cent of manufacturers.

While architects have a reputation for favouring Apple Macs it turned out that the most popular platform by far throughout the construction industry is the Windows-based desktop PC. Seventy-two per cent of respondents used one for work, with 58 per cent using a Windows based laptop as well or instead. Only 16 per cent had a desktop Apple Mac and 13 per cent a Mac Book (Apple Mac laptop). Admittedly those figures rose to 30 per cent and 21 per cent respectively among architects, but the dominance of Windows-based PCs still comes as a surprise. Small businesses are significantly more likely to use Apple Macs than medium or large-size ones.

It may still be too early to assess what impact Apple's iPad may have on the construction industry (only 4 per cent used one for work). Thirty-eight per cent readily admitted to using a smartphone however, against a national average of 23 per cent, strongly suggesting that construction industry professionals may be ahead of the adoption curve. According to a recent Culture Index (BCI) survey both figures are likely to rise rapidly

With that in mind it's interesting to note that 52 per cent of respondents expected their investment in new technology to increase over the next two years, with only 4 per cent suggesting it would go down. Of those expecting an increase 82 per cent said that they'd use it to achieve 'better work quality', with 80 per cent wanting 'better communications', 77 per cent 'work done more quickly', and 74 per cent 'improved document quality'. Seventy-two per cent specifically mentioned computer aided design (CAD).

When asked about their current habits, and to what extent various processes were already automated, the survey found that specification writing was the most computerised process (95 per cent), followed by drafting and invoicing (89 per cent). The least automated process was purchasing, with 19 per cent describing it as still 'mostly manual'.

What's it to you?

Despite its reputation the construction industry is revealed as highly receptive to new technologies, and indeed quick to acknowledge the need to invest in them. Unsurprisingly, NBS users are right there in the vanguard (NBS Plus clients take note), and will doubtless be delighted by the news that ribaproductselector.com will soon include the facility to download CAD documents (ribaproductselector.com set for major improvements in 2011). If you're not yet using NBS Plus or ribaproductselector.com then learn more about how they could directly benefit you.

 

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