It’s that time again. You know, the time when architects, interior designers, and creatives in the Pittsburgh region come together to give their honest feedback about the state of the industry. Whether it’s salary concerns, work-life balance struggles, or the ever-pressing issue of equity in design, the 2025 Pittsburgh Architecture & Design Survey is live—and we want to hear from YOU.
This survey is for Architects AND Interior Designers!
Transparency is not only needed for our specific region, but also providing data for BOTH Architects and Interior Designers.
Why Another Survey?
You might be asking yourself: “Why are we doing this again?” Well, the truth is, things change. Fast. The design industry is evolving—whether we like it or not—and your experience in Pittsburgh’s architecture and design world has likely shifted since 2023. We need to know what’s working, what’s not, and where we’re making progress (or still falling short). Your input in this survey will help us continue the conversation and drive the change we need.
If you participated in the 2023 Pittsburgh Equity in Architecture Survey, you know that the findings helped highlight some crucial areas of improvement for our community. We dug deep into issues like salary transparency, benefits, work culture, and the equity—or lack thereof—that many face in our profession. It’s only by gathering data like this that we can begin to build a more equitable, inclusive, and balanced future for Pittsburgh’s design professionals.
You can access the 2023 report below for a quick refresher. It’s full of valuable insights that helped push the conversation forward—and this year’s survey will do the same. But to make that happen, we need your input again. More voices, more perspectives = more change.
Fast Facts from the 2023 Survey:
What’s New in 2025?
So, what can you expect from the 2025 Pittsburgh Architecture & Design Survey? Glad you asked. We’ve kept it short, sweet, and totally relevant to today’s design climate.
- Salary & Benefits: We know, you’re probably tired of asking your colleagues, “What do you make?” This year, we’re diving into salary data once again, but with a focus on benefits too. Do your benefits actually benefit you? Are your compensation packages keeping up with the cost of living in Pittsburgh? Let’s find out.
- Hybrid Work: Is hybrid work still as glorious as it was when it first started? Or are we all starting to feel like we’ve been sold a half-baked version of the future? With many firms still figuring out the hybrid or fully remote model, this survey will give us a clearer picture of how hybrid work is truly impacting our industry in Pittsburgh.
- Equity & Inclusion: We can’t keep talking about change without talking about equity. The 2025 survey will again focus on the disparities that persist in our industry—whether it’s gender, race, or just general access to opportunities. How far have we come since 2023? Let’s take stock and figure out where to go from here.
- Work-Life Balance: In a world where 60-hour work weeks are almost the norm, how are we really doing on the work-life balance front? Are we burning out? Or are we managing to take our vacation days without guilt? This year’s survey will provide an honest assessment of how work-life balance is actually playing out in Pittsburgh’s design community.
Why Should You Take the Survey?
In case you’re still unsure, let me break it down for you:
- It’s Quick. The survey takes just 5 minutes to complete. You’ve got that much time to help make Pittsburgh’s design community a better place. Don’t make excuses.
- It’s Anonymous. We get it. Sharing personal data can feel risky, but rest assured, this survey is 100% anonymous. Your responses will remain confidential, and your opinions will be aggregated with others to create a broader picture of our community.
- It Makes a Difference. You’re not just filling out a form—you’re contributing to a report that will be shared with local firms, organizations, and leaders who can make a difference. Whether it’s improving salaries, enhancing benefits, or pushing for more inclusive practices, your feedback matters.
- You’ll Help Build the Future. The design industry is changing. By taking this survey, you’re helping us shape that change. The insights from this year’s survey will drive future discussions, influence policies, and maybe even encourage a few more happy hours to decompress.
How to Participate?
It’s easy! Just click the link below to get started. It takes less than 5 minutes, and you’ll be helping your peers and shaping the future of architecture and design in Pittsburgh.
But don’t wait too long—the survey closes on February 7. So, make sure you take those 5 minutes before time runs out. If you know other architects, interior designers, or design professionals in the Pittsburgh area, share the survey with them too. The more people who participate, the better our data will be.
This survey is more than just a data collection tool—it’s a call to action. We need to continue making Pittsburgh a place where architects and designers can thrive, feel valued, and be treated equitably. Your feedback, no matter how small it may seem, helps push us closer to that reality.
So go ahead. Take 5 minutes to share your voice. We’re listening.
Written by
Katelyn Rossier, AIA, CSI, CDT, LSSBB