Architects' fees are expected to have increased 11% this year, according to research by economic consultant Market & Business Development.
The profession received nearly 拢2.4bn for its collective work last year; this should rise to about 拢2.7bn by the end of next month.

The rate of increase is expected to slow over the next five years, reaching almost 拢3bn by the end of 2008.

The report predicted fees for architects specialising in commercial new-build work would fall slightly next year, but increase 10% in the next five, making it worth 拢945m by 2008.

In a separate report, Market & Business Development found that the market to assess and treat contaminated land increased 16% in value between 1999 and 2002.

It said this growth was driven by the construction industry, and attributed it to the increasing emphasis on the redevelopment of brownfield land by planning departments and the government.

This year the market is expected to grow a further 4%, taking its value to 拢322.6m.