Serbia’s architectural sector recorded a substantial increase in combined company turnover, reaching €45.2 million, even as confidence in future business activity weakened. The latest survey by the Association of Serbian Architectural Practices (ASAP) found that nearly half of participating firms expect conditions to deteriorate, highlighting uncertainty surrounding construction investment, property development and demand for professional design services.
The Puls Ekosistem 2025 survey recorded an increase in turnover from €35 million to €45.2 million, representing growth of approximately 29%. 46% of respondents expect business conditions to worsen, compared with 24% who anticipate further growth. The survey covered 87 architectural companies, accounting for 85.3% of ASAP’s membership. Its findings therefore reflect the experience of a substantial proportion of association members, rather than the entire Serbian architectural industry.
Economic uncertainty and permitting constrain business development
Respondents identified several obstacles affecting their ability to develop their businesses. Economic and political uncertainty was cited by 32%, while 29% pointed to administrative procedures and permitting requirements. Pressure on professional fees was reported by 22%, and 19% identified insufficient standardisation of architectural services. These constraints affect firms’ ability to forecast workloads, negotiate fees and maintain professional capacity over extended investment cycles. The survey findings do not establish an immediate shortage of existing projects, but they indicate growing uncertainty over the continuity of future assignments.
For property developers, unpredictable approval procedures and delays in obtaining technical documentation can disrupt construction schedules and financing arrangements. Delays during the design and permitting stages may raise development costs, postpone loan disbursements and complicate contractor procurement. Residential and commercial property developments, logistics facilities and industrial projects are among the types of investments that require coordinated architectural and engineering documentation. A sustained decline in new design commissions would not, by itself, confirm a contraction in construction investment, but weaker activity at the design stage could precede a slowdown in project starts.
Foreign markets contribute €4.4 million in service exports
Exports are providing Serbian architectural practices with an additional source of revenue beyond the domestic construction market. ASAP reported approximately €4.4 million in exported architectural services, equivalent to nearly 10% of member companies’ combined turnover.
Croatia was the most frequently reported international market, with 39.1% of exporting respondents active there. Montenegro and Germany each featured among 32.6% of exporters. Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina were also identified as important destinations. The figures indicate that Serbian practices are serving clients across regional and European markets. International assignments can diversify revenue sources and reduce firms’ dependence on domestic property development activity.
Cross-border work can include architectural design, technical documentation, building information modelling and specialist engineering services delivered by project teams operating in different countries. Expansion into foreign markets also requires firms to meet destination-country building regulations, professional accreditation rules, contractual standards and liability requirements. Smaller practices may consequently need partnerships with established European architecture and engineering companies to increase their international activity.
Small firms face pressure on salaries and profitability
Most companies covered by the survey operate with relatively small teams. A typical member firm employs approximately five people, while three-quarters have no more than nine employees. Median net monthly pay ranges from RSD 80,000 (€680) for architectural trainees to RSD 206,000 (€1,750) for chief architects. Junior architects receive a median of approximately RSD 110,000 (€940), while the corresponding figure for senior architects is RSD 167,000 (€1,420).
Despite the increase in aggregate turnover, salaries have not kept pace with broader national wage growth, according to the survey. This creates challenges for firms seeking to maintain profitability while retaining qualified professionals. The issue is relevant to architectural and engineering businesses competing with international employers and companies working on projects for foreign clients. The financial performance of smaller practices depends not only on the volume of assignments but also on professional fee levels and the cost of retaining experienced staff.
Digital design and artificial intelligence gain attention
Around 26% of respondents identified digitalisation and related technologies as important areas for improvement. The survey highlighted growing interest in digital design, building information modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence.
Investment in these tools could help architectural and engineering companies improve productivity, coordinate documentation and manage project execution risks. Digital capabilities may also support the development of higher-value services, including integrated design, technical due diligence, environmental compliance and digital project management.
Technology investment, however, does not independently resolve weaknesses in contract pricing or payment arrangements. More sustainable commercial practices may require clearly defined service scopes, appropriate compensation for design changes and closer integration of architectural work with engineering and construction-management services.
Design documentation remains relevant to construction financing
The survey’s findings are relevant to the assessment of Serbia’s construction investment pipeline, particularly where projects depend on predictable permitting schedules and professional-services costs.
Banks assessing early-stage developments may need to examine the maturity of design documentation, the status of permits, the availability of consultants and the potential effect of schedule changes on project delivery. For architectural practices, the survey points to the importance of combining domestic project experience with regional exports and specialised technical services. The sector’s increase in turnover to €45.2 million contrasts with the weaker expectations reported by respondents, leaving the outlook for new assignments in 2027 an important factor for companies operating in the market.
