A survey by the Nikkan Construction Industry Newspaper showed that the number of new graduates (including university graduates, high school graduates, etc.) recruited by 16 major architectural design companies in the spring of this year (April 2025) will be 10% higher than last year. The total number is 449, an increase of 75 from last year. Compared to last year, 10 companies increased, 3 decreased, and 3 remained the same. Of the 10 companies with an increase, four companies plan to increase their workforce by 15 or more. Regarding future recruitment policies, 12 companies responded that they will "remain the same," while two companies responded that they will "increase." There were no responses indicating a decrease, and companies focusing on securing a stable supply of human resources and establishing a human resources structure that can meet social needs stood out the most.
A survey was conducted at 16 major design firms in January and February, asking about the number of new graduates and mid-career employees as well as their human resources strategies. Of the new graduates who joined the company this spring, a total of 421 people were employed in the engineering field at the 16 companies (361 people in April 2024). Eleven companies exceeded the previous year's results, three companies decreased, and two companies had the same figures. Three companies significantly increased their hiring compared to the previous year. Nikken Sekkei will increase by 18 employees, Kume Sekkei by 16 employees, and Daiken Sekkei by 14 employees.
When it comes to recruiting new graduates, many companies responded that they will “stay the same” because they need to maintain their organizational structure and hire the right number of employees, while others are looking to improve design efficiency and expand their business. MHS responded: “We will increase the number from a mid- to long-term management perspective, including the state of the business mission and responding to digital transformation.”
There is also a move to recruit graduates from technical colleges. Among the companies that responded, Nikken Sekkei is expected to recruit one person this spring. The company said, "We are considering recruiting (graduates from technical colleges) for training positions in the future, with the expectation that they will become engineers." Azusa Sekkei responded, "We focus on the technical skills and ambitions of graduates from technical colleges. From the perspective of organizational restructuring, we intend to increase recruitment, although we have not set any specific goals." Ishimoto Architectural Office also stated that it is "considering increasing recruitment."
There is also a move to actively recruit people outside the construction industry, such as those in the AI field. Challenges cited include “recruiting and attracting students in the mechanical, electrical and electronics fields” (NTT Facilities) and “attracting DX talent” (Nikken Sekkei).
These 16 companies are expected to hire a total of 427 mid-level employees in fiscal 2024, up 104 from the previous year. Companies expecting an increase said, “We are actively recruiting personnel who can immediately contribute to growth and focus areas” (NTT Facilities) and “We are moving toward actively recruiting experienced personnel with a track record in the equipment and environmental business” (Yasui Architects & Engineers). The trend of seeking knowledge and skills gained through practical experience when developing new business projects rather than remaining in existing areas is likely to continue to grow stronger.
As competition for talent heats up, even in other industries, some are pinning their hopes on seniors taking an active role. Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei responded, “Starting from fiscal 2025, we plan to extend the retirement age from the month when people turn 60 to the end of the fiscal year after they turn 60, and we also plan to create new jobs that allow people to work until they turn 75.” In January, Nikken Sekkei extended the retirement age from 60 to 65. Six companies responded that they were “planning” or “considering” extending the retirement age in the future.
Of the 15 companies that responded to the question about starting salaries for new graduates (college and general) in fiscal year 2013, five said they had “increased” them and four said they were “considering” it. The remaining six said they were “keeping it the same” because they had already raised them last year. There are some companies that have turnover rates of 10 to 20 percent for new employees in their second or third year, so it seems that in order to attract and retain talented employees, there is a need to continue to review and improve policies and systems.
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