Did you know that, according the latest US Census business data (2012 Business Census), there are more than 112, 000 professional services firms operating in the AE and related industry segments in the United States?

(See the chart – this group includes organizations in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, drafting, building inspection, surveying, testing, interior design, industrial design, and environmental consulting). 

Moreover, a deeper analysis of this information provides some really striking findings. Fully 61% of these firms (55K) have less than five employees, and nearly 80% (81K) have less than 10 total. Nine out of ten companies have a total staff complement of less than 20.

Bottom line: the professional services sector of the AE industry is highly fragmented, characterized by a very large number of organizations, almost all of which are quite small businesses.

What are the implications of this industry set – on competitive forces, business models, marketing strategy, and the challenges of sustainable business management and organization transition?

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