For large design firms, the construction market finally began to break out of recession in 2004 after three tough years. Among executives of many top firms, there is a growing sense of optimism that business is picking up and will continue to do so in most industry segments for at least the next year or two.
Prosperity was broadly shared in 2004 by ENRs Top 500 Design Firms. The groups total revenue rose 7.8% to $52.99 billion, topping 2003s mark of $49.18 billion. Top 500 domestic revenue rose 7.9% to $42.10 billion in 2004 while international revenue grew 7.3% to $10.89 billion. A startling 77.9% of all firms appearing on this Top 500 survey and the one published at this time last year showed increases in revenue. Half rose by double digits.