The Q3 2026 U.S. Houzz Pro Industry Barometer survey of nearly 1,000 residential construction, architecture and design firms reveals a wave of renewed confidence heading into the third quarter of 2026. Construction firms expect business activity to rise over the next quarter due to an uptick in project inquiries, despite a slight dip in recent months. And the design sector enters the quarter with significant momentum, fueled by gains in both inquiries and new committed projects.
Their optimism comes with a reality check, however. To protect against higher costs, labor shortages and cautious homeowners, businesses are focusing on three key areas: managing immediate overhead spikes, being choosier about the jobs they take, and changing where and how they look for work. Here’s a closer look at how construction and design professionals are navigating the current landscape.
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“From the start, Soloway Designs has set one of its goals to create and grow an exciting professional work environment,” says Marc Soloway, architect, founder and principal at Soloway Designs in Tucson, Arizona. “The atmosphere is light, but quality work is produced, deadlines are met and client satisfaction is at the forefront. Our office is a giant family, and as we grow, and during interviews, we endeavor to make sure each new hire will be a good fit.”
Soloway describes reviewing hundreds of resumes to source a new employee. He says the company is seeking “a personality that fits with our team. A quality work ethic, knowledge of what the position requires, desire for further growth are a few of the critical success factors for a potential new employee.”
To find these attributes, Soloway looks beyond what’s written on the page in front of him. “Resumes offer only a glimpse of a potential candidate,” he says.
“The resume and the candidate all too often are not a close fit. For example, a great project in the presented portfolio may indeed be commendable, but deeper discussion may question just how much the candidate actually understands and had uniquely contributed.
“During in-house interviews, we look beyond stated assignments and accomplishments,” Soloway says. “Discussion issues include: Tell me about a particular challenge and how you worked it out. What frustrates you most in the work environment? What are your primary professional growth goals for the coming year? And where do you see yourself in five years?”
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