Staff numbers at leading architecture, engineering and environmental (A/E) firms have steadily declined this year, according to a new report released by Wayland architecture and engineering consultant ZweigWhite.

According to the company’s 2010 Financial Performance Survey, the overall median staff growth/decline rate dropped to -6.8 percent over the past year, indicating an overall decline in staff count. Staff growth or decline is the percentage increase or decrease in the number of staff over the course of one year, the company said. It includes all staff – professional/technical and administrative.

"The year 2009 proved to be a major test of the resilience of A/E firm’s balance sheets," said John Soter, principal, ZweigWhite Strategic Advisory Services. "Backlogs have lessened and, in many cases, are smaller in early 2010 than they were at the same time in 2009. Most A/E firms experienced staff turnover at a higher rate than at any time in the past decade. Many were forced to lay off staff, reduce hours, or have furloughs."