26/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - In 2008, by request of the Architects' Council of Europe (ACE), the organisation representing the interests in 480,000 architects from 33 European countries, a study was carried out on the profession of architect in Europe. The study, which is available on the website of the organisation, shows that the profession is made up of 37% women, that 42% of architects are under the age of 40 and that 86% of architects' offices employ fewer than five architects. This sector, which can thus be seen to be made up essentially of small and medium-sized enterprises, is today particularly vulnerable in the face of the economic crisis. Since September 2008, furthermore, one in six architects on average has been out of work in Europe. In order to increase its awareness of the situation for the sector and its impact on the economy, the ACE is planning to carry out surveys of this kind every two years, plus quarterly surveys of architects. (L.P./trans.fl)