Billings Strong at Firms in West, Midwest Regions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Institute of Architects is reporting an increase in architecture firm billings for February from its Architecture Billings Index, with several key segments showing an encouraging outlook for 2018. “We remain optimistic about the trends we’re seeing at architecture firms this year with the ABI continuing to show growth in February,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. “We saw several major bright spots reflected in February’s data, as billings remained particularly strong at firms located in the West and Midwest.” While the pace of growth in design activity slowed a bit in February … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , ,

Architecture Billings End Year on Positive Note

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index concluded the year in positive terrain, with the December reading capping off three straight months of growth in design billings. The American Institute of Architects reported the December ABI score was 52.9, down from a score of 55.0 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 61.9, up from a reading of 61.1 the previous month, while the new design contracts index decreased slightly from 53.2 to 52.7. … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , ,

Architecture Billings Index Ekes out Small Gain

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Coming off a modest increase after two consecutive months of contraction, the Architecture Billings Index recorded another small increase in demand for design services.  As an economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the November ABI score was 50.6, essentially unchanged from the mark of 50.8 in the previous month. This score reflects a slight increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 59.5, up from a reading … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, eNewsTagged with: , ,

Architecture Billings Index Moderates Slightly, Remains Positive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index was positive in July for the sixth consecutive month, and tenth out of the last twelve months as demand across all project types continued to increase. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 51.5, down from the mark of 52.6 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , ,