Architecture Billings Index Remains Positive for Fourth Straight Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Led by the commercial sector, the Architecture Billings Index has remained in positive territory four months in a row. The ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

The American Institute of Architects reported the February ABI score was 51.0, following a mark of 50.9 in January. This score reflects a slight increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 63.4, up from mark of 61.2 the previous month and its highest reading since July 2007.

“This is more good news for the design and construction industry that continues to see improving business conditions,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “The factors that are preventing a more accelerated recovery are persistent caution from clients to move ahead with new projects, and a continued difficulty in accessing financing for projects that developers have decided to pursue.”

Key February ABI highlights:

> Regional averages: Midwest (56.0), South (51.3), Northeast (51.0), West (45.6)
> Sector index breakdown: commercial / industrial (55.1), multi-family residential (53.3), institutional (50.3), mixed practice (46.3)
> Project inquiries index: 63.4

The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the index and inquiries are monthly numbers.

About the AIA Architecture Billings Index
The Architecture Billings Index, produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group, is a leading economic indicator that provides a glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey that is sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms.

Participants are asked whether billings increased, decreased or stayed the same in the month that just ended as compared to the prior month, and the results are then compiled into the ABI. These monthly results are also seasonally adjusted to allow for comparison to prior months. The monthly ABI index scores are centered around 50, with scores above 50 indicating an aggregate increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicating a decline. The regional and sector data are formulated using a three-month moving average. More information on the ABI is available at www.aia.org.