Washington, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index is reflecting a steady upturn in design activity.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate from nine- to twelve-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the March ABI score was 51.9, down from a mark of 54.9 in February.   This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).   The new projects inquiry index was 60.1, down from the reading of 64.8 the previous month. “Business … Read more

Construction employment increased in 30 states in March as the industry expanded but at a slower pace than in February, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department. Association officials cautioned, however, that many states remain vulnerable to construction cutbacks from newly enacted and proposed decreases in federal funding for infrastructure. “A majority of states are adding jobs month by month and year-over-year,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The expansion appears poised to continue for residential and private nonresidential construction. But investment in infrastructure and public buildings is still on a downward … Read more

Construction employment increased in 158 out of 339 metropolitan areas between February 2012 and February 2013, declined in 132 and was stagnant in 49, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the industry’s long-awaited recovery could prove fleeting if public construction spending continues to decline and a reported immigration reform deal could undermine efforts to recruit skilled workers. “While construction employment continues to decline in many parts of the country, the number of communities experiencing gains continues to expand,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief … Read more

Construction industry employment climbed for the tenth consecutive month in March, as the sector added 18,000 jobs and surpassed 5.8 million employees for the first time since September 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that the industry may soon experience both layoffs for some skilled trades and shortages of others, unless policy makers boost infrastructure investment and allow importation of needed workers. “The nearly steady expansion of construction payrolls since hitting bottom in January 2011 brought the industry's unemployment rate down to 14.7 percent last month, the … Read more