RALEIGH, N.C. —FMI (www.fminet.com), a provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, released its Nonresidential Construction Index report for the fourth quarter of 2011. The NRCI slipped from 52.4 to a barely positive 50.3 this quarter. While the stock market continues its gyrations from news surrounding the future of the Euro countries, the NRCI has managed glacial growth, chugging along just above average for the last two years, average being little to no growth. The NRCI dropping to 50.3 this quarter is less a downward trend than a continuation of moderate growth. Moderate growth … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a sharp dip in September, the Architecture Billings Index climbed nearly three points in October. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the October ABI score was 49.4, following a score of 46.9 in September. This score reflects an overall decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 57.3, up from a reading of 54.3 the previous month. “An increase … Read more

Persistent Financing Crunch Continues to Plague Design, Construction Sector WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute of Architects released a comprehensive report that concludes that the major obstacle holding back job creation in the United States is the persistent lack of construction financing, despite record low interest rates. “This report should lay to rest any doubt about what is a key source for holding back job creation in the United States," said Kermit Baker, chief economist of the AIA. “It is the lack of financing especially to the design and construction sector, which accounts for $1 in $9 of U.S. Gross … Read more