WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the heels of a period of weakness in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index took a sudden upturn in August. As an 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 August ABI score was 51.4, following a very weak score of 45.1 in July. 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 56.9, up sharply from a reading of … Read more

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials declined in August, but contractors continue to be squeezed as materials cost increases have outstripped the price of finished buildings over the past year, according to a recent analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. “The disparity between contractors" materials costs and their selling prices threatens to push some firms and their hard-pressed workers out of business,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Contractors just aren"t catching any breaks when it comes to current market conditions.” Simonson noted that the monthly … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute of Architects recently issued a comprehensive look at the built environment's role in economic recovery, highlighting six specific policy steps that will generate jobs and help grow the American economy. The policy document, “The Built Environment's Role in the Recovery,” is being issued on the eve of President Obama's major jobs initiative to be unveiled next Thursday in a speech before a Joint Session of Congress. The AIA white paper was delivered to the White House and to Congressional leadership on both sides of the political aisle. The report notes that the value of … Read more