Commercial/Industrial Sector Strongest Performing Building Category WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the first two months of 2011 the Architecture Billings Index is not exhibiting the strength of business conditions that were seen in the final quarter of 2010. 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 (AIA) reported the February ABI score was 50.6, up slightly from a reading of 50.0 the previous month. This score reflects a modest increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates … Read more

Hiring Plans Improve, Regulatory “Red Tape” Delays Projects. RALEIGH, N.C. — FMI, the largest provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, announces the release of its Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) report for the first quarter of 2011.   The encouraging reading of 60.8   is the highest NRCI score FMI has recorded since starting this Index in the fourth quarter of 2007; just as the economy entered what came to be known as the Great Recession. However, as usual, when FMI looked at the details for markets and backlogs, it is obvious that this … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After showing positive momentum during the fourth quarter of 2010, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) slipped almost four points in January.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the January ABI score was 50.0, down from a reading of 53.9 the previous month.   This score reflects stable demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.5, down sharply … Read more