Highest reading from architects since August 2008 Washington, D.C. — On the heels of a more than two point gain in February, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) was up again in March. 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 March ABI rating was 46.1, up from a reading of 44.8 the previous month. Though this score reflects a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings), … Read more

Stimulus package having limited impact because funding not yet reaching intended recipients Washington, D.C. — Following a drop of nearly three points, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) nudged up almost two points in February. 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 February ABI rating was 44.8, up from a reading of 42.5 in January. This score indicates a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). … Read more

The NRCI report for the first quarter is 48.4, a slightly positive move from the fourth quarter 2009 reading of 47.7. The improvement may be attributed to the panelists’ trust in a continuing upswing in the economy. While health care construction is the only construction market showing relative strength this year, most panelists predict improvements for next year, with the exception of the lodging and office markets. Fifty-two percent still expect reductions in staff for 2010, compared with the 64 percent that were downsizing this time last year; however, those cuts will be less drastic with most being less than … Read more