WASHINGTON, D.C. — Continuing the positive momentum of a nearly three-point bump in October, the Architecture Billings Index reached its first positive mark since August. 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 November ABI score was 52.0, following a score of 49.4 in October. This score reflects an overall increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 65.0, up dramatically from a reading … Read more

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gilbane Building Company announced the publication of the Winter 2011 edition of Construction Economics — Market Conditions in Construction. Based on economic data, construction starts and material cost trends, this free report projects the recovery of the construction market will lag behind the overall economic recovery and will take much longer due to the severity of current conditions. Nevertheless, some critical indicators are illustrating a positive trend. “New construction starts have been strong four of the last five months, construction spending has improved throughout the year, and industrial production related to construction materials is up five months … Read more