Starting the year on a strong note, architecture firm billings strengthened slightly in January, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects. AIA’s Architecture Billings Index score of 52.2 for January compared to 52.1* in December reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). Indicators of work in the pipeline, including new project inquiries and new design contracts remained positive, posting scores of 57.9 and 56.0 respectively. “Despite the continued presence of volatility in the economy, design activity has begun to accelerate in recent … Read more
Billings Strong at Firms in West, Midwest Regions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Institute of Architects is reporting an increase in architecture firm billings for February from its Architecture Billings Index, with several key segments showing an encouraging outlook for 2018. “We remain optimistic about the trends we’re seeing at architecture firms this year with the ABI continuing to show growth in February,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. “We saw several major bright spots reflected in February’s data, as billings remained particularly strong at firms located in the West and Midwest.” While the pace of growth in design activity slowed a bit in February … Read more
Architecture Billings End Year on Positive Note
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index concluded the year in positive terrain, with the December reading capping off three straight months of growth in design billings. The American Institute of Architects reported the December ABI score was 52.9, down from a score of 55.0 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 61.9, up from a reading of 61.1 the previous month, while the new design contracts index decreased slightly from 53.2 to 52.7. … Read more
Architecture Billings Bounce Back
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a stand-alone month of contracting demand for design services, there was a modest uptick in the Architecture Billings Index for October. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the October ABI score was 51.7, up from a score of 49.1 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 60.2, up from … Read more
Architecture Billings Index Continues Growth Streak
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With all geographic regions and building project sectors showing positive conditions, there continues to be a heightened level of demand for design services signaled in the latest Architecture Billings Index. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the August ABI score was 53.7, up from a score of 51.9 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The … Read more