Architecture Billings Index Continues to Strengthen

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The first quarter of the year ended on a positive note for the 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 March ABI score was 54.3, up from a score of 50.7 in the previous month. This score reflects a sizable increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 59.8, down from a reading of 61.5 the previous month, while the new design … Read more

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Architecture Billings Slip Modestly

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WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Architecture Billings Index dipped slightly into negative territory in January*, after a very strong showing in December. 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 January ABI score was 49.5, down from a score of 55.6 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 60.0, up from a reading of 57.6 the previous month. “This small … Read more

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AIA Reports Healthy Outlook for Nonresidential Construction Market

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – With construction spending continuing on an upward trajectory, 2016 can be considered a successful year for the nonresidential building sector.  For the coming year, the American Institute of Architects semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast is projecting growth in overall nonresidential building spending of almost 6 percent, just below the pace of growth for 2016. The commercial construction sectors – retail, office and hotel – will continue to lead the building recovery, while industrial construction is projected to see almost no increase this year. For 2018, the institutional construction sectors will generate much of the growth, particularly the large … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Ekes out Small Gain

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Coming off a modest increase after two consecutive months of contraction, the Architecture Billings Index recorded another small increase in demand for design services.  As an 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 November ABI score was 50.6, essentially unchanged from the mark of 50.8 in the previous month. This score reflects a slight increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 59.5, up from a reading … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Rebounds After Two Down Months

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – After seeing consecutive months of contracting demand for the first time in four years, the Architecture Billings Index saw a modest increase demand for design services. 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 50.8, up from the mark of 48.4 in the previous month. This score reflects a slight increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 55.4, down sharply … Read more

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