The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) pointed to a slower decline in July in design activity at U.S. architecture firms. 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 AIA reported the July ABI score was 48.7, up considerably from the mark of 45.9 in June. This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score below50 indicates a decline in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.3, up from mark of 54.4 the previous month.
“Even though architecture firm billings nationally were down again in July, the downturn moderated substantially,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “As long as overall economic conditions continue to show improvement, modest declines should shift over to growth in design activity over the coming months.”
Key July ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: South (52.7), Midwest (46.7) West (45.3), Northeast (44.3)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (51.4), mixed practice (49.1), commercial/industrial (48.4), institutional (46.6)
- Project inquiries index: 56.3
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the index and inquiries are monthly numbers. +
Related Stories
AEC Business Innovation | Sep 28, 2021
Getting diversity, equity, and inclusion going in AEC firms
As a professional services organization built on attracting the best and brightest talent, VIATechnik relies on finding new ways to do just that. Here are some tips that we’ve learned through our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) journey.
Building Team | Sep 21, 2021
Pritzker Military Museum & Library announces finalist for Cold War Veterans Memorial
Four finalists will move to Stage II.
Building Team | Sep 6, 2021
A biopharma fitout in Colorado showcases one AEC firm’s Integrated Project Delivery approach
CRB Group supplements its own services with as-needed outside expertise.
| Jul 13, 2021
Don't sell services when clients want outcomes: Evaluating + investing resources to navigate past the COVID-19 pandemic
As AEC firm leaders consider worst-case scenarios and explore possible solutions to surmount them, they learn to become nimble, quick, and ready to pivot as circumstances demand.
Building Team | Jun 29, 2021
AGC and Autodesk launch media library to boost representation of diversity in construction
Images readily available for editorial use showcase women and people of color in construction to increase visibility in industry media coverage.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 3, 2021
Student Housing Trends 2021-2022
In this exclusive video interview for HorizonTV, Fred Pierce, CEO of Pierce Education Properties, developer and manager of off-campus student residences, chats with Rob Cassidy, Editor, MULTIFAMILY Design + Construction about student housing during the pandemic and what to expect for on-campus and off-campus housing in Fall 2021 and into 2022.
Building Team | Apr 15, 2021
Owners, AEC firms primed for real collaboration
Survey findings point to a growing demand for collaboration and partnership during these chaotic times.
Building Team | Mar 3, 2021
To pivot or not to pivot: Resourceful solutions in a time of challenge
Like swerving to avoid oncoming traffic, over the last year, AEC companies have navigated the unexpected roadblocks presented by a challenging economy.
Building Team | Aug 21, 2020
A healthcare project in Wisconsin benefits from including MEP subs in early design discussions
Prefabrication played a major role in quickening construction.
Coronavirus | Mar 30, 2020
Learning from covid-19: Campuses are poised to help students be happier
Overcoming isolation isn’t just about the technological face to face, it is about finding meaningful connection and “togetherness”.