flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

ABI turns positive after four monthly declines

ABI turns positive after four monthly declines


By By BD+C Staff | September 23, 2011
On the heels of a period of weakness in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) took a sudden upturn in August.

 

On the heels of a period of weakness in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) took a sudden upturn in August. 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 August ABI score was 51.4, following a very weak score of 45.1 in July. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.9, up sharply from a reading of 53.7 the previous month.
 
"Based on the poor economic conditions over the last several months, this turnaround in demand for design services is a surprise," said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "Many firms are still struggling, and continue to report that clients are having difficulty getting financing for viable projects, but it's possible we've reached the bottom of the down cycle."
Key August ABI highlights:
  • Regional averages: Midwest (49.0), South (47.4), West (47.4), Northeast (46.5)
  • Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (50.9), institutional (48.5), commercial / industrial (46.0),  multi-family residential (44.8)
  • Project inquiries index: 56.9 BD+C 

Related Stories

| Apr 20, 2012

Century-old courthouse renovated for Delaware law firm offices

To account for future expansion, Francis Cauffman developed a plan to accommodate the addition of an 8-story tower to the building.

| Apr 20, 2012

RCMA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to host International Roof Coatings Conference

The International Roof Coatings Conference will feature keynote speakers Marc LaFrance of the U.S. Department of Energy, and Art Rosenfeld of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

| Apr 20, 2012

Shawmut completes Yard House Restaurant in Boston

12,000-sf restaurant marks new addition to Boston’s Fenway neighborhood.

| Apr 20, 2012

Registration open for Solar Power International 2012 in Orlando

President Bill Clinton to deliver keynote address at ?largest solar energy event in the Americas.

| Apr 19, 2012

The 10 mistakes most likely to get you sued

The California Chamber of Commerce has produced a white paper cataloging the top 10 mistakes most likely to get a company sued. While a few of the laws cited apply specifically to California, some of them are federal and may apply in your state.

| Apr 19, 2012

Holcim cement plants recognized at PCA Spring Meeting

The Holly Hill plant received the PCA’s Chairman’s Safety Performance Award in recognition of their exceptional health and safety programs. The Theodore plant received the Environmental Performance Award in recognition of the steps they take beyond those required by laws, regulations and permits to minimize their impact on the environment.

| Apr 19, 2012

KTGY Group’s Arista Uptown Apartments in Broomfield, Colo. completed

First of eight buildings highlights unique amenities.

| Apr 19, 2012

Nauset begins work on $20M Joint Forces HQ at Hanscom AFB

3D imaging key to project timetable and cost containment.

| Apr 19, 2012

HBD Construction names Steven Meeks vice president

Meeks will provide expertise for the company in its many diverse areas of construction projects including health care, senior living, education and retail.

| Apr 18, 2012

Lafarge moving North American headquarters to Illinois

Lafarge CEO John Stull says the factors in their decision were location in the Midwest and area transportation.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021