HORIZONTV FEATURING BD+C: WATCH EPISODES ON DEMAND AT HORIZONTV

𝕏

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.

Continue Reading

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

Tags

Related Stories

| Jan 11, 2012

Mortenson starts construction of Rim Rock Wind Project

Renewable energy contractor to build 189-megawatt wind project in Sunburst, Mont.

| Jan 9, 2012

FGM Architects acquires SRBL Architects

The firm reviewed gaps in each of the markets and identified a need in the municipal market for stronger police facility design expertise as well as additional project management and design expertise for this market.

Les Hiscoe Shawmut

| Jan 9, 2012

Shawmut appoints Les Hiscoe COO and EVP

In his new role, Hiscoe will focus on developing the Company’s field services divisions; national business in retail, hospitality, gaming, and sports venues; Tri-State business in academic and healthcare; sales and marketing; and human resources

Thornton Tomasetti acquires green consulting firm Fore Solutions

| Jan 9, 2012

Thornton Tomasetti acquires green consulting firm Fore Solutions

International engineering firm launches new building sustainability practice.

| Jan 9, 2012

METALCON International 2012 announced

METALCON 2012 is scheduled for Oct. 9-11 at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center, Hall A, Rosemont, Ill.

| Jan 9, 2012

Lutron appoints Pessina president

In his 35-year career with Lutron, Pessina has acquired broad experience in the engineering, quality assurance and manufacturing areas.

Allan Kehrt

| Jan 9, 2012

A new journey for KSS Architects co-founder

Kehrt's legacy of projects include Rutgers University's Biomedical Engineering Building, the renovation and expansion of Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the recent new campus center at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Princeton Township's Municipal Complex.

| Jan 8, 2012

TCA releases The Construction of Tilt-Up

The newest publication from the TCA is the second in a planned trilogy of resources covering the architecture, engineering and construction of Tilt-Up

Joel Colwell, AIA

| Jan 8, 2012

WHR Architects promotes Joel Colwell, AIA, to principal

With over 30 years of experience, Colwell has managed large-scale, complex projects for major healthcare systems as well as challenging smaller renovations and additions — all with notable success.

| Jan 8, 2012

3D PDF Converter for Autodesk Revit Labs Edition

Top Articles

Warehouses

California bill would limit where distribution centers can be built

Laboratories

Traditional lab design doesn't address neurodiverse needs, study finds

Hospital Design Trends

Hospital benchmarking survey shows sharp rise in hospital energy costs

More In Category

Warehouses

California bill would limit where distribution centers can be built

A bill that passed the California legislature would limit where distribution centers can be located and impose other rules aimed at reducing air pollution and traffic. Assembly Bill 98 would tighten building standards for new warehouses and ban heavy diesel truck traffic next to sensitive sites including homes, schools, parks and nursing homes.

Laboratories

Traditional lab design doesn't address neurodiverse needs, study finds

A study conducted by ARC, HOK, and the University of the West of Scotland, has revealed that half (48.1%) of all survey respondents who work in laboratory settings identify as neurodivergent.

Laboratories

BSL conversions: A cost-efficient method to support high-containment research

Some institutions are creating flexible lab spaces that can operate at a BSL-2 and modulate up to a BSL-3 when the need arises. Here are key aspects to consider when accommodating a rapid modulation between BSL-2 and BSL-3 space.

MFPRO+ News

Major Massachusetts housing law aims to build or save 65,000 multifamily and single-family homes

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently signed far-reaching legislation to boost housing production and address the high cost of housing in the Bay State. The Affordable Homes Act aims to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in spending and 49 policy initiatives.

Most Popular Content