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.

Ā 

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.
Ā 
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.
Ā 
"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), Ā multi-family residential (44.8)
  • Project inquiries index: 56.9 BD+CĀ 

Related Stories

| Dec 19, 2011

Survey: Job growth driving demand for office and industrial real estate in Southern California

Annual USC Lusk Center for Real Estate forecast reveals signs of slow market recovery.

| Dec 16, 2011

Goody Clancy-designed Informatics Building dedicated at Northern Kentucky University

The sustainable building solution, built for approximately $255-sf, features innovative materials and intelligent building systems that align with the mission of integration and collaboration.Ā 

| Dec 16, 2011

Stalco Construction converts Babylon, N.Y. Town Hall into history museum

The project converted the landmark structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places into the Town of Babylon History Museum at Old Town Hall.

| Dec 14, 2011

Belfer Research Building tops out in New York

Hundreds of construction trades people celebrate reaching the top of concrete structure for facility that will accelerate treatments and cures at world-renowned institution.

| Dec 14, 2011

Tyler Junior College and Sika Sarnafil team up to save energy

Tyler Junior College wanted a roofing system that wouldnā€™t need any attention for a long time.

| Dec 13, 2011

Lutronā€™s Commercial Experience Center awarded LEED Gold

LEED certification of the Lutron facility was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include: optimization of energy performance through the use of lighting power, lighting controls and HVAC, plus the use of daylight.

| Dec 12, 2011

AIA Chicago announces Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as 2011 Firm of the Year

SOMĀ has been a leader in the research and development of specialized technologies, new processes and innovative ideas, many of which have had a palpable and lasting impact on the design profession and the physical environment.Ā 

| Dec 12, 2011

Skanska to expand and renovate hospital in Georgia for $103 Million

The expansion includes a four-story, 17,500 square meters clinical services building and a five-story, 15,700 square meters, medical office building. Skanska will also renovate the main hospital.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

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.




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

Ā