The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast indicates a growth of 8% in construction spending in 2016.
Even better, 2017 could be nearly as strong. AIA is predicting a 6.7% increase next year, as demand for offices, hotels, industrial centers, and amusement and recreational facilities remains high.
“While rising interest rates could pose a challenge to the U.S. economy, lower energy prices, improved employment figures, and an enacted federal budget for 2016 are all factoring into a very favorable outlook for the construction industry,” AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, said in a statement. “And after several years of challenging economic circumstances the institutional project sector is finally on very solid footing.”
Going even further than 2017, AIA found some of the top nonresidential design trends for the next 10 years. Technologies like BIM software, motion-sensing lighting, new glass and glazing products, and solar and wind generation are all expected to become more sophisticated over time.
Related Stories
Market Data | Dec 5, 2017
Top health systems engaged in $21 billion of U.S. construction projects
Largest active projects are by Sutter Health, New York Presbyterian, and Scripps Health.
Industry Research | Nov 28, 2017
2018 outlook: Economists point to slowdown, AEC professionals say ‘no way’
Multifamily housing and senior living developments head the list of the hottest sectors heading into 2018, according a survey of 356 AEC professionals.
Market Data | Nov 27, 2017
Construction's contribution to U.S. economy highest in seven years
Thirty-seven states benefited from the rise in construction activity in their state, while 13 states experienced a reduction in activity.
Market Data | Nov 15, 2017
Architecture Billings bounce back
Business conditions remain uneven across regions.
Market Data | Nov 14, 2017
U.S. construction starts had three consecutive quarters of positive growth in 2017
ConstructConnect’s quarterly report shows the most significant annual growth in the civil engineering and residential sectors.
Market Data | Nov 3, 2017
New construction starts in 2018 to increase 3% to $765 billion: Dodge report
Dodge Outlook Report predicts deceleration but still growth, reflecting a mixed pattern by project type.
Market Data | Nov 2, 2017
Construction spending up in September; Down on a YOY basis
Nonresidential construction spending is down 2.9% on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Oct 19, 2017
Architecture Billings Index backslides slightly
Business conditions easing in the West.
Industry Research | Oct 3, 2017
Nonresidential construction spending stabilizes in August
Spending on nonresidential construction services is still down on a YOY basis.
Market Data | Sep 21, 2017
Architecture Billings Index continues growth streak
Design services remain in high demand across all regions and in all major sectors.