The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group, is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine- to twelve-month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly “work-on-the-boards” survey that is sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms.
Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended as compared to the prior month, and the results are then compiled into the ABI. These monthly results are also seasonally adjusted to allow for comparison to prior months. The monthly ABI index scores are centered around 50, with scores above 50 indicating an aggregate increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicating a decline.
Following a generally positive performance in 2015, the Architecture Billings Index has begun this year modestly dipping back into negative terrain. The AIA reported the January ABI score was 49.6, down slightly from the mark of 51.3 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 55.3, down from a reading of 60.5 the previous month.
“The fundamentals are mostly sound in the nonresidential design and construction market,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “January was a rocky month throughout the economy, with falling oil prices, international economic concerns, and with steep declines in stock market valuations in the U.S. and elsewhere. Some of the fallout of this uncertainty may have affected progress on design projects.”
Key January* ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: West (50.8), Northeast (50.4), South (50.3), Midwest (48.9),
- Sector index breakdown: multifamily residential (51.9), commercial / industrial (50.5), institutional (49.9), mixed practice (49.0)
- Project inquiries index: 55.3
- Design contracts index: 50.9
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
* Every January the AIA research department updates the seasonal factors used to calculate the ABI, resulting in a revision of recent ABI values.
Related Stories
Market Data | Feb 4, 2020
Construction spending dips in December as nonresidential losses offset housing pickup
Homebuilding strengthens but infrastructure and other nonresidential spending fades in recent months, reversing pattern in early 2019.
Market Data | Feb 4, 2020
IMEG Corp. acquires Clark Engineering
Founded in 1938 in Minneapolis, Clark Engineering has an extensive history of public and private project experience.
Market Data | Jan 30, 2020
U.S. economy expands 2.1% in 4th quarter
Investment in structures contracts.
Market Data | Jan 30, 2020
US construction & real estate industry sees a drop of 30.4% in deal activity in December 2019
A total of 48 deals worth $505.11m were announced in December 2019.
Market Data | Jan 29, 2020
Navigant research report finds global wind capacity value is expected to increase tenfold over the next decade
Wind power is being developed in more countries as well as offshore and onshore.
Market Data | Jan 28, 2020
What eight leading economists predict for nonresidential construction in 2020 and 2021
Public safety, education, and healthcare highlight a market that is entering growth-slowdown mode, but no downturn is projected, according to AIA's latest Consensus Construction Forecast panel.
Market Data | Jan 28, 2020
Los Angeles has the largest hotel construction pipeline in the United States
Los Angeles will have a growth rate of 2.5% with 19 new hotels/2,589 rooms opening.
Market Data | Jan 27, 2020
U.S. hotel construction pipeline finishes 2019 trending upward
Projects under construction continue to rise reaching an all-time high of 1,768 projects.
Market Data | Jan 24, 2020
U.S. Green Building Council releases the top 10 states for LEED
Colorado leads the nation, showing how LEED green buildings support climate action and a better quality of life.
Market Data | Jan 23, 2020
Construction contractor confidence surges into 2020, says ABC
Confidence among U.S. construction industry leaders increased in November 2019 with respect to sales, profit margins, and staffing, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Confidence Index.
