Demand for design services from U.S. architecture firms continues to grow at a vigorous pace, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for May rose to 58.5 compared to 57.9 in April (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). May’s ABI score is one of the highest in the index’s 25-year history. During May, the new design contracts score reached its second consecutive record high with a score of 63.2, while new project inquiries also recorded a near-record high score at 69.2.
“Despite ballooning costs for construction materials and delivery delays, design activity is roaring back as more and more places reopen,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “However, concern over rising inflation and ongoing supply chain disruptions, as well as emerging labor shortages, could dampen the emerging construction recovery.”
Key ABI highlights for May include:
• Regional averages: Midwest (63.4); South (59.0); West (57.4); Northeast (54.2)
• Sector index breakdown: commercial/industrial (60.6); multi-family residential (59.5); mixed practice (57.9); institutional (57.1)
• Project inquiries index: 69.2
• Design contracts index: 63.2
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Visit AIA’s website for more ABI information.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jun 19, 2019
Number of U.S. architects continues to rise
New data from NCARB reveals that the number of architects continues to increase.
Market Data | Jun 12, 2019
Construction input prices see slight increase in May
Among the 11 subcategories, six saw prices fall last month, with the largest decreases in natural gas.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending up 6.4% year over year in April
Among the 16 sectors tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau, nine experienced an increase in monthly spending, led by water supply and highway and street.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2019
4.1% annual growth in office asking rents above five-year compound annual growth rate
Market has experienced no change in office vacancy rates in three quarters.
Market Data | May 30, 2019
Construction employment increases in 250 out of 358 metros from April 2018 to April 2019
Demand for work is outpacing the supply of workers.
Market Data | May 24, 2019
Construction contractors confidence remains high in March
More than 70% of contractors expect to increase staffing levels over the next six months.
Market Data | May 22, 2019
Slight rebound for architecture billings in April
AIA’s ABI score for April showed a small increase in design services at 50.5 in April.
Market Data | May 9, 2019
The U.S. hotel construction pipeline continues to grow in the first quarter as the economy shows surprising strength
Projects currently under construction stand at 1,709 projects/227,924 rooms.
Market Data | May 9, 2019
Construction input prices continue to rise
Nonresidential input prices rose 0.9% compared to March and are up 2.8% on an annual basis.
Market Data | May 7, 2019
Construction costs in major metros continued to climb last year
Latest Rider Levett Bucknall report estimates rise at more than double the rate of 2018 Growth Domestic Product.
