While architecture billings moderated in September, design activity shows signs of remaining sluggish at U.S. architecture firms, according to a new report released today from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score in September is 49.7, which improved from the August score of 47.2. However, any score below 50 indicates a decrease in billings. During September, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores were positive, posting scores of 59.0 and 54.4 respectively.
“Though still in negative territory, the moderating billings score along with the rebound in design contracts and inquiries serve as a continued note of caution for the industry,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Continued weakness in the larger economy still doesn’t bode well for future design services, which will likely see continued volatility in the months ahead.”
Key ABI highlights for September include:
- Regional averages: South (52.3); West (51.3); Northeast (46.3); Midwest (45.3)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (53.2); mixed practice (53.0); institutional (48.5); commercial/industrial (45.3)
- Project inquiries index: 59.0
- Design contracts index: 54.4
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
Market Data | Sep 4, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 4, 2020
10 Design to redevelop Nanjing AIrport and TUrner Construction takes a stand against racism.
Market Data | Sep 4, 2020
Construction sector adds 16,000 workers in August but nonresidential jobs shrink
Association survey finds contractor pessimism is increasing.
Market Data | Sep 3, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 3, 2020
New affordable housing comes to the Bronx and California releases guide for state water policy.
Market Data | Sep 2, 2020
Coronavirus has caused significant construction project delays and cancellations
Yet demand for skilled labor is high, new survey finds.
Market Data | Sep 2, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 2, 2020
Precast concrete tower honors United AIrlines Flight 93 victims and public and private nonresidential construction spending slumps.
Market Data | Sep 2, 2020
Public and private nonresidential construction spending slumps in July
Industry employment declines from July 2019 in two-thirds of metros.
Market Data | Aug 31, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 31, 2020
The world's first LEED Platinum integrated campus and reopening campus performance arts centers.
Market Data | Aug 21, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 21, 2020
Student housing in the COVID-19 era and wariness of elevators may stymie office reopening.
Market Data | Aug 20, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 20, 2020
Japan takes on the public restroom and a look at the evolution of retail.
Market Data | Aug 19, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 19, 2020
July architectural billings remained stalled and Florida becomes third state to adopt concrete repair code.