For the sixth consecutive month, architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services, as reflected in the July Architecture Billings Index (ABI).
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the July ABI score was 51.9, down from a score of 54.2 in the previous month.
This score still reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending.
The new projects inquiry index was 59.5, up from a reading of 58.6 the previous month, while the new design contracts index increased from 53.7 to 56.4.
“The July figures show the continuation of healthy trends in the construction sector of our economy,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “In addition to the balanced increases in design billings across all major regions and construction sectors, the strong gains in new project work coming into architecture firms points to future growth in design and construction activity over coming quarters.”
Key July ABI highlights:
• Regional averages: South (53.8), Midwest (53.8), Northeast (53.6), West (50.9)
• Sector index breakdown: multifamily residential (55.8), commercial / industrial (55.4), institutional (52.0), mixed practice (48.4)
• Project inquiries index: 59.5
• Design contracts index: 56.4
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 | Dec 3, 2020
Only 30% of metro areas add construction jobs in latest 12 months
Widespread project postponements and cancellations force layoffs.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2020
New Passive House standards offers prescriptive path that reduces costs
Eliminates requirement for a Passive House consultant and attendant modeling.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2020
Nonresidential construction spending remains flat in October
Residential construction expands as many commercial projects languish.
Market Data | Nov 30, 2020
New FEMA study projects implementing I-Codes could save $600 billion by 2060
International Code Council and FLASH celebrate the most comprehensive study conducted around hazard-resilient building codes to-date.
Market Data | Nov 23, 2020
Construction employment is down in three-fourths of states since February
This news comes even after 36 states added construction jobs in October.
Market Data | Nov 18, 2020
Architecture billings remained stalled in October
The pace of decline during October remained at about the same level as in September.
Market Data | Nov 17, 2020
Architects face data, culture gaps in fighting climate change
New study outlines how building product manufacturers can best support architects in climate action.
Market Data | Nov 10, 2020
Construction association ready to work with president-elect Biden to prepare significant new infrastructure and recovery measures
Incoming president and congress should focus on enacting measures to rebuild infrastructure and revive the economy.
Market Data | Nov 9, 2020
Construction sector adds 84,000 workers in October
A growing number of project cancellations risks undermining future industry job gains.
Market Data | Nov 4, 2020
Drop in nonresidential construction offsets most residential spending gains as growing number of contractors report cancelled projects
Association officials warn that demand for nonresidential construction will slide further without new federal relief measures.
