Washington, D.C. – January 19, 2010 – On the heels of its highest mark since 2007, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) jumped more than two points in December. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the December ABI score was 54.2, up from a reading of 52.0 the previous month. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 62.6, up slightly from a mark of 61.4 in November.
“This is more promising news that the design and construction industry is continuing to move toward a recovery,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. However, historically December is the most unpredictable month from a business standpoint, and therefore the most difficult month from which to interpret a trend. The coming quarter will give us a much better sense of the strength of the apparent upturn in design activity. ”
Key December ABI highlights:
Regional averages: Northeast (55.3), South (54.8), Midwest (52.9), West (48.4)
Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (60.1), commercial / industrial (52.7), institutional (50.6), mixed practice (47.8)
Project inquiries index: 62.6
About the AIA Architecture Billings Index
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. The regional and sector data are formulated using a three-month moving average. More information on the ABI and the analysis of its relationship to construction activity can be found in the White Paper Architecture Billings as a Leading Indicator of Construction: Analysis of the Relationship Between a Billings Index and Construction Spending on the AIA web site.
About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org. Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIA_Media
Related Stories
Biophilic Design | Nov 19, 2018
Biophilic design: What is it? Why it matters? And how do we use it?
As we continue to move toward the city and spend more time indoors, our day-to-day interaction with quality nature is shrinking. One contemporary concept to reverse this effect is biophilic design, a strategic approach to tap into—and harness—nature in the built environment.
Architects | Nov 6, 2018
Kohn Pedersen Fox opens three new offices
Following exciting current work, new commissions, and upcoming opportunities, global architecture firm embraces the future with new outposts.
Architects | Oct 2, 2018
Gensler, in latest report, highlights where resilient design could make the greatest impact on the built environment
The firm showcases its own recent projects as demonstrations for what can work in six areas.
Architects | Sep 24, 2018
Assembly (and rigorous planning) required: Managing the pros and cons of modular construction
While offering efficiency and flexibility, modular construction requires extensive planning and collaboration to avoid potential challenges.
Architects | Sep 19, 2018
Back it up: Parking lot trends
There are two shifts that we are seeing in parking lot planning and design – and these shifts are rooted in parking’s place at the intersection of environment, transportation, and market behavior.
Architects | Sep 14, 2018
We’ve entered the golden age of brain science. What does it mean for AEC firms?
New research from the SMPS Foundation explores the known principles and most recent research surrounding the human brain and behavioral science. The goal: to discover connections between the science and the AEC business.
Architects | Sep 6, 2018
S/L/A/M Collaborative completes merger with L.A.-based firm
The healthcare sector is one of Frank Webb Architects’ strengths.
Giants 400 | Sep 6, 2018
What's happening at 89 design firms
The latest developments at 89 of the nation's largest architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms.
Architects | Sep 6, 2018
Little details, big questions: Occupancy planning 101 for healthcare facilities
Transitioning into a new hospital is no easy feat and daily tasks can have a huge impact.
Architects | Aug 14, 2018
AIA takes a firmer stand on making schools safer with better design
The Institute urges the formation of a federal clearinghouse for best practices, and wants security-related design to be eligible for grants.