flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Architecture Billings Index points to major downturn in commercial construction

Coronavirus

Architecture Billings Index points to major downturn in commercial construction

Largest monthly decline in billings a direct result of pandemic response.


By AIA | April 22, 2020

Courtesy Pixabay

Reflecting the deteriorating conditions in the overall economy, demand for design services from architecture firms recorded a record fall, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 33.3 for March reflects a decrease in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score below 50 indicates a decrease in billings). During March, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores dropped dramatically, posting scores of 23.8 and 27.1 respectively. 

“Though most architecture firms have made quick transitions to remote operations, the complete shutdown of business activity is severely impacting architects,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The dramatic pullback in new and ongoing design projects reflects just how quickly and fundamentally business conditions have changed across the country and around the world in the last month as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Key ABI figures for March include:

  • Regional averages: West (45.3); South (44.2); Midwest (44.2); Northeast (38.4)
  • Sector index breakdown: institutional (46.9); multi-family residential (43.3); commercial/industrial (41.9); mixed practice (40.6)
  • Project inquiries index: 23.8
  • Design contracts index: 27.1

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

Coronavirus | May 28, 2020

Cushman & Wakefield report examines work-at-home pros and cons

The office, now part of a larger workplace ecosystem, still reinforces employees’ connections with their companies.

Coronavirus | May 27, 2020

Clean is the new Green as U.S. hospitality sector inches closer to reopening

Three design firms share their takes on what will make customers more comfortable about returning.

Coronavirus | May 26, 2020

Multifamily developers report mounting delays in permitting and starts due to coronavirus pandemic

More than half (53%) of multifamily developer respondents reported construction delays in the jurisdictions where they operate, according to the third edition of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) COVID-19 Construction Survey.

Coronavirus | May 26, 2020

9 tips for mastering virtual public meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mike Aziz, AIA, presents 9 tips for mastering virtual public meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus | May 22, 2020

Designing a health facility for the next pandemic

Planning with intent is the key to readiness, states Eppstein Uhen Architects, the guide’s author.

Coronavirus | May 22, 2020

COVID-19: Healthcare designers look to the future of medical facilities in light of coronavirus pandemic

The American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA) has released the key findings of a survey of its members revealing their insights on the future of healthcare architecture and the role of design in the context of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis.

Coronavirus | May 18, 2020

Will empty hotels provide an answer for affordable housing shortage?

A Los Angeles-based startup sees the Midwest as most fertile for adaptive reuse.

Coronavirus | May 18, 2020

Infection control in office buildings: Preparing for re-occupancy amid the coronavirus

Making workplaces safer will require behavioral resolve nudged by design.

Coronavirus | May 18, 2020

Global design firms collaborate on new COVID-19 mobile testing lab to bring testing to vulnerable communities worldwide

Perkins and Will, Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, and Arup Group develop scalable solutions for increased testing capacity within high-density and under-served neighborhoods. 

Coronavirus | May 11, 2020

Experts offer a 13-point plan to reduce coronavirus deaths in nursing homes

Two nationally recognized experts in the design of senior living facilities offer a 13-point plan to protect our frailest citizens.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


MFPRO+ Special Reports

Top 10 trends in affordable housing

Among affordable housing developers today, there’s one commonality tying projects together: uncertainty. AEC firms share their latest insights and philosophies on the future of affordable housing in BD+C's 2023 Multifamily Annual Report.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021