Following a two month decline in demand for design services, architecture billings got a bounce in October, according to a new report released today from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score in October is 52.0, up from the September score of 49.7. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). During October, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores moderated from September but remained positive, posting scores of 57.9 and 52.9 respectively.
“Although ongoing uncertainty over the direction of economic growth persists, a strong stock market and growing payrolls at U.S. businesses continue to generate more construction projects,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “With most regional and sector billing scores at architecture firms improving from the previous month, we’re seeing a bit of a rebound from disappointing levels of design activity in recent months.”
Key ABI highlights for October include:
— Regional averages: South (55.5); West (51.3); Midwest (49.9); Northeast (47.2)
— Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (55.2); multi-family residential (54.0); institutional (49.9); commercial/industrial (49.3)
— Project inquiries index: 57.9
— Design contracts index: 52.9
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
Contractors | Jan 4, 2018
Construction spending in a ‘mature’ period of incremental growth
Labor shortages are spiking wages. Materials costs are rising, too.
Market Data | Dec 20, 2017
Architecture billings upturn shows broad strength
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the November ABI score was 55.0, up from a score of 51.7 in the previous month.
Market Data | Dec 14, 2017
ABC chief economist predicts stable 2018 construction economy
There are risks to the 2018 outlook as a number of potential cost increases could come into play.
Market Data | Dec 13, 2017
Top world regions and markets in the global hotel construction pipeline
The top world region by project count is North America.
Market Data | Dec 11, 2017
Global hotel construction pipeline is growing
The Total Pipeline stands at 12,427 Projects/2,084,940 Rooms.
Market Data | Dec 11, 2017
Construction backlog surges, sets record in third quarter
CBI is a leading economic indicator that reflects the amount of construction work under contract, but not yet completed.
Market Data | Dec 7, 2017
Buoyed by healthy economy, ABC Index finds contractors upbeat
Despite rising construction labor and materials costs, 55% of contractors expect their profit margins to expand in the first half of 2018.
Market Data | Dec 5, 2017
Top health systems engaged in $21 billion of U.S. construction projects
Largest active projects are by Sutter Health, New York Presbyterian, and Scripps Health.
Industry Research | Nov 28, 2017
2018 outlook: Economists point to slowdown, AEC professionals say ‘no way’
Multifamily housing and senior living developments head the list of the hottest sectors heading into 2018, according a survey of 356 AEC professionals.
Market Data | Nov 27, 2017
Construction's contribution to U.S. economy highest in seven years
Thirty-seven states benefited from the rise in construction activity in their state, while 13 states experienced a reduction in activity.
