Demand for design services in May remained essentially flat in comparison to the previous month, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for May showed a small increase in design services at 50.2, which is slightly down from 50.5 in April. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. Both the project inquiries index and the design contracts index softened in May but remained positive.
“The last four consecutive months, firm billings have either decreased or been flat, the longest period of that level of sustained softness since 2012,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “While both inquiries into new projects and the value of new design contracts remained positive, they both softened in May, another sign the amount of pending work in the pipeline at firms may be starting to stabilize.”
Key ABI highlights for May include:
— Regional averages: Midwest (51.6); South (51.4); West (50.0); Northeast (47.5)
— Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (55.4); commercial/industrial (53.0); institutional (48.0); multi-family residential (46.0)
— Project inquiries index: 56.2
— Design contracts index: 50.9
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers. View this press release on AIA's website.
Related Stories
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.
Market Data | Nov 2, 2020
Nonresidential construction spending declines further in September
Among the sixteen nonresidential subcategories, thirteen were down on a monthly basis.
Market Data | Nov 2, 2020
A white paper assesses seniors’ access to livable communities
The Joint Center for Housing Studies and AARP’s Public Policy Institute connect livability with income, race, and housing costs.
Market Data | Nov 2, 2020
More contractors report canceled projects than starts, survey finds
Construction employment declined in most metros in latest 12 months.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 30, 2020
The Weekly show: Multifamily security tips, the state of construction industry research, and AGC's market update
BD+C editors speak with experts from AGC, Charles Pankow Foundation, and Silva Consultants on the October 29 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.