Demand for design services from architecture firms began to stabilize in June, following their peak declines in April, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for June was 40.0 compared to 32.0 in May. The May ABI score indicates that a significant share of architecture firms still saw their billings decline from May to June, however the share reporting declines slowed significantly. Index scores for new project inquiries and new design contracts also showed signs of stabilizing, posting scores of 49.3 and 44.0 respectively.
“While business conditions remained soft at firms across the country, those with a multifamily residential specialization saw the most positive signs,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Unfortunately, conditions at firms with a commercial/industrial specialization are likely to remain weak for an extended period of time, until hospitality, office and retail facilities can fully reopen, and design demand for this space begins to increase.”
Key ABI figures for June include:
• Regional averages: Midwest (36.8); West (36.8); South (35.9); Northeast (34.2)
• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (44.7); institutional (38.9); mixed practice (35.3); commercial/industrial (30.1)
• Project inquiries index: 49.3
• Design contracts index: 44.0
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
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2018
Well Living Lab launches extensive study on how indoor environments affect people’s lives
Factors that impact health, performance, stress and resiliency, sleep, and comfort to be scrutinized.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2018
New guide helps planners assess innovation districts
The document is designed to aid in targeting resources toward innovative and inclusive economic development based on an area’s unique strengths and challenges.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2018
AEC industry reported high levels of fraud, cyber breaches, and security incidents in 2017
83% experienced at least one fraud incident.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2018
Smart surface solutions can improve disaster resilience, health and comfort in cities
Stormwater management, water quality, and heat island effect could all be impacted.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2018
Bolstering energy efficiency would produce significant health benefits, ACEEE study says
Reducing energy consumption by 15% would save six lives a day.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2018
FEMA document provides simplified seismic design provisions for low-hazard regions
Forty four states have areas defined as low-hazard.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2018
Federal budget includes disaster mitigation provisions
Bipartisan bill encourages states to adopt latest building codes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2018
Easy access to indoor environment controls yields improved efficiency and workplace productivity
JLL/Purdue University project is developing algorithms to improve indoor comfort.
