Even with the uncertainty related to pending tax reform legislation that likely will have a mixed effect on the construction industry, design services at architecture firms remains in high demand.
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. This score reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
“Not only are design billings overall seeing their strongest growth of the year, the strength is reflected in all major regions and construction sectors,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The construction industry continues to show surprising momentum heading into 2018.”
The new projects inquiry index was 61.1, up from a reading of 60.2 the previous month, while the new design contracts index rose slightly from 52.8 to 53.2.
Key November ABI highlights:
• Regional averages: West (54.8), Northeast (52.8), South (52.8), Midwest (50.4)
• Sector index breakdown: multifamily residential (53.9), mixed practice (53.6), commercial / industrial (53.3), institutional (52.4)
• Project inquiries index: 61.1
• Design contracts index: 53.2
Related Stories
Market Data | Oct 14, 2021
Prices for construction materials continue to outstrip bid prices over 12 months
Construction officials renew push for immediate removal of tariffs on key construction materials.
Market Data | Oct 11, 2021
No decline in construction costs in sight
Construction cost gains are occurring at a time when nonresidential construction spending was down by 9.5 percent for the 12 months through July 2021.
Market Data | Oct 11, 2021
Nonresidential construction sector posts first job gain since March
Has yet to hit pre-pandemic levels amid supply chain disruptions and delays.
Market Data | Oct 4, 2021
Construction spending stalls between July and August
A decrease in nonresidential projects negates ongoing growth in residential work.
Market Data | Oct 1, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending dips in August
Spending declined on a monthly basis in 10 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories.
Market Data | Sep 29, 2021
One-third of metro areas lost construction jobs between August 2020 and 2021
Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem, Mass. and San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif. top lists of metros with year-over-year employment increases.
Market Data | Sep 28, 2021
Design-Build projects should continue to take bigger shares of construction spending pie over next five years
FMI’s new study finds collaboration and creativity are major reasons why owners and AEC firms prefer this delivery method.
Market Data | Sep 22, 2021
Architecture billings continue to increase
The ABI score for August was 55.6, up from July’s score of 54.6.
Market Data | Sep 20, 2021
August construction employment lags pre-pandemic peak in 39 states
The coronavirus delta variant and supply problems hold back recovery.
Market Data | Sep 15, 2021
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator plummets in August; Contractor Confidence down
ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins and staffing levels all fell modestly in August.
