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 | Apr 30, 2021
New York City market continues to lead the U.S. Construction Pipeline
New York City has the greatest number of projects under construction with 110 projects/19,457 rooms.
Market Data | Apr 29, 2021
U.S. Hotel Construction pipeline beings 2021 with 4,967 projects/622,218 rooms at Q1 close
Although hotel development may still be tepid in Q1, continued government support and the extension of programs has aided many businesses to get back on their feet as more and more are working to re-staff and re-open.
Market Data | Apr 28, 2021
Construction employment declines in 203 metro areas from March 2020 to March 2021
The decline occurs despite homebuilding boom and improving economy.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2021
The pandemic moves subs and vendors closer to technology
Consigli’s latest market outlook identifies building products that are high risk for future price increases.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2021
Demand for design services continues to rapidly escalate
AIA’s ABI score for March rose to 55.6 compared to 53.3 in February.
Market Data | Apr 16, 2021
Construction employment in March trails March 2020 mark in 35 states
Nonresidential projects lag despite hot homebuilding market.
Market Data | Apr 13, 2021
ABC’s Construction Backlog slips in March; Contractor optimism continues to improve
The Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 7.8 months in March.
Market Data | Apr 9, 2021
Record jump in materials prices and supply chain distributions threaten construction firms' ability to complete vital nonresidential projects
A government index that measures the selling price for goods used construction jumped 3.5% from February to March.
Contractors | Apr 9, 2021
Construction bidding activity ticks up in February
The Blue Book Network's Velocity Index measures month-to-month changes in bidding activity among construction firms across five building sectors and in all 50 states.
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
