Architecture firm billings continued to decline in February, with an AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 49.5 for the month. However, February’s score marks the most modest easing in billings since July 2023 and suggests that the recent slowdown may be receding.
“There are indicators this month that business conditions at firms may finally begin to pick up in the coming months. Inquiries into new projects grew at their fastest pace since November, and the value of newly signed design contracts increased at their fastest pace since last summer,” said Kermit Baker, PhD, AIA Chief Economist." Given the moderation of inflation for construction costs and prospects for lower interest rates in the coming months, there are positive signs for future growth.”
The Midwest as a region is still reporting billings growth, despite business conditions remaining weak across the country in February. Firms located in the Midwest reported growth for the last three months, and for four of the last five months.
The ABI score is a leading economic indicator of construction activity, providing an approximately nine-to-twelve-month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The score is derived from a monthly survey of architecture firms that measures the change in the number of services provided to clients.
Key ABI highlights for February include:
- Regional averages: Northeast (44.0); Midwest (50.8); South (47.7); West (47.2)
- Sector index breakdown: commercial/industrial (46.1); institutional (50.7); mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (47.1); multifamily residential (44.9)
- Project inquiries index: 56.0
- Design contracts index: 51.1
The regional and sector categories are calculated as three-month moving averages and may not always average out to the national score.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jan 23, 2019
Architecture billings slow, but close 2018 with growing demand
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for December was 50.4 compared to 54.7 in November.
Market Data | Jan 16, 2019
AIA 2019 Consensus Forecast: Nonresidential construction spending to rise 4.4%
The education, public safety, and office sectors will lead the growth areas this year, but AIA's Kermit Baker offers a cautious outlook for 2020.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
Brokers look forward to a commercial real estate market that mirrors 2018’s solid results
Respondents to a recent Transwestern poll expect flat to modest growth for rents and investment in offices, MOBs, and industrial buildings.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
When it comes to economic clout, New York will far outpace other U.S. metros for decades to come
But San Jose, Calif., is expected to have the best annual growth rate through 2035, according to Oxford Economics’ latest Global Cities report.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
Run of positive billings continues at architecture firms
November marked the fourteenth consecutive month of increasing demand for architectural firm services.
Market Data | Dec 5, 2018
ABC predicts construction sector will remain strong in 2019
Job growth, high backlog and healthy infrastructure investment all spell good news for the industry.
Market Data | Dec 4, 2018
Nonresidential spending rises modestly in October
Thirteen out of 16 subsectors are associated with year-over-year increases.
Market Data | Nov 20, 2018
Construction employment rises from October 2017 to October 2018 in 44 states and D.C.
Texas has biggest annual job increase while New Jersey continues losses; Iowa, Florida and California have largest one-month gains as Mississippi and Louisiana trail.
Market Data | Nov 15, 2018
Architecture firm billings continue to slow, but remain positive in October
Southern region reports decline in billings for the first time since June 2012.
Market Data | Nov 14, 2018
A new Joint Center report finds aging Americans less prepared to afford housing
The study foresees a significant segment of seniors struggling to buy or rent on their own or with other people.