flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

August architecture firm billings rebound as building investment spurt continues

Market Data

August architecture firm billings rebound as building investment spurt continues

Southern region, multifamily residential sector lead growth.


By AIA | September 19, 2018
Atlanta at night
Atlanta at night

Architecture firm billings rebounded solidly in August, posting their eleventh consecutive month of growth, according to a report released today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for August was 54.2 compared to 50.7 in July (any score over 50 represents billings growth). Most of the growth continues to come from the South and the multi-family residential sector.

“Billings at architecture firms in the South continue to lead the healthy increase in design activity that we’ve seen across the profession in recent months,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Nationally, growth across all building sectors remains solidly positive.”

Key ABI highlights for August include:

  • Regional averages: West (54.2), Midwest (52.5), South (57.0), Northeast (46.9)
  • Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (55.6), institutional (52.3), commercial/industrial (53.6), mixed practice (51.7)
  • Project inquiries index: 58.0
  • Design contracts index: 49.6

Regional and sector categories above are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts, and inquiries are monthly numbers.

More information on AIA’s ABI is available online.

Related Stories

Market Data | Mar 14, 2018

AGC: Tariff increases threaten to make many project unaffordable

Construction costs escalated in February, driven by price increases for a wide range of building materials, including steel and aluminum.

Market Data | Mar 12, 2018

Construction employers add 61,000 jobs in February and 254,000 over the year

Hourly earnings rise 3.3% as sector strives to draw in new workers.

Steel Buildings | Mar 9, 2018

New steel and aluminum tariffs will hurt construction firms by raising materials costs; potential trade war will dampen demand, says AGC of America

Independent studies suggest the construction industry could lose nearly 30,000 jobs as a result of administration's new tariffs as many firms will be forced to absorb increased costs.

Market Data | Mar 8, 2018

Prioritizing your marketing initiatives

It’s time to take a comprehensive look at your plans and figure out the best way to get from Point A to Point B.

Market Data | Mar 6, 2018

Persistent workforce shortages challenge commercial construction industry as U.S. building demands continue to grow

To increase jobsite efficiency and improve labor productivity, increasingly more builders are turning to alternative construction solutions.

Market Data | Mar 2, 2018

Nonresidential construction spending dips slightly in January

Private nonresidential construction fell 1.5% for the month, while public sector nonresidential spending increased 1.9%.

Market Data | Feb 27, 2018

AIA small firm report: Half of employees have ownership stake in their firm

The American Institute of Architects has released its first-ever Small Firm Compensation Report.

Market Data | Feb 21, 2018

Strong start for architecture billings in 2018

The American Institute of Architects reported the January 2018 ABI score was 54.7, up from a score of 52.8 in the previous month. 

Multifamily Housing | Feb 15, 2018

United States ranks fourth for renter growth

Renters are on the rise in 21 of the 30 countries examined in RentCafé’s recent study.

Market Data | Feb 1, 2018

Nonresidential construction spending expanded 0.8% in December, brighter days ahead

“The tax cut will further bolster liquidity and confidence, which will ultimately translate into more construction starts and spending,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Healthcare Facilities

Watch on-demand: Key Trends in the Healthcare Facilities Market for 2024-2025

Join the Building Design+Construction editorial team for this on-demand webinar on key trends, innovations, and opportunities in the $65 billion U.S. healthcare buildings market. A panel of healthcare design and construction experts present their latest projects, trends, innovations, opportunities, and data/research on key healthcare facilities sub-sectors. A 2024-2025 U.S. healthcare facilities market outlook is also presented.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021