Demand for design services from U.S. architecture firms grew at an accelerated pace in August, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for August rose to 53.3 compared to 51.0 in July (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). During August, the score for new project inquiries rose to 57.9 from 56.1 the previous month, while the design contracts score softened slightly with a score of 52.3, down from 52.9 in July.
“While a strengthening billings score is encouraging, the flat scoring across regions and sectors is indicative of a nationwide deceleration over the next several months, said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “A variety of economic storm clouds continue to gather, but since design activity continues to increase, we can expect at least another 9–12-month runway before building construction activity is negatively affected.”
Key ABI highlights for August include:
- Regional averages: South (52.9); Midwest (51.4); West (50.2); Northeast (49.8)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (52.0); institutional (52.0); commercial/industrial (51.2); mixed practice (51.2)
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Visit AIA’s website for more ABI information.
Related Stories
| Jan 29, 2013
Tutor Perini Corp. to Implement Textura Prequalification Management Companywide
Rollout across the Tutor Perini organization will enhance the subcontractor prequalification experience and enable a standardized process in support of the contractor default insurance program.
| Jan 22, 2013
Midwestern Construction Company Acquires Local Architecture Firm
St. Charles, Ill.-based design/build and construction firm acquires architecture firm.
| Jan 16, 2013
2013 40 Under 40 application process now open
Building Design+Construction's 40 Under 40 is open to AEC professionals from around the globe.
| Jan 15, 2013
Hill International selected as PM for Secon Nile Towers in Cairo
The Secon Nile Towers will feature two 23-story buildings: one five-star hotel tower and one residential and retail tower.
| Jan 10, 2013
Guide predicts strongest, weakest AEC markets for 2013
2013 Guide to U.S. AEC markets touts apartments, natural gas, senior housing and transmission and distribution.
| Jan 8, 2013
PC Construction names McCarthy President/CEO
McCarthy, who joined PC Construction in 1998 and currently serves as executive vice president, will become a member of the employee-owned company’s board of directors and a trustee of the employee stock ownership plan.
| Jan 3, 2013
Answered prayers
A bold renovation enables a small church to expand its mission on a grand scale.
| Jan 2, 2013
M&A activity at U.S. AEC firms up slightly
Total mergers and acquisitions in the AEC industry hit 171 in 2012, up slight from the 169 deals in 2011.
