The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dipped slightly into negative territory in January, after a very strong showing in December. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the January ABI score was 49.5, down from a score of 55.6 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 60.0, up from a reading of 57.6 the previous month.
“This small decrease in activity, taking into consideration strong readings in project inquiries and new design contracts, isn’t exactly a cause for concern,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The fundamentals of a sound nonresidential design and construction market persist.”
* Every January the AIA research department updates the seasonal factors used to calculate the ABI, resulting in a revision of recent ABI values.
Key January ABI highlights:
• Regional averages: South (54.2), Northeast (53.0), Midwest (52.4), West (48.8)
• Sector index breakdown: institutional (54.6), commercial / industrial (53.4), mixed practice (48.1), multi-family residential (48.1)
• Project inquiries index: 60.0
• Design contracts index: 52.1
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 19, 2019
Multifamily market sustains positive cycle
Year-over-year growth tops 3% for 13th month. Will the economy stifle momentum?
Market Data | Aug 16, 2019
Students say unclean restrooms impact their perception of the school
The findings are part of Bradley Corporation’s Healthy Hand Washing Survey.
Market Data | Aug 12, 2019
Mid-year economic outlook for nonresidential construction: Expansion continues, but vulnerabilities pile up
Emerging weakness in business investment has been hinting at softening outlays.
Market Data | Aug 7, 2019
National office vacancy holds steady at 9.7% in slowing but disciplined market
Average asking rental rate posts 4.2% annual growth.
Market Data | Aug 1, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending slows in June, remains elevated
Among the 16 nonresidential construction spending categories tracked by the Census Bureau, seven experienced increases in monthly spending.
Market Data | Jul 31, 2019
For the second quarter of 2019, the U.S. hotel construction pipeline continued its year-over-year growth spurt
The growth spurt continued even as business investment declined for the first time since 2016.
Market Data | Jul 23, 2019
Despite signals of impending declines, continued growth in nonresidential construction is expected through 2020
AIA’s latest Consensus Construction Forecast predicts growth.
Market Data | Jul 20, 2019
Construction costs continued to rise in second quarter
Labor availability is a big factor in that inflation, according to Rider Levett Bucknall report.
Market Data | Jul 18, 2019
Construction contractors remain confident as summer begins
Contractors were slightly less upbeat regarding profit margins and staffing levels compared to April.
Market Data | Jul 17, 2019
Design services demand stalled in June
Project inquiry gains hit a 10-year low.
