Architectural billings failed to show any progress during July, and business conditions continued to be soft at firms, according to a new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The pace of decline during July remained at about the same level as in June with both months posting an ABI score of 40.0 (any score below 50 indicates a decline in firm billings). While firms reported a modest decline for inquiries into new projects—slipping from 49.3 in June to 49.1 in July— newly signed design contracts declined more critically, falling from a June level of 44.0 to 41.7 in July.
“It’s clear the pandemic continued to contribute to uncertainty in business conditions, especially as cases spiked in states across the country,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “While clients expressed interest in exploring new projects, many are hesitant to sign onto new contracts with the exception of the multifamily residential sector, which came close to seeing billings growth in July.”
Key ABI figures for July include:
— Regional averages: West (40.9); South (40.7); Midwest (40.1); Northeast (36.8)
— Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (47.5); mixed practice (44.0); institutional (39.5); commercial/industrial (35.4)
— Project inquiries index: 49.1
— Design contracts index: 41.7
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
Market Data | Dec 28, 2020
New coronavirus recovery measure will provide some needed relief for contractors coping with project cancellations, falling demand
Measure’s modest amount of funding for infrastructure projects and clarification that PPP loans may not be taxed will help offset some of the challenges facing the construction industry.
Market Data | Dec 28, 2020
Construction employment trails pre-pandemic levels in 35 states despite gains in industry jobs from October to November in 31 states
New York and Vermont record worst February-November losses, Virginia has largest pickup.
Market Data | Dec 16, 2020
Architecture billings lose ground in November
The pace of decline during November accelerated from October, posting an Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 46.3 from 47.5.
AEC Tech | Dec 8, 2020
COVID-19 affects the industry’s adoption of ConTech in different ways
A new JLL report assesses which tech options got a pandemic “boost.”
Market Data | Dec 7, 2020
Construction sector adds 27,000 jobs in November
Project cancellations, looming PPP tax bill will undercut future job gains.
Market Data | Dec 3, 2020
Only 30% of metro areas add construction jobs in latest 12 months
Widespread project postponements and cancellations force layoffs.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2020
New Passive House standards offers prescriptive path that reduces costs
Eliminates requirement for a Passive House consultant and attendant modeling.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2020
Nonresidential construction spending remains flat in October
Residential construction expands as many commercial projects languish.
Market Data | Nov 30, 2020
New FEMA study projects implementing I-Codes could save $600 billion by 2060
International Code Council and FLASH celebrate the most comprehensive study conducted around hazard-resilient building codes to-date.
Market Data | Nov 23, 2020
Construction employment is down in three-fourths of states since February
This news comes even after 36 states added construction jobs in October.
