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 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.
Market Data | Nov 12, 2018
Leading hotel markets in the U.S. construction pipeline
Projects already under construction and those scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, combined, have a total of 3,782 projects/213,798 rooms and are at cyclical highs.
Market Data | Nov 6, 2018
Unflagging national office market enjoys economic tailwinds
Stable vacancy helped push asking rents 4% higher in third quarter.
Market Data | Nov 2, 2018
Nonresidential spending retains momentum in September, up 8.9% year over year
Total nonresidential spending stood at $767.1 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate in September.
Market Data | Oct 30, 2018
Construction projects planned and ongoing by world’s megacities valued at $4.2trn
The report states that Dubai tops the list with total project values amounting to US$374.2bn.
Market Data | Oct 26, 2018
Nonresidential fixed investment returns to earth in Q3
Despite the broader economic growth, fixed investment inched 0.3% lower in the third quarter.