Architecture firm billings growth slowed again in July but remained positive overall for the tenth consecutive month, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for July was 50.7 compared to 51.3 in June. Any score over 50 represents billings growth. While July’s ABI shows that aggregate demand for architecture firm services continues to increase, much of that growth came from one region—the South.
“Billings at architecture firms in the South remained robust in July, offsetting declining billings in other regions of the country,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Despite the dip in the overall ABI number in July, firms are still reporting a healthy increase in new projects.”
Key ABI highlights for July include:
- Regional averages: West (49.6), Midwest (49.3), South (55.2), Northeast (48.0)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (54.6), institutional (51.1), commercial/industrial (50.1), mixed practice (48.2)
- Project inquiries index: 60.5
- Design contracts index: 53.8
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 | Sep 7, 2021
Construction sheds 3,000 jobs in August
Gains are limited to homebuilding as other contractors struggle to fill both craft and salaried positions.
Market Data | Sep 3, 2021
Construction workforce shortages reach pre-pandemic levels
Coronavirus continues to impact projects and disrupt supply chains.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 1, 2021
Top 10 outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments for 2021
Fire pits, lounge areas, and covered parking are the most common outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments, according to new research from Multifamily Design+Construction.
Market Data | Sep 1, 2021
Construction spending posts small increase in July
Coronavirus, soaring costs, and supply disruptions threaten to erase further gains.
Market Data | Sep 1, 2021
Bradley Corp. survey finds office workers taking coronavirus precautions
Due to the rise in new strains of the virus, 70% of office workers have implemented a more rigorous handwashing regimen versus 59% of the general population.
Market Data | Aug 31, 2021
Three out of four metro areas add construction jobs from July 2020 to July 2021
COVID, rising costs, and supply chain woes may stall gains.
Market Data | Aug 24, 2021
July construction employment lags pre-pandemic peak in 36 states
Delta variant of coronavirus threatens to hold down further gains.
Market Data | Aug 17, 2021
Demand for design activity continues to expand
The ABI score for July was 54.6.
Market Data | Aug 12, 2021
Steep rise in producer prices for construction materials and services continues in July.
The producer price index for new nonresidential construction rose 4.4% over the past 12 months.
Market Data | Aug 6, 2021
Construction industry adds 11,000 jobs in July
Nonresidential sector trails overall recovery.