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 | Jun 3, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 3, 2020
5 ways to improve cleanliness of public restrooms and office owners are in no hurry for tenants to return.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2020
Architects, health experts release strategies, tools for safely reopening buildings
AIA issues three new and enhanced tools for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission in buildings.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 2, 2020
New Luxembourg office complex breaks ground and nonresidential construction spending falls.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2020
Nonresidential construction spending falls in April
Of the 16 subcategories, 13 were down on a monthly basis.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 1, 2020
Energy storage as an amenity and an entry-point for wellness screening everywhere.
Market Data | May 29, 2020
House-passed bill making needed improvements to paycheck protection program will allow construction firms to save more jobs
Construction official urges senate and White House to quickly pass and sign into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act.
Market Data | May 29, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 29, 2020
Using lighting IoT data to inform a safer office reentry strategy and Ghafari joins forces with Eview 360.
Market Data | May 27, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 28, 2020
Biophilic design on the High Line and the office market could be a COVID-19 casualty.
Market Data | May 27, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 27, 2020
AIA's COTE Top Ten Awards and OSHA now requires employers to track COVID-19 cases.
Market Data | May 26, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 26, 2020
Apple's new Austin hotel and is CLT really a green solution?