The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast projects annual growth in the 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent range for the remainder of 2017 as well as for 2018, with a slower growing commercial/industrial market, and an institutional sector facing several challenges. While some slowdown in the commercial sector was anticipated for 2017 and 2018, it was expected to be offset by acceleration in the institutional sector. However, year-to date growth in spending for institutional buildings is at only 3%, well below expectations when the year began.
“Despite billings at architecture firms performing quite well this year, the larger construction industry is facing a range of issues,” says AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “The somewhat weaker outlook is driven by several factors, some dealing with the broader U.S. economy, some dealing with general construction industry fundamentals, and some dealing with weakness in specific construction sectors.”
Learn more about the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast.
Related Stories
Market Data | Feb 1, 2019
Construction spending is projected to increase by more than 11% through 2022
FMI’s annual outlook also expects the industry’s frantic M&A activity to be leavened by caution going forward.
Market Data | Jan 23, 2019
Architecture billings slow, but close 2018 with growing demand
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for December was 50.4 compared to 54.7 in November.
Market Data | Jan 16, 2019
AIA 2019 Consensus Forecast: Nonresidential construction spending to rise 4.4%
The education, public safety, and office sectors will lead the growth areas this year, but AIA's Kermit Baker offers a cautious outlook for 2020.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
Brokers look forward to a commercial real estate market that mirrors 2018’s solid results
Respondents to a recent Transwestern poll expect flat to modest growth for rents and investment in offices, MOBs, and industrial buildings.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
When it comes to economic clout, New York will far outpace other U.S. metros for decades to come
But San Jose, Calif., is expected to have the best annual growth rate through 2035, according to Oxford Economics’ latest Global Cities report.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
Run of positive billings continues at architecture firms
November marked the fourteenth consecutive month of increasing demand for architectural firm services.
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.